Real estate marketing no longer simply involves basic promotional tools, as is the case with homes for sale today. As the demand for innovation increases and with today’s tech-savvy and selective house buyers, virtual tours become the ultimate strategy to market properties and sell homes. Virtual tours also create opportunities for would-be buyers to go through the properties through their screens without the need to visit the site physically. In this blog, estate agents in Putney will introduce virtual selling, discuss the advantages of virtual selling and give recommendations on how to make your virtual tours appealing to potential buyers.
The Rise of Virtual Tours in Real Estate
Virtual tours are particularly prevalent in real estate services, especially at the times and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited physical access to properties on sale. Nevertheless, their utilisation goes way beyond the domain of various health issues. Current homebuyers are young people, particularly the millennials and Gen Z, who are conversant with technological advancements and would prefer digital solutions to their needs in acquiring homes. One of the greatest things that an expert can do to sell a property is to provide virtual tours due to the efficiency, effectiveness, and interest created by virtual tours.
Benefits of Virtual Tours
1. Wider Reach
Virtual tours allow you to reach a global audience. Potential buyers from different cities, countries, or even continents can view your property without having to travel. This significantly broadens your market and increases the chances of finding the right buyer.
2. 24/7 Open House
Unlike traditional open houses or scheduled viewings, virtual tours are available 24/7. Prospective buyers can explore your home at any time that suits them, making it more convenient and accessible.
3. Increased Engagement
Virtual tours offer an interactive experience that keeps potential buyers engaged for longer. They can navigate through the property at their own pace, zoom in on details, and get a better feel for the space than they would from photos alone.
4. Better Pre-Qualification
By providing a comprehensive view of your property, virtual tours help in pre-qualifying buyers. Only those genuinely interested in your home are likely to schedule an in-person viewing, saving time and effort for both parties.
5. Competitive Edge
In a competitive market, having a virtual tour can set your listing apart from others. It demonstrates that you are leveraging modern technology and catering to the preferences of today’s buyers.
Creating an Effective Virtual Tour
To create a virtual tour that stands out and effectively showcases your home, follow these steps:
1. Choose the Right Technology
There are various platforms and technologies available for creating virtual tours, from basic 360-degree photos to fully interactive 3D tours. Find and ensure the solution fits your budget and needs. Some popular options include Matterport, Zillow 3D Home, and Virtual Tours Creator.
2. Professional Photography
High-quality images are crucial for a compelling virtual tour. Consider hiring a professional photographer who specialises in real estate to capture your home. They will know how to highlight the best features, use proper lighting, and ensure the photos are crisp and clear.
3. Declutter and Stage Your Home
Just like for in-person viewings, your home should be clean, decluttered, and well-staged for a virtual tour. Remove personal items, tidy up each room, and consider adding some tasteful decor to make the space more inviting.
4. Create a Flowing Narrative
Plan the sequence of your virtual tour to create a natural flow. Start with the exterior and then move through the main living areas, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Make sure the transitions between rooms are smooth and logical.
5. Highlight Key Features
Spot the unique selling points of your property and promote them. This could be a spacious kitchen, a beautifully landscaped garden, or a stunning view. Make sure these features are prominently showcased in your virtual t
6. Add Informative Descriptions
Incorporate descriptions and details about each room or feature within the virtual tour. This can help guide potential buyers and provide additional context that might not be immediately apparent from the visuals alone.
7. Optimise for Mobile Devices
Ensure that your virtual tour is mobile-friendly. Many buyers will view the tour on their smartphones or tablets, so it should be easily navigable on smaller screens.
Promoting Your Virtual Tour
Creating a virtual tour is just the first step; you also need to promote it effectively to attract potential buyers. Here are some strategies to help you get the word out:
1. Integrate with Online Listings
Include the virtual tour link in all your online property listings. Websites like Zillow, Rightmove, and Realtor.com allow you to embed virtual tours directly into your listing, making it easy for buyers to access them.
2. Leverage Social Media
Maximise social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to drive your home’s virtual tour. Use engaging captions and relevant hashtags to increase visibility. Targeted ads can reach potential buyers and increase the chances of a quick sale.
3. Email Marketing
If you have an email list of potential buyers, real estate agents, or local contacts, send out an email featuring your virtual tour. Highlight the key features of your home and invite recipients to take a virtual walk-through.
4. Collaborate with Real Estate Agents
Work with your real estate agent to promote the virtual tour. They can share it with their network, include it in their marketing materials, and use it during virtual open houses.
5. Embed on Your Website
If you have a personal or property-specific website, embed the virtual tour there. This provides an additional platform for potential buyers to view your home and can improve your site’s engagement metrics.
6. Use QR Codes
Include QR codes linking to your virtual tour on printed marketing materials, such as flyers or brochures. Potential buyers can scan the code with their smartphones to instantly access the tour.
Real-Life Success Stories
Case Study 1: The Busy Professional
Sarah, a busy professional working in finance, wanted to sell her city apartment. She opted for a virtual tour to reach a wider audience. The tour was shared extensively on social media and integrated into her online listing. Within a week, she received multiple offers, and the apartment was sold above the asking price. The virtual tour allowed buyers to view the property at their convenience, leading to a quicker and more competitive sale.
Case Study 2: The Remote Buyer
John and Lisa, living in a different city, were looking to buy a home closer to their children’s school. They found a house online that included a virtual tour. The detailed tour gave them a thorough understanding of the property without having to travel for an initial viewing. They made an offer based on the virtual tour, which was accepted. The process saved them time and travel expenses, making their relocation smoother.
Case Study 3: The Historic Home
Emma was selling her historic family home and wanted to highlight its unique features. A virtual tour allowed her to showcase the property’s charm and character to a broad audience. The tour included informative descriptions of each room, providing context and history. The home attracted buyers interested in historic properties, leading to a successful sale at a premium price.
Conclusion
Due to their flexibility, virtual tours have become an innovation that has changed the instance of how homes are marketed and sold. They acquire more customers as they provide a more convenient way of shopping as well as giving the customer an opportunity to fully experience the product and its uses hence increasing the chances of purchase. For sellers, virtual tours may be an ideal solution if they want to distinguish themselves from other sellers in the sprawling online market, while for buyers, it is a great way to save time and make a purchase without leaving the comfort of their home.
