real estate

real estate, virtual realityNovember 14, 2019

Rental Agencies Use VR When Viewing Apartment Units

The real estate industry makes use of multiple technologies to streamline the procedures involved in renting a property. Real estate agencies allow prospective customers to view their properties or apartment units without anyone from the agency. This move is supported by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism Ministry. The Ministry also allows crucial details and other issues that are relevant to rental contracts to be discussed using a video conference instead of face-to-face communication. This was the method used for completing 37,000 contracts by the end of March. The ministry also started to allow sending contracts and other paperwork through email in PDF form.

An official of the Ministry said that they are doing everything to avoid fraud which includes the use of private-sector digital signature services. The Ministry is also aiming to revise the Building Lots and Buildings Transaction Business Law for contracts to be concluded by using only digital files.

An event that is related to rental housing took place at the Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo during the end of July. At the tech company Nurve’s booth, the real estate people were connected to the box-shaped VR devices for inspecting the interior of a property located remotely.

Almost 4,000 real estate agencies have introduced the use of the VR preview services. Mitsubishi Estate Co. has also launched a VR service for its group rental properties so that customers don’t have to visit the real estate office personally.

Customers reserve online for viewing a property through a virtual reality tour. They can use the smartphone to get into the property. It comes in a self-service means that requires nobody from the real estate company. Potential renters will be able to check out the properties even on a weekend or holidays when the agency is closed.

Tablets are put inside the property for visitors to have access to information about the property and other related matters. Cameras are also installed to record the property’s interior to prevent problems. There are further initiatives implemented in the real estate industry that are intended to enhance customer service and promote reforms on the style of work through enhancing efficiency.

You can create your own virtual reality tour now. Visit Virtual Tour Easy for more details.

BlogNovember 11, 2019

Top Ten Reasons to Produce Virtual Tours as a Residential Agent

A virtual tour is not merely a digital trend to use for any type of business. Most property buyers consider real estate tour a must-have before they decide to inquire about any property. Most buyers also select properties based on online research. There are 10 reasons for real estate agents to use a tour builder in their practice, and these are the following:

1. Secondary Viewing

It’s best to use a virtual tour for every listing. This will serve as a strong sales material that can be sent along with the brochure. It’s not easy for the property buyer to keep on returning to the property to check it. So to save time and energy, buyers can just visit the virtual tour over and over again until they can finally decide to purchase it.

2. Online Rental

The world is more fast-paced than before. A large group of people relocates from one place to another to work or to study. For instance, in London, about 200,000 students move from China to London every year. Most of the time, these students have not been to the UK ever, yet they have to book their rental properties in advance. This is why they are dependent on online means. Virtual tours can facilitate the online process whether it is for renters, investors, sellers, or buyers.

3. Lead Generation

Lead generation is faster with the help of a virtual tour. It is also possible to use artificial intelligence by setting up chatbots for the communication to start right after the buyers’ attention is caught. It’s possible to generate a lead card by the time the virtual tour ends, and it will be sent to the agent directly.

4. Better Service for Customers

It’s always a must to respect customers. The agent has the responsibility to show the buyers what the property has to offer. Being pushy is a sign of disrespect. A virtual tour will enable you to step back and let the virtual tour do the talking. Most buyers are particular about being in control of the decision as regards the property and on the quality of experience they have when checking the property. A virtual tour will be able to provide them all the control and personal space to decide for themselves.

5. Reduce Useless Viewing

Agents have been reporting about 30 to 70 percent decrease in wasted viewings due to the virtual tour. It may not be easy to get quantitative data on the impact of a virtual tour, but it is obvious that applicants will be able to view properties online, visit only those that they are interested in, and be able to close deals faster.

6. Efficient Reporting to Owners for Rental Properties

Virtual tours can be used as part of the inventory report at the end of tenancies. They can provide extra insights which can provide evidence in case of any dispute. Photographic evidence has always been considered supporting collaterals in inventories and dilapidation schedules.

7. Be Able to Win More Listings

Any real estate agency aims to acquire new properties to market. An agent makes it a point to be different from competitors. Any kind of service that will make an agent stand out from the competitors will be able to secure any important listing.

