The coronavirus global pandemic has forced industries to perform their businesses differently.
The real estate industry is not exempted from this shift, and just like other companies, realtors have found themselves utilizing advanced technologies to keep the business moving forward.
Due to the health crisis, open house and unit viewings have been suspended to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus. In a NAR survey in March 2020, 40% of real estate companies have suspended holding open houses in areas with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Instead of keeping the income floating, real estate professionals relied on technology and social media. Thanks to 3D home tours, realtors can continue entertaining potential homebuyers who want to see a property they might like.
Virtual tours have been an ultimate game-changer in the real estate industry. Through the help of camera and drone videos, sellers can show off a property to clients instead of risking getting coronavirus through an open house setting.
What is a 3D home tour?
A 3D home tour or virtual tour gives buyers a chance to see and feel inside their property of choice. They can see room dimensions, any angle of the house, and a 360-degree view of each room.
It allows buyers to get an accurate representation of the space as if you physically visited the house.
As a result, realtors can conduct a 24 hours virtual open house, and potential buyers can view the property at the comforts of their home.
Virtual tours give customers an immersive experience; all they have to do is scroll and touch the screen and be teleported from the property.
According to realtor.com, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for 3D home tours as buyers opt to view properties online.
In response, realtor.com's chief product officer Rache; Morley, said they had improved their home tour options by adding other technology providers, aside from the popularly used Matterport tours.
"Concerns around the pandemic certainly heightened the demand for 3D tours, as many home shoppers wanted to explore the home but didn't feel comfortable visiting in person," Morley explained.
Advantage of 3D home tours during a global pandemic
Interactive
Virtual tours are viewer-friendly and give buyers an opportunity to explore the property on their own. It allows them to visit every room and review every angle they like so they can envision themselves living in their future home.
Holds Buyers' Attention
In a typical open house or viewing setting, agents could get a hold of buyers as long as they want and present details to persuade them even more.
The same goes for virtual tours, as viewers have the chance to go back and forth the area. Unlike listing with photos and plain text, 3D house tours can captivate a buyer's imagination via a virtual walkthrough.
More Potential Buyers
Compared to a typical open house, virtual tours can reach potential buyers who live miles away from the property. They can view the house without the hassle of traveling.
Saves Time
3D open houses are convenient for both buyers and agents. Rather than making their schedules meet, buyers can view the property whenever they like and contact the seller should they have further questions.
