If you’re looking to purchase a home across the country, researching online can save you a plane ticket. More and more real estate websites are containing new features and tools that bring visitors the closest possible experience to seeing their dream home without ever actually having to open its doors. Century 21 is encouraging its agents to think about using video to market their properties on their YouTube channel. Agents can upload their videos between March and April 25. Visitors can vote for their favorite video and winners will have a chance to win $21,000 and a High Definition television. Perhaps Century 21 wants its sales professionals to understand the possibilities of viral marketing. From the videos I’ve seen so far, agents really need to send in better videos if they want to make their properties look more appealing. Quality of the video must be considered when trying to professionally market a home online, and posting a video with camera shake can distract the viewer. Some of the videos are kind of ridiculous, but you may find them mildly entertaining.