8. Be Able to Show the Property to Everyone Important

Buying a property does not entail only one decision-maker. Usually, the buyer needs to ask for the decision of the husband, wife, children, or parents. It will be difficult to bring everyone during the in-person viewing. A virtual tour will allow everyone to view the property without multiple viewing sessions which will save the agent’s time and increase the likelihood of a sale.

9. Innovation

Real estate is not that fast in digital transformation, yet there are certain changes. The best real estate agencies are into each of their technological journeys. A virtual tour software is easy to implement and affordable tech solution. That’s why it’s always beneficial to innovate.

10. Content Marketing

Content has always been king in marketing. Virtual tours can present top-quality, high-level content. The overall value of providing attention-catching and tech-laden content has a great impact on several aspects of the business. A restaurant website that offers a virtual tour of its menu and location may likely have more clients than a site that only offers static images. That in itself is proof of content power.

If you like to know more about creating a virtual tour for your own company, check Virtual Tour Easy for more information.

BlogOctober 31, 2019

Virtual Staging Do’s and Don’ts for Real Estate Professionals

According to a report done by Redfin, 90 percent of home buyers look go online to view the properties they intend to buy. The report also added that 20 to 35 percent of the buyers make an offer for properties they have not even set foot in. This has made virtual staging a popular tool for sellers and agents to drive traffic to property listings that may otherwise be vacant.

There are best practices that can turn the process into a smoother one from a technical and ethical perspective. For instance, you need to be aware that adding more than furniture to the setup can cause problems. It is ethical for the photos to reflect the actual look of the property.

How to Take Original Photos

Make sure that you provide the stager with high-resolution photos to be used for the staging. This will make sure that the photos can be used in different formats for both online and offline applications.

Don’t use photos that are low resolution or those taken with a cellphone. This won’t be able to produce a high quality virtually staged product or a photo that can sell the property well.

It is necessary for you to hire the services of a professional photographer who knows how to set up the right lighting, take photos from the right height, and produce photos that show the accurate balance between floor and ceiling leading to the best results.

Ask the professional photographer to take the chest-level of the rooms to be staged and several other angles. This will give the stager good-quality base photos to work with. Each photo has to strike a balance between the ceiling and the floor which will make it easy for the stagers to add appropriate furnishings. In the end, the home has to be photographed as if it were already staged or decorated.

It is not wise to take photos on your own. You are better off hiring a professional. Poorly captured photos may make the furnishings cartoonish and unprofessional, having incorrect or inaccurate lighting, and not placed in the correct angle. There are many things to consider in virtual stagings such as building codes, traditional heights of furnishings and the rooms, standard measurements, and other design elements and factors. It is also necessary to possess a top-performing software to use in producing appealing photos of beautifully staged homes.

Understanding the Best Applications for Virtual Staging

Virtual staging may be used in rooms that have unique and unusual spaces that can be used as a fitness room, play area, game room, etc. Such rooms need more specific furnishings. Outdoor spaces are also great for virtual staging.

It’s not wise to throw away the vacant photos. These photos can be used to show the “before” and “after” staging photos. These photos can also be used to show two different spaces, one as a bedroom and another as a game room.

Virtual staging is a budget-friendly tool that only costs a fraction of the cost involved in traditional staging. Traditional staging costs $2,500 while the virtual version costs only $225. Virtual staging services are often paid by agents just like a virtual tour, drone videos, and 360-degree photography. A hybrid approach may also be used; it’s a combination of traditional and virtual staging processes.

Disclosure and Ethics in the Practice

It’s important to disclose to agents and buyers that the homes have been staged. The best place to do this is on the MLS listing. This is a good way for the information to be relayed to the aggregators you are interacting with. There are also those that brand the staged photos to avoid any kind of confusion.

It’s not smart to hire companies that do virtual staging by moving walls, adding paints, or changing the flooring and its color. These are already part of architectural rendering which is required for remodeling or designing a space. Virtual staging involves the placement of digital furnishings and decors into the photos of spaces in the property.

Virtual staging must also not be used to hide the flaws found in a property.

Use of Photos for Marketing

Make sure that the home is virtually staged before it is listed. The first two weeks when a listing is out online are important to creating a good impression. That means that from the very start the virtually staged photos must be appealing.

