Virtual tours have become an essential tool in real estate marketing, allowing potential buyers to explore properties from the comfort of their homes. This has made it crucial for listings to include high-quality virtual tour options to attract serious buyers.
The growing demand for virtual tours
With most homebuyers starting their search online, virtual tours have become more than just a convenience—they’re an expectation. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 47% of recent buyers began their home search online, and 43% found virtual tours to be “very useful” in their decision-making process.
This trend is especially strong among Millennial and Gen Z buyers, who are more likely to explore virtual tour options before reaching out to an agent. Incorporating high-quality virtual tours into your listings can enhance engagement, showcase properties more effectively, and attract serious buyers in a competitive market.
What is a virtual tour?
A virtual tour for real estate is a method for potential buyers to view a property online through 3D photos and videos, as opposed to an in-person tour. The photos can give different views of the home, such as the interior, exterior, and dollhouse, which allows clients to view the property from every angle from an outside perspective.
Additionally, virtual tours save travel costs and time if clients want to see homes in other states.
How do you do a virtual tour?
Agents can order virtual tours and post them to their listing sites, allowing clients to view them remotely. If the agents prepare properly, the clients will feel like they’re walking through the homes.
Are virtual tours and virtual showings the same?
There is a difference between virtual tours and virtual showings, but they are often used interchangeably.
Virtual tours give potential clients a complete home preview online, using software such as Matterport or Zillow 3D Home.
Virtual showings involve a real estate agent physically in the home and showing a home to a potential client virtually through a service such as Zoom or video.
How to prepare for a virtual tour
Clients can see everything they’d see in an in-person tour during a virtual one—and they can even go back and scrutinize the space further since the virtual tour can be accessed multiple times.
As an agent, you’ll need a prep checklist to set up your listing for a virtual tour, removing all distractions. Here are the best tips for preparing your property before a photographer arrives to capture it for your clients.
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
A good first step to prepare for the interior of a virtual tour is to remove all clutter and clean the space. While cleaning may seem obvious, you must be extremely thorough. Dust and wipe down surfaces. Remove any stained or damaged items from view.
People want to picture themselves living in the space; it’s hard to do this if it is dirty or random, and personalized items are lying around.
Help clients focus by removing magnets from the fridge, putting away power cords, and making the beds.
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
Also 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 distracting electronics.
Perform a last-minute walkthrough
Do one more check before the virtual tour by walking through the property yourself, looking for any details you may have missed the first time. The extra effort you put in will be reflected in the deals you close from the virtual tours.
Take your virtual tour to another level with Virtuance
Using professional real estate photography services is a must for a top-notch virtual tour. Virtuance’s Matterport 3D tour is an immersive virtual tour experience complete with a dollhouse. floorplan and inside view. Our high-quality virtual tours will lead to an increase in your leads, revenue, and referrals.
FAQ
Yes! Virtual tours are great for rental properties, helping landlords attract tenants quickly and reduce unnecessary in-person showings.
Not necessarily. While virtual tours provide a great first impression, many buyers still prefer to visit the property in person before making a final decision.
Yes, most virtual tour platforms are mobile-friendly and can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
