What you need to know about virtual real estate tours

The continued global spread of COVID-19 has drastically altered the way companies across the world are conducting business. As such, social distancing and complete lockdowns in certain areas, have been imposed. With this in mind, real estate professionals are exploring innovative ways to keep their business moving forward. One way that real estate agents are looking to generate buyer interest is by harnessing technology. Therefore, the use of virtual 3D real estate tours has ramped up as COVID-19 has brought a halt to open houses. Read on to find out what you need to know about virtual real estate tours.

The impact of COVID-19 on open houses

When the news of COVID-19 initially came to light, real estate agents continued with their everyday operations. Agents went to listings armed with hand sanitiser, disinfectant and in some instances with facemasks. However, when the deadly threat posed by COVID-19 became more real the need for social distancing and stay-at-home orders became a necessity. Although business is not proceeding as usual, there are other methods for real estate agents to market and show their listings. Real estate agents have turned to virtual tours as an alternative to physical showings. After all, a virtual tour is as close as you are going to get to an in-person showing.

The rise in virtual real estate tours

Although homebuyers are staying at home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are still shopping for homes. While high definition pictures are vital to any property listing, they have their limitations. Photographs do not give prospective buyers a clear picture of the space as a whole. Moreover, photographs do not allow homebuyers to understand the flow of the building. However, with a 3D virtual tour, a homebuyer can have access to each room with 360° movement. As such, a homebuyer can explore every room from every angle and perspective. Besides this, a virtual tour can allow you to look up and view the ceiling, as well as look down and inspect the flooring.

Creating virtual tours

While some real estate agents are utilising advanced 3D virtual tour technology, others are using everyday technology. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of real estate agents are using their smartphones to videotape their listings. Through their websites and other platforms like Facebook, Zoom, FaceTime and Skype to market their properties. This has enabled real estate agents to adapt to the times without putting a dent in their marketing budgets. To create effective real estate tours, walk through a property discussing all the features and highlights.

Tips for creating virtual tours for your listings

You do not need to be a professional videographer to create effective and useful virtual tours. To make strong virtual tours you need to surpass the restrictions of still photography. Ensure that you are familiar with the layout and flow of your listing and have all the relevant information at hand. Focus on presenting the layout of the property so the prospective buyers can visualise walking through the home. Before you start filming it is essential to prepare the property for your virtual tour so things go smoothly and you show the listing in the best possible light.

Throughout the filming of your virtual tour, make sure you act professional and create a context for potential buyers. Do not forget to also show the neighbourhood as well as the outside of the property. As you film the interior of a property and you move from room to room, show each room fro multiple angles. Move your camera around so as to show the home’s features, fixtures, floors, and finishes. Moreover, you need to describe each item the camera focuses on. Also, ensure that you pay particular attention to the features that may be of interest to buyers.

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