You may think outside of the box when it comes to using the photos of virtually staged rooms. They can be integrated into flyers and brochures for maximum impact. It is also possible to print and mount hard copies of the space to give the buyers an idea of how the room can be furnished.

Virtual staging, like a virtual tour, is a must for any property listing. If you want to get started on a virtual tour, sign up on our website!

Sales & MarketingOctober 11, 2019

Real Estate Marketing for the Millennials: How to Sell a Home to the New Generation

Millennials are now the largest portion of the population; they have surpassed the baby boomers. According to the National Association of Realtors, this generation has not been given the attention of realtors. This has to be changed for 37 percent of home buyers belong to the millennial generation.

According to the 2019 Home Buyers’ Report, 84 percent of millennials consider owning a home as part of the American Dream more than getting married and having children. This is why it is crucial for realtors to know what this population wants to tap into their market.

What Do They Look for in a Home?

Not all of the millennials prefer to buy a home. The important thing to consider is the type of home that they are interested in. Most of those who plan to buy homes prefer the suburban areas instead of urban areas; but for those who plan to rent, they prefer cities.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, about 3/4thof millennials who prefer to buy homes want a single-family home, 52 percent prefer two-story homes, and 78 percent prefer to have an open concept home. This is a tech-savvy generation and they want modern features such as sleek kitchen and laundry units, appliances, and entertainment areas.

What Appeals to the Millennials?

Technology is something crucial to millennials. They use it for everything they need and even in their search of a home. There are several factors to include such as the right real estate agent, Google Maps, crime rate, the neighborhood, and amenities that enable socialization.

The following are some of the tips to connect well with millennials:

Stay Active on Social Media

The following are some of the platforms that are important for agents to represent themselves: Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat. Don’t just create a profile, you have to engage with the users. Use hashtags for key terms, your company or property, and the location. Don’t forget to post your new listings.

Set Up a Website or a Blog

Millennials conveniently log on to search online for anything they need and that includes a residential property. The National Association of Realtors stated that 94 percent of millennials use sites to look for homes to buy and 51 percent of those who actually buy the homes they found online. If you already have a site, you can add a blog section where you will be able to discuss trendy topics such as home-ownership, home buying, and home maintenance tips. You may also focus more on the technological aspect. Make sure that the site’s aesthetics is futuristic and also ensure its mobile responsiveness to make sure that the site can be accessed in all mobile devices. You may also add a chatbot on the site.

Photographer: Priscilla Du Preez | Source: Unsplash

Don’t Miss Out on the Technological Tools

The millennial generation is so keen on the use of technology. It’s better to offer them interactive 3D content. Through the creation of 3D content such as a virtual reality tour or 360-degree pictures, you can enable buyers to tour the property and focus on areas they are more interested in without having to be there physically. Augmented reality is also contributing to image recognition and GPS. Realtors can use mobile proximity marketing which enables them to be informed when a potential buyer is near your listed property.

Come Up With an Event Instead of the Traditional Open House

Going to a traditional open house is both boring and awkward especially for millennials. The best move is to hold an event with DJs, hor's d’ oeuvres, and even some outdoor activities while physically touring the property. This is a great way to mingle with everyone especially because millennials love social events. Doing this with a virtual reality tour to complete the picture will be a great motivator for millennials.

Learning to market to the millennial generation serves a great investment for the future. There are many options for you to market to millennials based on what they want, but you can start by learning how to communicate with them. Start by creating your first virtual tour today! Sign up on Virtual Tour Easy for free!

virtual realityOctober 10, 2019

Real Estate and Architecture: Top Industries Where Immersive Tech Flourished

Almost every creative field including architecture has been radically changed with the help of virtual reality. The field of real estate and architecture embraced immersive tech in just a short amount of time since its inception a few years ago. Many consider it to be an invaluable tool, helping relay a property design.

Architects and their respective clients can work as true collaborators during the design phase of their projects with the help of the technology promptly. Having a fully-visualized interior before deciding the fine details makes it possible to create a property walkthrough pre-build. Its novelty has worn off, but the technology stays relevant, becoming a groundbreaking resource in the design, communication, and property trade. Let us look at what role immersive technology plays in changing the work and function of architects.

