CLIENT:
Van Metre Homes

PROJECT:
Web Site Redesign with Advanced Search

TECHNOLOGY:
Flash, Database and HTML

SOLUTION:
Research indicated that among the many upscale Greater Washington, DC homebuilders like Van Metre Homes, homebuyers perceived no significant difference among builders' product, designs, pricing or craftsmanship. All were generally viewed positively. Research found, however, that homebuyers are highly focused on the builder representatives they will work with during the purchase-build process. Trust is a critical decision factor. Van Metre Homes has a low staff turnover and has been family-owned since 1955.

Unveiled in early 2004, an entirely new branding campaign, with the new Web site at its forefront, "introduces" Van Metre staff to the buying public to emphasize personal service and a high level of trust and comfort. Qualified sales traffic increased notably with the introduction of the new Web site.

In a second phase of the Web site’s evolution, Ecendant added advanced search functionality, greatly enhancing potential buyers’ ability to find the Van Metre community, price range, home plan and options that best fit their new home needs. Users can search by parameters like geographic area, home style, pricing, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and a host of other criteria. For homebuyers, the advanced search function on VanMetreHomes.com is truly a “find.”