360 Real Estate Photography – What Is It and Why Is It Better?
The emergence of 360 real estate photography has provided customers with a more comprehensive outlook of the dwellings they are considering buying. This advancement is especially advantageous in the present world, which has been altered by the pandemic. As it allows prospective buyers to go on a 360 virtual tour as an alternative to attending open houses.
This has sparked curiosity as to what 360 real estate photography is. What is it that has been around for years yet has recently become so prevalent and sought after?
What is it?
360 real estate photography is a technique that blends digital pictures to make a comprehensive and totally interactive viewing of a particular space. It can be seen on a PC or a handheld device and has become a popular way to showcase real estate properties available for sale or lease without the necessity of an actual visit.
In this form of photography, the virtual space is created by taking multiple pictures from all directions of the room, then uniting the photos to form one continuous image. This permits observers to view all four walls of the area, along with its ceiling and floor. Viewers can also virtually move through the space by clicking on various sections of the image.
In essence, 360 real estate photography is a great way of using interactive images to allow viewers access to a virtual space that they may not otherwise be able to see in person.
The Rise of 360 Real Estate Photography
The National Association of Realtor’s 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers has shown that the worldwide outbreak has hastened developments in the behavior of home buyers. Some property companies have noticed a tremendous spike of 278% in the requirement for 360 virtual tours during the pandemic. Industry specialists trust that the strong demand for 360 real estate photography will be a lasting trend.
So, why has 360 become all the rage (besides the obvious answer to COVID)?
Well, it’s largely due to three areas where 360 real estate photography has seen significant improvements:
- Image Quality
- Immersion
- Floor Plan
To obtain a clearer insight into the popularity of 360-degree real estate photography, let’s explore what has made it so attractive.
One of the key reasons why there is a heightened interest in 360 real estate photography is the marked improvement in the quality of images.
Prior to the emergence of this kind of photography, most vendors and renters were content with the ordinary photography where an estate agent merely took a single photograph of the room. However, this kind of photography was unable to create a realistic representation of the environment, leaving buyers and sellers uncertain of what they were observing.
As opposed to the past, current 360-degree real estate photography is of superior quality due to progress in technology. Moreover, with a range of 360-degree cameras accessible, virtual tours of any kind can now be made with fine resolution and better definition. This is advantageous for sellers and agents who can now present their spaces from all sides by joining numerous, high-resolution photos with the help of 360 real estate photography.
Immersion: It Allows Viewers to “Step Inside”
Thanks to this, potential buyers now have the ability to step inside a virtual space and explore it with ease.
The tech has gotten so good that potential buyers can now walk through their favorite home listings virtually as if they were actually there. This is all thanks to 360-degree cameras that allow the viewer to see all four walls in the space, as well as the ceiling and floor.
Toss in a wide range of 360 cameras to choose from, plus new editing platforms that deliver a flawless, interactive experience of the home. 360 photography is real estate marketing’s biggest game changer yet.
Floor Plan: 360 Photography Provides An Accurate Layout of the Home
360-degree real estate photography not only enhances image quality and the viewer’s experience. It can also produce an exact blueprint of the home. Which is often done in the post-production process and is typically very cost-effective.
An accurate floor plan can be beneficial to a real estate listing, as viewers might rush through the slides just to get a view. The plan may also showcase the measurements of each room.
Furthermore, a precise floor plan can encourage potential buyers to explore a virtual tour of the house further. Especially if the measurements are suitable for their furniture. This can help them imagine themselves living in the space.
The Bottom Line of 360 Real Estate Photography
Ever since 360 arrived, the time and energy needed to produce virtual tours has decreased. Heavy CPUs, which were mandatory to scan every five feet of a property, are no longer a requirement. Now, 360 cameras for real estate are lightweight, manageable and portable. Furthermore, they can take an entire room’s picture with a single snap. Additionally, the photos can be implemented on multiple camera settings and post-production tools. In this way, real estate agents can now work with more than one listings platform. And maintain more control over their digital material.
In short, today’s 360 real estate cameras are just better — they’re much faster, more efficient, and more affordable.