State of the Art Visualization

There is a story in every building an architect creates. The functionality and purpose of the property need to be cohesive, and this can be seen in how architects tell their stories, bringing them to life through paintings. Drawings, 3D models, and 2D digital simulations were often the visual narratives architects use to relay information to their clients. Although these methods are proven to work, their scope is somewhat limited as this does not allow an individual to truly immerse themselves inside the property.

Things changed for the better in the introduction of VR, this having the ability to immerse an individual into a projected building, giving a much clearer overview of its layout. Architects can save a fair amount of time and resources with the help of this immersive tool. VR has poised itself as a discovery tool with its ability to find design flaws earlier before breaking ground. The option to explore and have a feel for the interior and exterior of a property is available from the get-go as if the individual steps inside the building. Things can also be easily changed if there are elements that do not go well to the overall value of the building.

Collaboration with Its Design

Architects, interior designers, and clients can work hand in hand to complete on design through virtual and augmented reality. The process itself can be troublesome and can consume a considerable amount of time, but it is something that should not be overlooked. Changing layouts, adding windows, doors, and hallways all from a headset is a welcome change and at the same time helps cut downtime and fees when done through free virtual tours.

An Effective Training Tool

VR provides timely information of a property to potential clients while at the same time the future generation of architects will be able to use the lessons administered within the tool. VR has become a staple tool in the field of medical, automotive as well as architecture and real estate due to the teaching tools it provides.

Helps Seal the Deal

The final step passed on to a real estate agent is selling the vision of the company and its property. Back then, building completion is what agents will be waiting before they are allowed to step in and build out a selling strategy and messaging points. The process, however, is streamlined through VR. Now real estate agents can get a headstart on finding the perfect client as they will be able to get an early preview of the final product.

Now that you know the importance of a virtual tour builder in many industries you can start creating your own. Check on Virtual Tour Easy for an easier process.

real estate, virtual realitySeptember 23, 2019

Virtual Staging Adds Real Impact to Multifamily Marketers

To provide a realistic sense of a home or an apartment unit’s potential, it is important to ensure virtual staging. Multifamily developers try to rely heavily on this tech-driven method to set them off from the residential properties. Virtual staging requires the integration of immersive elements and 3D components. There is a long list of techniques to choose from when it comes to real estate marketing, but most marketers choose augmented reality and virtual reality.

Augmented reality is expected to become a $133.78 billion business by the year 2021. Virtual reality and augmented reality enable renters and property buyers to visualize the property they want to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors, 77 percent of the buyers expressed that it was easier for them to buy a home by going through staging by virtual tours.

The following are some of the best benefits of virtual home staging:

Allowing for More Interactive Experiences

The usage of virtual tours and augmented reality in virtual staging is high. These enable property buyers to have a more realistic experience of the properties while the developers can bring virtual staging to a higher level. It enables future owners of the property to walk around and experience the property personally.

Buyers can also shop while virtually roaming around the property by clicking on the furnishings and properties that they can find while on tour. Virtual reality and augmented reality enable multifamily marketers to showcase their portfolios to diverse markets.

Can Help Cut Cost

Virtual staging helps increase profits from real estate properties. It also aids in cost-cutting. Physically staging a home can be expensive. With virtual staging, it only costs as much as the furniture being delivered. Virtual staging can also replace the model units which can be rented or sold to add more to the profits. The average amount of expenses reaches $20,000 to $24,000. This is based on the monthly expenses of renting a one-bedroom unit as a model.

Many Staging Options Available

Virtual staging is highly scalable which makes it easy for developers of multifamily properties to market various properties, each with unique characteristics and features. Each type of property will be ready for virtual interaction with property buyers. Virtual staging can feature an open-floor concept with minimal designs. Another unit may be more opulent with grand entrances and statement details.

If you are thinking of starting a virtual tour for staging a property soon, you can get a free virtual tour when you sign up to Virtual Tour Easy.

real estate, virtual realitySeptember 9, 2019

A Highly Advanced Tech That Changed the Real Estate and Construction Industry

During the housing market crash in 2008, an entrepreneur plunged into the real estate industry without buying properties. Glenn Sanford started eXp Realty which is the first cloud-based real estate brokerage.

