How to Show Off Your Listings Remotely

The goal of remote home showings is to provide the most in-person experience we possibly can without actually being there in person. Transparency is key. Buyers need access to as much information as possible. They want their virtual viewing experience to feel as emotionally compelling as an actual showing. This might require some agents to try out technology and tools they haven't used in the past.

Let's break down some of the options available to Realtors, and the best ways to use them to help your buyers shop for their new home, from home.

Virtual 3D Tours

Nearly everyone is using the term "virtual tours" right now. Essentially, this means that a buyer can take a visual walk through the home. Years ago, this term was used for still photos that were stitched together to make a video. But times have changed, and true virtual tours are no longer just photos set to elevator music. A professional virtual tour now allows you to stand in the home and look around in 360-degree turns, taking in the entire space. Buyers love the ability to see every room, just as they would in person. When paired with a floor plan, virtual tours give a sense of space, flow and light.

Speaking of floor plans, a professional floor plan is a huge bonus for virtual shoppers. Floor plans provide an understanding of how a space will work. They show room dimensions, which way doors swing, and storage space. Buyers gain an appreciation of where windows are and how their furniture might fit in the space. A 3D tour without a floor plan can be confusing, leaving buyers to guess how rooms are connected to one another.

Many real estate portals and online search sites are now accommodating virtual tours and 3D tours, allowing buyers to view them before booking a showing. This is perfect if you want to show off real estate listings remotely.

Looking for a photographer or videographer that creates 3D virtual tours and floor plans in your area? Search here.

Video Tours

Many agents are also using the power of video to showcase their listings, creating both live and on-demand videos to take the place of open houses or showings. Most portals and real estate search sites already allow for on-demand video links, but live video has never been easier to produce. Agents are using Facebook Live to show off their listings and pre-screen for potential buyers. Instagram video and IGTV are also great places to host short video walkthroughs. Both Realtor.com® and Zillow offer the option for buyers to choose "video tour" when booking showings. Having a video created and available to send to buyer leads is all the more important when showing remotely.

Virtual Staging

For vacant homes, give your buyers the ability to picture themselves living there by utilizing virtual staging. This can also be used to freshen up and declutter your furnished listings as well! This is a great way to get those virtual and online shoppers to emotionally fall in love, before ever setting foot in the home.

Marketing your listings remotely means getting creative and taking advantage of the tools available.

To view the original article, visit the iGuide blog.