The National Association of Realtors reports that 97% of home buyers begin their search online. Many of these online listings feature virtual tours, a powerful tool helping buyers decide if a property warrants an in-person visit. Gone are the days when virtual reality was just for video games; today, virtual walkthroughs and 3D tours offer the new “curb appeal.”
They provide a crucial opportunity for potential buyers to truly experience a space. If you’re wondering how to create a 3D floor plan or a virtual home tour, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore everything you need to know about making virtual tours!
What is a virtual home showing?
Virtual home showings encompass any media letting potential buyers explore properties remotely. For example, realtors can host real-time virtual showings using live streaming platforms like Zoom.
Among agents and buyers, Zillow 3D Home® tours are a popular option. You can capture these tours with an iPhone or professional-grade cameras. These tours allow potential buyers to virtually walk through a property, offering a more intimate experience than standard photographs.
This digital interaction also tends to be more engaging than still images. Buyers often spend several minutes exploring rooms in a virtual tour, whereas clicking or scrolling through images takes far less time. Ultimately, the longer a potential home buyer spends viewing your listing, the more likely they are to make an offer. Therefore, virtual home tours can be an excellent way to sell more homes, more quickly.
How do you make a virtual tour?
There are several ways you can create a virtual tour for your real estate listings. The best course of action for you may depend on your available equipment and budget.
After all, virtual tour equipment varies. You could use simple smartphone cameras or complex and expensive specialized cameras. Still, you’ll generally need to follow two simple steps:
- Choose a Tour Type
- Hire a Professional Photographer
Whether you prefer to create an image-based walkthrough using your smartphone, or a professionally produced 3D tour, these easy-to-follow steps can ensure a solid final product.
Choose a tour type
Virtual tours vary in several ways. Some, as we mentioned earlier, can be live-streamed by realtors. But others are pre-recorded videos or smartly edited panorama images.
The first thing you’ll need to decide when creating a virtual home tour is what kind of tour you’d like to produce. Still, some options may be more practical than others. The two most common 3D tour types are a Zillow 3D Home® tour and a Matterport 3D tour.
You don’t even need specialized virtual tour equipment to create one of these walkthroughs. If you have an iPhone or another mobile device, you’re ready to start producing!
That said, hiring a professional photographer does have its benefits. Realtors hoping to get the most from their virtual property tours may want to opt for expert-level assistance. While virtual tour software exists and is fairly easy to use, that’s time out of your already busy day.
Hire a professional photographer
You might be able to self-produce a decent virtual tour. But it’s almost always better to invest in a professional photography session.
That’s because professional real estate photographers know how to make any property look its best. They’ll also have access to high-quality equipment to produce stellar images and videos, including panoramic photos.
Benefits of virtual tours
Investing in a professional virtual home tour could be the best decision you make about your real estate marketing strategy this year. After all, image-based advertising has never been more relevant or effective.
In-person showings may not always be possible for you or a potential buyer. A virtual tour could help you attract more buyers, establish trust with those buyers, and sell your properties at more competitive prices. Let’s take a moment to discuss how a virtual tour could help you accomplish these goals.
Professional photos attract buyers
Professional real estate photographs and videos are a great tool for attracting buyers. After all, most home buyers are browsing online, not driving door-to-door. Without any images, a listing is pretty bare.
But listings that feature plenty of high-quality images can keep potential buyers engaged and interested. And the more photos you’ve uploaded, the more content buyers can explore and enjoy.
Earn more money with virtual 3D tours
Because home listings that feature virtual 3D tours are more likely to attract buyers, you may find your properties selling faster than ever before after investing in virtual tours and walkthroughs.
This means more money in your pocket and a trustworthy reputation that can carry you far within the real estate industry. Additionally, homes that have 3D tours available may sell for more than those without them.
Remember, the more buyers interested in purchasing your property, the more competitive the offers you’ll receive.
Establish trust with potential buyers
Home buyers aren’t likely to make a move on properties that lack professional-looking photos. The same can be said for homes that don’t have virtual tours or 3D walkthroughs.
That’s because media-less properties simply aren’t trustworthy. For example, unscrupulous sellers may neglect to upload photos or videos of their properties due to significant interior or exterior damage.
But property listings that feature gorgeous photographs and high-quality virtual tours bode well, instilling an initial sense of trust. And when buyers feel like they’re choosing a trustworthy seller, they’re more likely to buy.
Sell homes faster with Virtuance
Virtual tours have quickly become just as important as curb appeal. And as more home buyers continue to browse properties online, investing in professional real estate photography has never been more crucial.
Virtuance HDReal® technology is one of the smartest tools realtors and private sellers can use to attract potential buyers. Are you interested in generating the most alluring, high-quality photos, images, 3D tours, and video walkthroughs for your properties? If so, schedule a shoot with us today!
FAQ
The time it takes to create a professional virtual tour can vary depending on the property size and the complexity of the tour type chosen.
Virtual tours significantly enhance the online browsing experience, but they are generally seen as a powerful pre-screening tool rather than a complete replacement for in-person showings.
The cost of hiring a professional photographer for a virtual tour can vary widely based on location, photographer experience, and the scope of services.
Many industries beyond real estate, such as hospitality, education, and retail, could benefit from showcasing spaces with virtual tours.
