New challenges require innovative solutions. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a great threat to our daily interaction, health, and livelihood, emerging technology helps us adapt and conquer the “new normal”. This is especially true for real estate agents who are forced to keep up to date and learn to conduct 3D virtual house tours in order to keep their businesses afloat.
Due to the global health crisis imposing physical and social distancing, virtual tours have are an important real estate marketing tool for some and this technique is guaranteed to stay even after the world has recovered from the current pandemic. Brokers reported an increase of 68% in sales just by including drone shots of the property in their marketing strategy. Virtual reality, 3D walkthroughs and 360 virtual tours have shown to increase prospective buyers interest by three-fold and websites with embedded virtual tours rank higher in search engines. The pressure falls heavily on the shoulders of real estate agents with the need to reinvent their operations and keep up with the emerging technology if they wish to win the real estate industry’s increased competition.
In a nutshell, implementing 3D virtual tours in your business marketing strategy includes many perks:
- Increase viewer engagement and improved search ranking.
- Convenience and time saving—showcase any property without an in-person tour
- Accessibility of the property to both realtor and buyer.
- Assist and encourage decision-making on the side of the customers.
- Increase deal closure rate.
- Shorten the time-on-the-market span thus property sells faster than originally planned.
- Emerge on top among other real estate brokers due to improved website engagement and property listing.
What Realtors Need to Consider
Real estate agents will always have the option of doing 3D tours on their own or hiring a professional. Of course, hiring a professional simply is the most efficient and cost-effective option with guaranteed flawless and quality output. But they can go and try it for themselves while keeping in mind the following:
- Fully functioning device that supports 3D creation.
- Tripod and/or monopod.
- Software to process the files.
- Hosting services to store and display the final output.
- Training in creating virtual tours.
- Editing of the captured 3d tour
Creating a Virtual Tour for Real Estate
Equipment and Software
Those who are already in the game of virtual tours and 3D modelling can attest that Matterport is the best option. Matterport is the leader in providing 3D virtual tour technology and is compatible with many devices. Matterport understands the need for the technology to be compatible across different devices, along with the varying requirements of real estate virtual tours in regards to the location’s size and the complexity of many properties.
Matterport is compatible with 3D cameras, 360 cameras and the capture app is available on iOS & Android allowing the production of high quality and precision 3D imagery.
Matterport Pro2 3D Camera
An all-in-one 3D solution perfect for capturing large spaces and supports floor plan creation with high-quality 3D imaging.
360 Cameras
Easy and convenient to use. Produces medium quality 3D imaging of small spaces like small houses, condos and apartments.
Leica BLK360
Best suited for industries like architecture and engineering that require high precision of intricate details. This produces high-end virtual tours and floor plans for the commercial real estate industry but has a lower quality image than the Pro 2 camera.
iPhone & iPad
Very convenient for doing low-quality simple scans of small rooms and allows you to share 3D photographs on social platforms.
Plan
The goal to mimic an actual in-person open house and achieve a well-executed virtual tour is by planning. List all the features of the property, including all rooms, spaces, and fixtures, indoor and outdoor features. Make sure that the best feature of the property is well highlighted. Showcase the real property and don’t mislead prospect buyers.
Set the Scene
Of course, prepare the 3D device and declutter the whole property. Prepare the home as how it is prepared for an in-person open house, do the necessary cleaning, repairs, landscaping, and painting. Set up décor and furnishing to complete the look of a comfy abode. Open the windows to get the maximum natural lighting. Check the camera making sure that it is good to go with enough battery life and utilize camera accessories like a tripod to ensure a uniform and high-quality product.
Taking HD and Panoramic Photographs
Execute the plan accordingly. Handle the camera steadily making sure to move it slowly minimizing any tilt. Avoid reflective surfaces. Lastly, reshoot if necessary.
Editing and Virtual Tour Software
Once done scanning and capturing the entire property with the device of your choice with the Matterport Capture app, upload it to the Cloud and let the app process all the data. After it is converted the visual and spatial data to a fully immersive 3D virtual tour, go ahead and modify it by adding text, links and even videos. Share the final 3D virtual house tour by publishing or embedding it on your website.
