As a real estate agent, I have seen firsthand how the industry has been transformed by the use of virtual tours. These tours allow potential buyers to view properties from the comfort of their own homes, without the need for physical visits. In this blog post, I will discuss the benefits of 3D virtual tours for both buyers and sellers, the different types of tours available, how they work, equipment and software options, best practices for real estate agents, virtual tours vs traditional open houses, successful examples, and pricing.
Benefits of virtual tours for buyers and sellers
Virtual tours offer numerous benefits for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it allows them to view properties without the need for physical visits, which saves time and money. They can see the layout of the property and get a sense of the space and atmosphere, which is especially useful for out-of-town buyers. For sellers, virtual tours increase the visibility of their properties, allowing them to reach a wider audience. It can also reduce the number of physical visits, which is particularly helpful during times such as the COVID-19 pandemic when people are hesitant to leave their homes.
Types of virtual tours – 3D, 360-degree, video
There are three main types of virtual tours: 3D, 360-degree, and video. 3D tours use specialized cameras to capture images of the property, which are then stitched together to create a virtual 3D model. This allows viewers to navigate through the property and get a sense of the layout and space. 360-degree tours use a series of still images taken from different angles to create an immersive experience, where viewers can look around the property as if they were there. Video tours are a guided tour of the property, where the agent or a narrator walks through the property, highlighting key features.
How virtual tours work
Virtual tours work by capturing images or video of the property and then stitching them together to create a seamless experience. For 3D tours, specialized cameras are used to capture images from multiple angles, which are then processed to create a virtual 3D model. 360-degree tours use a series of still images taken from different angles, which are then stitched together to create a panoramic view of the property. Video tours are recorded using a camera or smartphone, and can be edited to highlight key features of the property.
Virtual tour best practices for real estate agents
When creating a virtual tour, there are several best practices that real estate agents should follow. Firstly, it is important to highlight the key features of the property, such as the kitchen or outdoor space. It is also useful to include measurements and floor plans, as this can help potential buyers get a sense of the space. Additionally, it is important to have good lighting and to plan the route of the tour beforehand. Finally, it is important to be engaging and informative throughout the tour, providing useful information about the property.
Virtual tours vs traditional open houses
Virtual tours and real estate renders offer a number of advantages over traditional open houses. Firstly, they allow potential buyers to view the property from the comfort of their own homes, without the need for physical visits. This saves time and money, and is particularly useful for out-of-town buyers. Additionally, virtual tours can be viewed at any time, whereas open houses are typically only held for a few hours on a single day. Finally, virtual tours can reduce the number of physical visits, which is especially helpful during times such as the COVID-19 pandemic when people are hesitant to leave their homes.
Examples of successful virtual tours
There are many examples of successful virtual tours in the real estate industry. One example is the virtual tour of the Viceroy Residences in Miami, which was created by Matterport. The tour allows viewers to navigate through the luxurious property, getting a sense of the space and atmosphere. Another example is the virtual tour of the Beverly Hills mansion, which was created by iGUIDE. The tour includes detailed floor plans and measurements, as well as high-quality images and video.
Virtual tour services and pricing
Virtual tour services and pricing can vary depending on the type of tour and the level of detail required. 3D tours are typically more expensive than 360-degree tours, as they require specialized equipment and software. Video tours are generally the least expensive option, but can still be effective in showcasing the property. Real estate agents can either create their own virtual tours using equipment and software, or hire a professional virtual tour company to create the tour for them.
Conclusion
Virtual tours have revolutionized the way that properties are viewed in the real estate industry. They offer numerous benefits for both buyers and sellers, allowing potential buyers to view properties without the need for physical visits, and increasing the visibility of properties for sellers. There are several types of virtual tours available, including 3D, 360-degree, and video, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Real estate agents can create their own virtual tours using specialized equipment and software, or hire a professional virtual tour company to create the tour for them. Overall, virtual tours are a valuable tool for real estate agents, and are likely to become even more important in the future.
