Nearly 8 in 10 home buyers insist on a virtual tour - here's why
The buying habits of buyers have changed because of COVID-19. We take a look at how the way buyers view your home has changed and is this for the best?
If you have recently tried to move home, whether that is to buy or to rent, you will know the difficulty that comes with trying to view a home either for sale or for rent at the moment, agents are busy and securing an appointment can be difficult. You may even have to wait several days.
Before you can book a viewing most agents will ask a series of questions to determine if the property is suitable for you and may restrict viewings in line with COVID-19 guidance.
Of course, the safety of everyone is our first priority so what happens if you aren’t able to view the property or you find that you are waiting several days. Are you just not able to view houses at the moment unless you are in a position to offer.
So, what’s the solution?
One of the positive things to come out of the pandemic is the use of technology and the property sector is no different. One way that we have evolved is to embrace the world of virtual reality.
Now before you think this all a bit sci-fi and you will need some 3D goggles, you won’t, let’s explain what a 3D virtual reality tour is:
What is a 3D virtual Reality Tour
The best way to describe a 3D tour is to think of it as the perfect combination of a video and photos BUT you are in control. Created using the latest technology to capture your home in 4K, giving you the most realistic, immersive way to experience a property online and enables viewers to feel like they’re really there.
With a 3D virtual tour, prospective viewers can do their own walkthrough of your home from anywhere, anytime, generating higher engagement and interest.
Virtual viewings
The new normal for touring a property is the two-step viewing process, where all potential buyers and tenants are encouraged to take a virtual tour before booking a private viewing. If you aren’t capturing virtual tours of your home, now is the time to start as property sentiment trackers show that clients are actively requesting virtual tours.
Why have a virtual tour?
There are a few reasons to offer virtual tours, firstly it gives potential viewers the chance to view safely, especially if they are worried about safety or social distancing. It is also gives buyers a chance to have view if they aren’t within easy reach of the property, if they are moving from out of the area. This means sellers have a greater audience to showcase their homes to a wider audience.
It is also a great chance for the agent to ask all the usual fact-finding questions and to ensure the viewers are a good fit for the property before you spend hours cleaning and tidying up for the viewers. A real winner, there is nothing more frustrating than spending hours getting your home ready for the viewer to decide it isn’t right for them in the hallway.
Elevate your Marketing:
Virtual Tours not only elevate your home, but they can also offer another dimension to your marketing:
- They can be shared on Rightmove/Zoopla/Agents website - allowing buyers to get a true feel for your home and it’s layout
- Share on social media….as part of our “Strategy to Success” we automatically include this as part of the Social Media Strategy
- Publish to Google Street View
- Take measurements online to see if your furniture will fit in the space
See it for yourself
Interested to find out more about how a virtual tour can help you.
Get in touch with us uisng the "Get in touch with us" contact form on this page.