The eXp Realty built its mega-campus virtually with the help of VirBELA. The company showed the impact of a dematerialized workspace. It cut down the cost and also redefined the term “real estate.” After 10 years, eXp Realty already has 14,000 agents across 50 US states and in 3 provinces in Canada without the company setting up a physical office.

Virtual reality and Artificial Intelligence or AI have been working hand in hand to revolutionize the entire real estate and construction industry. That’s why you have flying cities and driverless cars. They are also removing the middleman in the process. A forecast for the global construction industry is for it to surpass 12.9 trillion dollars in 2022. Last year’s total value of the housing market in the US was $33.3 trillion.

Even today, location is still the primary consideration with regard to finding the right property. The limitations of land increased the cost of land, and urbanization has continuously caused problems. Today there are two mechanisms that are known to have been driving the creation of brand-new locations: floating cities and flying cars or autonomous electric vehicles.

Floating Cities

These are offshore habitation hubs. This has been seen as a solution to the rise of sea levels. If this becomes a success, this will entail abundance in real estate, recreation, commerce, education, and scenic living. A good example of this is the Oceanix City which was created by the Oceanix BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group. This would be a galaxy made up of hexagonal floating modules which are built as satellite cities of the coastal urban locations and run by renewable energies.

A 4.5-acre platform can sustain 300 people. The hexagonal modules are linked to the 75-acre tessellations that can sustain up to 75,000 residents. They are anchored to the ocean floor with the use of biorock. Electric boats and flying cars will bring you to work. Meals will be supplied by vertical and outdoor farming. Share economies will provide the goods.

On Sunday, I was exploring my girlfriend’s workplace business centre in Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur. Come to my surprise there was nobody in the area and I have my camera with me back in my car. The idea of the photo was initially making her looked like she is dancing in the sky, it was until she was starting to land on the ground I took another chance to take another picture. I find it looked like she is floating in the air, took some edit and this seems to be the best photo I took. — Photographer: Marque Tan | Source: Unsplash

Flying Cars or Autonomous Electric Vehicles

With today’s real estate properties, location is valuable when the property is near the workplace, the best schools, or the business district. This will all change when you have driverless cars that will bring you to the workplace. There will also be autonomous ride-sharing services that will do away with parking problems and will remove you from the steering wheel. You can also choose to go via aerial taxis. Uber has plans of setting up the UberAIR airborne taxi project. By 2023, it will roll out its first drones in Dallas and Los Angeles. Drones flying over the rooftops would be able to accommodate passengers at 1,000 to 2,000 feet at about 100 to 200 mph speed.

The Disappearance of the Middle-Man

Buyers would aim for a continuous and personalized preference-tracking that can only be provided by an AI. Over the next decade, AI will be the agent while VR acts as the medium. Around 98 percent of the home searches would be conducted right from one’s couch through the use of a virtual tour. When you have keyed in all your preferences, the AI will seek for the best fits to your search.

There would also be new construction materials to use in the next decade namely the nanomaterials, upcycle materials, and the self-healing infrastructure. If you want to know more about how VR, AI, and how virtual tours can help you improve your business, you may visit Virtual Tour Easy

BlogAugust 26, 2019

5 Effective Tips to Market Real Estate Properties

If you are a newbie real estate agent or you’re trying to revise your marketing plans, it is imperative that you become aware of the trends in marketing specifically in real estate properties. Just like all other industries, real estate has been completely changed by advances in technology. Real estate professionals need to keep up with the times and change the manner in which they sell their properties and introduce their business. There are now new platforms and new products that will enable you to sell properties differently. However, when it comes to marketing ideas, the traditional ones still work as they are time-tested. The following are the expert marketers’ advice on marketing real estate properties:

1. Use Virtual Tours and Promotional Videos

The promotional videos have been an important tool in marketing real estate properties. It used to be that a promotional video requires many personnel and plenty of equipment. Now with a virtual tour, you only need a 360-camera or any camera that produces 360-degree pictures.

