You’re on the hunt for your dream home. You’ve got a list of must-haves, a budget to stick to, and a lot of excitement. But as you begin the search, you quickly realize that visiting each potential property in person is time-consuming and physically exhausting. Wishing there was a better way? Well, there is! Enter virtual home tours.
Technological advancements make virtual home tours increasingly popular in the real estate industry. According to Redfin, properties with virtual tours receive 87% more views than those without. These tours allow you to view properties from the comfort of your own homes without the hassle. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the convenience of shopping from their couch?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the rise of virtual home tours and how they’re changing the game for buyers and sellers in the real estate market.
What is a Virtual Home Tour?
A virtual home tour is a digital experience allowing you to explore a property from the comfort of your home. Using 360-degree photography, video, or 3D models, virtual home tours give you a sense of what a property looks and feels like without being there. You can navigate through each room, zoom in on features that catch your eye, and get a feel for the flow of the space. It’s like being at the property, without the crowds and the pressure to decide on the spot.
Why are virtual home tours the future of real estate?
Virtual home tours have emerged as a game-changer in the real estate industry. Here are a few reasons why they’re the future of real estate.
The Impact Of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual home tours as an essential tool for real estate transactions. With social distancing measures in place, virtual tours became the go-to solution for property viewings. As a result, they’ve become an increasingly popular feature in real estate listings in the industry today.
Enhanced Convenience and Accessibility
Gone are the days when buyers had to spend weekends visiting multiple properties in person, taking notes, and trying to remember each detail. With virtual home tours, buyers can explore multiple properties anywhere, any time of day. Homes with virtual tours sell 20% faster and for 9% higher prices than homes without virtual tours, according to VHT Studios. This level of convenience and accessibility is especially beneficial for out-of-state buyers, those with mobility issues, or those with busy schedules who don’t have time for multiple in-person visits.
Higher Engagement and Interest
The tours allow buyers to immerse themselves in the property and better understand its features and layout. As a result, they’re more likely to engage with the property and remember it in their search. Studies have shown that listings with virtual tours receive significantly more views than those without, leading to higher engagement and interest from potential buyers.
Increased Transparency and Authenticity
Virtual home tours offer a more transparent and authentic experience for buyers. With virtual tours, buyers can see the property as it truly is, without the potential biases that may come from a staged or edited listing. This increased transparency leads to more informed and confident buying decisions.
Time and Cost Savings
These tours are a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional in-person tours. Buyers can view multiple properties quickly and at a lower cost without needing travel or various appointments. It especially benefits busy buyers or those looking to relocate to a new area.
Final Thoughts
Virtual home tours are definitely not going anywhere, and they’re changing the game in the real estate industry. With advancing technology, we can expect even more exciting ways to view residential properties. Whether you’re buying or selling, virtual tours are a fantastic, easy, and affordable option to traditional in-person tours. So, if you’re on the hunt for your dream home, make sure to give virtual tours a try.