Preparing for a Virtual Tour: A Guide for Real Estate Professionals
When searching for a home, many buyers turn to the internet to begin their search. As a result, it is crucial to ensure that your online listings cater to your intended audience, and this includes offering virtual tours. Recent studies by NAR indicate that younger generations such as Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to seek out virtual tour options before engaging with an agent. In fact, nearly half of all recent home buyers begin their search online, and a significant portion of them find virtual tours to be an incredibly helpful resource in their search. For real estate professionals, it is important to understand the growing demand for virtual tours and to prepare accordingly.
What is a virtual tour?
The process of showcasing a property to potential buyers through 3D photos and videos online instead of in-person is known as a virtual tour for real estate. It provides various perspectives of the house, including interior, exterior, and dollhouse views, enabling clients to examine the property from all angles. Furthermore, virtual tours can save clients travel expenses and time, especially when viewing properties in other states.
How do you do a virtual tour?
Agents conduct virtual tours in real estate for clients through online software. If the agents prepare properly, the clients will feel like they’re walking through the homes.
Are virtual tours and virtual showings the same?
Although virtual tours and virtual showings are sometimes used synonymously, they do have distinct differences. Virtual tours utilize software like Matterport or Zillow 3D Home to provide a comprehensive virtual preview of a property to potential clients. On the other hand, virtual showings require a real estate agent to be present physically in the property and conduct a virtual tour for the client through a platform like Zoom.
How to prepare for a virtual tour
A virtual tour provides clients with the same level of information as an in-person tour, and they can review the space multiple times. Agents should follow a prep checklist to ensure the property is distraction-free before a photographer captures it for a virtual tour. Here are some top tips for preparing the property.
Review the exterior
The first set on a virtual tour is often the home’s exterior. Remove cars from the driveway. Review the landscaping and confirm the lawn has been mowed. Put any trash cans out of view.
Declutter and clean the interior
To prepare for the interior of a virtual tour, it is important to begin by decluttering and cleaning the space thoroughly. This step should not be overlooked, as it is crucial to make sure the surfaces are dust-free and all damaged or stained items are out of sight. The aim is to create a clean and inviting atmosphere which enables potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. To achieve this, it is recommended to remove personal items such as magnets from the fridge, tidy away power cords, and make the beds to help clients focus on the overall appearance of the space.
Open/close blinds
If the space has a beautiful view, open the drapes or blinds. Make sure the blinds are all at the same angle. The consistent look will be appealing.
Check lights
You don’t want a light bulb to flicker or blow out while a photographer creates the virtual tour. Check the bulbs beforehand and replace them if necessary.
Stage the property
To give your client a better idea of how to utilize the space, stage it with interesting decor. Ensure all frames, lamps, pillows, and other accessories are straight. Turn off televisions and other electronics.
Perform a last minute walkthrough
Before conducting a virtual tour, it is recommended to do a final walk-through of the property to ensure that no details have been overlooked during the initial inspection. Taking this extra step will help to improve the quality of virtual tours and increase the likelihood of closing deals.
Take your virtual tours to another level with Havah
It is essential to utilize professional real estate photography to create an exceptional virtual tour. Havah provides a 3D virtual tour that is fully immersive, including dollhouse and inside views. Our top-grade virtual tours can enhance your leads, revenue, and referrals.