There are several advantages to the use of virtual tours and promotional videos for real estate. Potential buyers would see the reality of the property. They would be able to experience what it is to be in the property itself even before they decide to actually see it. Potential customers will not only have a feel of the property but will also have a feel of who you are as a real estate agent. Buyers also expect virtual tours to go with each property listing. It has become the norm.

2 Build a Network of Trusted Vendors

It is significant to have a list of trusted vendors if you are a real estate agent. When there are instances when the client requires for more paint job, deep cleaning, or minor repairs, it is helpful to have go-to vendors whose services have already been tested through time. This will make sure that as a real estate agent you can also become a project manager if the need arises.

3. Stay on with Some of the Traditional Methods

Don’t cross out all the traditional methods even if you have already adopted digital marketing techniques. Some of these methods that are known to still work are phone calls and pop-bys, community involvement, email newsletters, contribution to real estate magazines, and if the budget permits postcards, business cards, and flyers.

If you use this photo on your site, I would be very appreciative if you would please credit in the caption or meta to "www.distel.co".Model: @Austindistelhttps://www.instagram.com/austindistel/Photographer: @breeandstephenhttps://www.instagram.com/breeandstephen/ — Photographer: Austin Distel | Source: Unsplash

4. Create and Maintain a High-Performing Business Site

A website is a must for every business in this digital age. This serves as a venue for sharing valuable company content; it also enables your clients to access your site anytime they want. Through a business website, you can nurture and create leads and show all your listings. Don’t include all the aspects of real estate on the site. Focus on building expertise in a specific area such as relocation, investors, first-time buyers, and a particular geographical area. If you don’t have enough knowledge to build a real estate website on your own, you can find plenty of real estate digital marketing companies who can help you with all your needs.

5. Come up with a Marketing Plan that Works for the Business

The genuine purpose of a marketing plan is to create connections that help the business and everyone in it grow. A plan is intended to provide customers with continuous relevant information about your niche. This will ensure that trust is sealed between the company and its customers.

Virtual tours are indispensable for every property listing today. If you want to make the most of a virtual tour without spending too much, you may check on Virtual Tour Easy now.

BlogJuly 22, 2019

9 Reasons Why Real Estate Agents Can Still Take Advantage of Open Houses

Some people say that open houses are no longer relevant to real estate sellers anymore. The truth is that sellers still expect to have open houses every now and then. Some agents list on a Thursday and Friday and hold the open house on a weekend. Open houses can be a success or failure depending on several factors. Here are some tips provided by the experts on how sellers can make the most of open houses:

1. Prepare People About the Upcoming Open House by Sending Postcards

Postcards may not work for all locations; but if you live in an area where there is an excellent school zone or district or, it means that it can be beneficial to send out postcards to the neighboring towns or cities. The postcard must inform them what makes the home better than the one they currently own.

2. Hold the Open House on the Day the Listing Comes Out in the Market

When you market a coming soon listing and schedules the open house on the day the listing comes out in the market can be more productive and beneficial. It is easier to create a buzz and multiple offers through that. Doing so allows property buyers to be able to view the property sooner.

3. Make Sure to Set the Stage in an Open House

Make sure that the property is properly staged and to make it appealing to different types of buyers from working moms, millennials, families, to retirees. The dining table must be set as well as the entertainment area. The bedrooms must be comfy and fluffy.

4. Schedule the Open Houses Strategically.

It’s important to schedule the open houses on different days and times of the day to maximize its availability. You may also consider the best time of the day for the house, for instance, sunset or sunrise. Open the house at the best time to go there and not when traffic is worst.

5. It’s Best to Bundle your Open House with Others in the Area

If there are other open houses in your neighborhood, you can come up with a packet for potential buyers to know the available homes in your neighborhood. It’s a great way for the neighborhood to stand out from the rest and provide valuable information.

Photographer: Martha Dominguez de Gouveia | Source: Unsplash

6. Place Open House Signs in Strategic Locations

Be sure that the open house sign is visible and legible from 30 feet away while driving a car. Directional signs are also crucial to be put within a five-block radius for a wider reach.

7. Make the Most of Open House Websites

You can find a number of sites that only promote open houses. Examples of these sites are Zillow, Realtor, and other sites that offer free promotions. Listing on these sites would maximize your visibility to all potential buyers.

