Have you ever wondered how cool it would be to teleport to a distant city to view a home for sale? Does it seem too futuristic or far-fetched? Though teleportation is beyond our reach, we still have outstanding technological achievements to jump into space. In today's world, the Internet has made many things smoother and faster. And, yes, that includes house hunting! Gone are the days when you had to run from one house to another to check out your options. Fast-forward to the future!
Now, with only a few clicks, you can walk through a property without leaving your couch! Welcome to the age of digital house hunting! Let's discover the concept of this brand-new technology, from virtual tours to practical applications, and see how buyers and agents can benefit from it!
Does digital house hunt equal buying digital real estate?
Let's be clear about two things. First, digital house hunting doesn't extend to the actual online purchase and transfer of property (for now, at least). Suppose you're curious about the possibility of conducting the entire transaction online. In that case, consider exploring the world of digital real estate. However, it's worth noting that this groundbreaking method is still relatively new and has its fair share of potential pitfalls.
Technology can’t substitute humans.
Secondly, technology can't replace the human agent! Without an established professional's valuable contribution, you might not obtain the necessary local market knowledge and the best deal. Paperwork and legal issues can also be overwhelming. Plus, agents can help identify potential property problems from the get-go and recommend qualified inspectors.
Because a lot is at stake, we suggest you contact real estate agents directory members to guide you through the home-buying process!
What are virtual tours?
Digital house hunting goes hand-in-hand with virtual tours. Imagine a guided tour of a house that you can take on your PC, laptop, or smartphone! Real estate agents and sellers can use 3D cameras and special software (more about that later) to create a panoramic, 360-degree view of homes. This means you can look up, down, and all around as if you were actually there in the house! Some tours even let you "walk" from room to room by clicking on arrows.
Is it like looking at a bunch of photos but slightly more upgraded? You couldn't be further from the truth! It's a genuinely immersive experience on par with open-house thrills!
Why are virtual tours so popular?
Virtual tours are a hit for many reasons.
First, they save time. Forget about driving around town and respecting previously established appointments! Instead, you can view multiple homes from your living room in one afternoon. This convenience is a huge draw, especially for busy people.
Second, virtual tours provide a level of enhanced comfort. Why wouldn't you stay in your comfort zone and avoid contracting a cross-infection? (After the pandemic, one can't be precautious enough). Also, you won't have to deal with the pressure of making quick decisions. You're in complete control!
Virtual tours go the extra mile in capturing our hearts that photos simply can't match. The 3D experience of a home can spark a sense of intrigue and a desire to envision your life there. This spiritual connection can be a decisive selling point. Virtual tours can transport you to your future living room or backyard, where you can imagine your children playing.
How and why should real estate agents embrace digital house hunting?
For real estate agents, embracing virtual tours is about more than keeping up with digital trends (which we highly recommend!) It's also a smart business move. By offering virtual tours, realtors and agents can reach a larger audience. People from out of town or even out of state can check out homes without hopping on a plane. It's a super-efficient way to widen their market.
Are you an agent who welcomes technological novelties? Suppose you adapt virtual tours into your services. Then, you'll create a more professional and tech-savvy impression, which can attract younger and more digitally-minded buyers. Plus, you can close faster! When buyers already have a good idea of what a house looks like, they're more likely to decide quickly.
Moreover, virtual tours can "weed out the just curious" visitors. Does a house-hunter request an in-person viewing? Then, they are more likely to be serious buyers. It makes the whole process efficient for everyone involved.
Practical virtual tour applications in 2024
It goes without saying that you can resort to budget-friendly solutions. As a thrifty real estate agent or realtor, you can use Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsUp to set up a virtual tour. However, they were meant to be utilized for other purposes and don't provide the most favorable settings for digital house hunting. Let's see our top three recommendations for virtual tour applications in 2024!
Matterport is a big name in virtual tour technology. We tested the application, and it lived up to our expectations flawlessly. Their 3D cameras and software create high-quality virtual tours that can be shared easily. Matterport is user-friendly and offers various pricing plans to fit different needs.
Kuula, our second choice, is a cost-effective and versatile tool for creating and sharing 360-degree virtual tours. With unlimited tour creation, background audio addition, and unique interactive card features, Kuula offers great value for money. Its hotspots and interactive floor plans make it ideal for showcasing spacious properties.
This platform offers easy-to-create virtual tours and video chat options. Agents can offer live virtual tours, answer real-time questions, and make personalized presentations. EyeSpy360 is a comprehensive suite of features, from 360-degree tours and interactive floor plans to live virtual walk-throughs and effortless integration.
A step-by-step breakdown of how to benefit from virtual tours for real estate agents
Invest in equipment! Forget traditional cameras or your mobile phone! A fantastic 3D camera and software are essential to your work! The RETO Reto3D 35mm 3D Film Camera, KanDao QooCam EGO 3D Camera, and Intel RealSense Depth Camera D415 received excellent overall ratings. Also, consider adding tools like Matterport or EyeSpy360 to your arsenal!
Create quality tours! Take your time making the virtual tour. Ensure it's well-lit and covers every part of the house.
Promote your tours! Share the tours on real estate websites, social media (remember TikTok, too), and your professional agent website.
Engage with technology! To interact with potential buyers, offer live virtual walk-throughs via platforms like EyeSpy360.
Get feedback! Ask viewers for their opinions on the virtual tour. This will help you improve future tours.
The bottom line
And there you have it! Digital house hunting and virtual tours are transforming the real estate game. Buyers and agents, why would you keep aloof from modern technology when it can make your life much easier? Gone are the exhaustive days of back-to-back house visits. A few clicks can assist in exploring potential homes right from your cozy couch.
Real estate agents, don't get left behind. Embrace this technology to reach more buyers and close deals faster. It's the future!
Homebuyers, imagine the comfort. Imagine yourself in that new living room without stepping out of yours. There is no rush, no pressure—just you, your device, and the home of your dreams. As convenience has taken center stage in our lives, you can bet that digital house hunting is here to stay for a long time!
So, ready to dive into the world of digital house hunting? The virtual door is open – step on in!
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