Real estate and technology go hand in hand in today’s market. Like flowers attract birds with their nectar, the right technology draws buyers to properties. Virtual home tours are now a cornerstone of real estate, connecting buyers and sellers and streamlining the home-buying process. Technological advancements in real estate bring more efficiency to the market, benefiting buyers and sellers alike.
For prospective buyers, viewing houses online is the first step, before getting pre-approved to be a homeowner. Virtual tours allow buyers to preview properties, saving time and travel expenses. By exploring homes virtually, buyers can focus their in-person visits on properties they genuinely want.
For sellers, technology enhances property staging and expedites the entire selling process. Virtual tours enable sellers to market their homes to a global audience, increasing exposure and potential interest.
Virtual Tours
Virtual tours are now standard in the real estate business, allowing buyers to explore properties remotely. With virtual tours, buyers have an easier and more convenient way to check out their properties of interest.
360-degree virtual tours portray a full-rounded display of rooms, providing an immersive and realistic view of the space. This tool allows buyers to decide whether a home suits their needs before scheduling an in-person visit.
Three-dimensional (3D) tours go a step further, using modeling software to detail aspects like room dimensions and overall ambiance. Features like the “dollhouse” view present the entire property layout at once, much like peering inside a toy house.
Interactive floor plans enable viewers to move through properties using digital tools. Clicking on specific areas of a plan provides more details of the rooms and layout, offering a dynamic and informative experience.
360 Vs. 3D
360-Degree Tours
- Built from panoramic photographs
- Allow users to navigate through a space as if they were there
- Highlight interior and exterior features, such as landscaping
- More cost-effective than 3D tours
3D Tours
- Use advanced modeling software
- Offer greater interactivity and detail
- Provide a more realistic representation of the property
While 360-degree tours are budget-friendly and effective, 3D tours deliver a higher level of realism that can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Psychology of Virtual Tours
House hunting can be stressful for buyers. Virtual tours alleviate this tension by allowing buyers to preview properties from the comfort of their homes. Those who are truly interested in buying will later make an in-person appointment. Sellers benefit by reducing foot traffic to only serious buyers who are already interested.
Virtual Reality and Market Research
Virtual reality (VR) technology is transforming market research in real estate. Agents can gather valuable insights through user surveys, online feedback, and behavioral data. This helps identify trends and tailor marketing strategies to match buyer preferences.
Advantages of Virtual Reality in Real Estate
- Reduces the need for printed materials
- Minimizes travel expenses
- Enhances the client experience by leveraging cutting-edge technology
- Gives buyers a “sense of ownership” by allowing them to visualize their furniture in the space
- Engages buyers worldwide, particularly those relocating for work or other reasons
Virtual Reality Headsets
Virtual reality headsets create immersive, three-dimensional experiences for potential buyers. VR headsets, equipped with sensors, display screens, and stereo sound, bring properties to life. Using VR headsets, agents can showcase homes, condominiums, and even pre-construction projects. Buyers can interact with these virtual models, gaining a clear vision of their potential new home – even imagining their furniture in the space.
Technology is revolutionizing the real estate industry, opening new doors for buyers, sellers, and agents. Virtual tours and VR presentations enhance the home-buying experience, creating opportunities for full-service real estate brokerages, homebuyers, and sellers. The sales methods of yesterday may have worked then, but today, technology is the driving force behind real estate success. Virtual reality may be “pretend,” but its impact on the industry is very real – and it works.
Teri Silver is a journalist for Homegnome and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on five acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner table.