8. Offer Brochures and Flyers for Potential Buyers

One way to spread information about your property particular for those buyers who have not decided to buy yet is to give away flyers or brochures during the open house. You can include information about a school district in your area, the best sunset, and other benefits of living in the area. Include other features that may not be that obvious in your brochure.

9. Play a Virtual Tour During the Open House

Project a virtual tour of the home and its neighborhood during the open house preferably in the living room. The buyers can stay a bit longer to watch it to find out more about the property. This is an excellent marketing technique for walk-in buyers.

10. Don’t Underestimate an Open House Which is Meant for Agents Only

Take advantage of open houses that are meant for agents only. This is a great chance to widen your network.

Open houses can still be as productive as other marketing techniques once it is used creatively and the right way. A virtual tour can be one of the best ways to make your open house from the rest. You can start making one by visiting Virtual Tour Easy.

real estate, virtual reality, Virtual ToursJuly 1, 2019

These 8 Trends Will Let You Think How Great the Real Estate Industry has Changed

There are real estate trends that have been foreseen in the past; they are deemed to have staying power as well. There is a golden rule in this. If you want to tap into potential new buyers today, you have to go where they go online. Doing this will set you off from your competitors who use the traditional methods. It is crucial for the success of the business to bring it to social media and to various websites. The following are some of the trends that real estate businesses have to take advantage today:

Virtual Reality and Virtual Tour

VR is relatively new to real estate, but it has become life-size and highly accessible that potential buyers demand to see a virtual tour of a property before they even entertain the thought of viewing the actual property. One of the great features of VR is the ability for the potential buyers to view the home in various styles. Through VR, they can change the interior paint, add new furniture, put new bathroom tiles, etc. Buyers can easily get a tour of their preferred properties without having to go there.

The Use of Mobile Devices

This means one thing: the real estate website has to be mobile device friendly. It means that you need to ensure that the website can be totally viewable and that it can be navigated through a mobile device screen. A website that loads long or is not responsive on a smartphone may lose visitors fast.

Social Media Can be a Venue to Promote Real Estate Services

A 2017 study conducted by NAR (National Association of Realtors) revealed that 80 percent of real estate industry players use Facebook to promote their services. They also use LinkedIn, YouTube, Google, and more. Social media offers the cheapest and fastest means with the widest reach for the real estate agents to put their messages out there. There are also several platforms that possess several functionalities such as instant messaging tools and sharing options.

Drone Videography

There are multiple tasks related to real estate that drones simplified. All of these drones can capture aerial video and photography. It will not be long for drones to show live videos of the construction and renovation procedures. This is essential for tracking the home’s progress.

Outsourcing the Editing Process

Editing the photos and videos can be time-consuming. Outsourcing the editing process of the output can help you save on time, money, and effort. All these will enable you to take more photos, search for more new clients, and devise more marketing strategies to upscale the business.

Photographer: Francesca Tosolini | Source: Unsplash

Virtual Staging Means Power

Staging is one of the most important steps in shooting a property. This involves enhancing and totally preparing the property for it to be sold in the market. The major purpose of staging is to make the entire property more attractive to potential buyers. The upcoming solution to this is virtual staging. This entail filling empty spaces with superimposed realistically rendered 3D furnishings and decorations. Virtual staging is a more affordable means for the buyer to plan, decorate, design, and think of the space before buying the property.

Potential Buyers Search for Real Estate Listings and Services Online

The traditional way of looking for listings on magazines and newspapers is all in the past. Potential buyers now look for listings on the internet instead. According to Google and the NAR, 90 percent of buyers go online. In the last four years, there has been an increase of 253 percent on different real estate related searches. Another thing is that local search terms are important for buyers.

Collaborations between Photographers and Real Estate Databases

Zillow and other real estate databases offer mutually beneficial partnerships with photographers. This is important knowing the traffic that sites like Zillow have.

No one knows until when these trends will stay, but every real estate business has to take advantage of its perks or else it will be lagging behind its competitors. All the aforementioned trends are crucial to running a business, but on top of them all is the virtual tour. For a virtual tour software that covers all your real estate needs, try Virtual Tour Easy. It's also free!

Rental Agencies Use VR When Viewing Apartment Units

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