The Art Of Being In Two Places At Once
No one can deny that the advent of the world wide web and the technology of the internet has led to some exciting possibilities, but in my experience one in particular stands out head and shoulders above the rest. This is the web cam, or web camera, a small device which can cost as little as a keyboard, but which is capable of extraordinary things. With one of these devices, you can broadcast live video, of pretty good quality, across the internet for anyone whose interested to have a look. It’s possible to pick a country – even a specific location, anywhere in the world – and enjoy a live video image of that place within a few mouse clicks.
Overseas property investors have always been faced with a dilemma, even before they have chosen the country they would like to invest in. Some people will go simply for the more traditional locations, such as Spain, or places they have been to themselves personally before. This has the advantage that they know the country, and know what it is like – but what if you are considering investing in those countries that are only just beginning to be considered suitable investment locations? You can’t visit them all very easily, and if you rely on glossy leaflets and websites you’re left wondering whether the photo has been spruced up a little, or taken on one of the hottest and most amazing summer days they’ve ever had.
It’s not just overseas investors of course who need to be in two or more places at once – there are those simply looking at taking a holiday in a country they’ve never been to before, for example. With the massive decrease in the cost of travelling, with cheap flights and discounted cruises, the world has shrunk it would seem over the last few years, in all but geographical terms. We’re able to afford to fly half way round the world, stay in exotic locations, or even purchase property thousands of miles from where we live. The capability has shrunk the world, but there is still the physical distance at the end of the day.
This of course is where web cams come into their own, and provide a wonderful alternative to travelling thousands of miles just to see a place for yourself. Whether you are looking at investing in property in a particular location, or going on holiday there, being able to watch a live video from that location means that you can see for yourself what it’s really like, and not just rely on leaflets and pictures which may have been spruced up a bit.
There is something to be said for being able to peer through the fog and gloom of a winter at home, or through the window at work, and then with just a couple of clicks, admire the warm sun and crashing waves of the place you’d rather be. Possibly you’ll be able to admire the very same view you saw on holiday yourself, or will be shortly, or it could even be the view from your very own property, if you own somewhere abroad yourself.
There is a huge selling point as far as web cams is concerned of course, particularly for those who have invested in property abroad, and particularly so if the property has been purchased in a location that is less well known. Trying to advertise your property is hard work if you have decided to let it out, and persuading people that your photos aren’t doctored in any way can be a challenge. If you have either your own web cam, or access to one nearby, you can direct potential customers to this so that they can see exactly what the location, and the weather, is like – anytime they want.
There is a further benefit of having a web cam installed in any property you own. If the camera either overlooks your property, or is based within it so that it shows an internal view of your property, quite apart from being a major selling point for potential residents, you can keep an eye on your property whilst it is empty, and help to increase security. Most web cams allow you to take advantage of motion sensing, taking vide only when motion is detected. Obviously once the property is occupied you’d need to remove the cameras for privacy reasons.
I never cease to be amazed that whilst I can look through my window and admire dull, overcast and dreary skies, I can glance down at my computer screen and watch the tranquil blue waves roll their way across my screen onto endless miles of golden sand in Javea, with a blue sky punctured only by a solitary purple mountain peak. With virtual tours and live video from anywhere in the world, I can’t even begin to image what the future may hold.