Estate agents embrace online marketing

The real estate industry is moving with the times, using internet websites and Youtube to promote properties.

A number of industry leaders are even closing their branch doors and instead opting to open virtual offices that connect with potential buyers using the online market.

Kay & Burton last week launched two YouTube videos – one starring Kasia Z, a model and AFL player Buddy Franklin's girlfriend – to advertise an opulent city penthouse for sale. It also created a penthouse website, according to The Age.

Google has also joined the trend towards online real estate marketing, announcing a feature on Google maps that would allow agents to advertise for free.