More and more shopping of all kinds has become a virtual affair. Instant information is at everyone’s fingertips. Nowhere truer than in real estate. No sooner has today’s buyer made the decision to start looking - the laptop/tablet/iphone is out and virtual tours are underway.
What’s most surprising is the key finding of the joint Google-NAR study of the growth of the web in home buying. “90% of homes buyers searched online during their home buying process,” was the headline highlight. That’s 9 out of 10!
“What’s surprising about that?” you might be asking yourself. The answer: that data is more than two years old! And we know online searches and virtual tours have skyrocketed since then.
To capitalize on the online home search, real estate agencies increasingly bring video to their virtual tours. Many video formats are being used, but even the most basic use zooms and pans that draw prospects into the picture in a way stills photography cannot.
First-rate virtual tours, whether they include video or not, augment the buyer’s search experience. Motion makes it feel as if you’re right there touring the house in person.
But...The negative aspects of some virtual tours using video are unfortunately, just as clear. Slow download time and lagging video streams can lose otherwise interested prospects. In some cases, the property itself forces awkward angles that make filming complicated and viewing uncomfortable. It’s simply true that virtual tours are not a good idea for every property. However, they are great for many.
How can you tell the difference? It’s usually a question of the spaciousness of the property itself. Usually, the bigger the home, the easier it is to film a tour and the better impression it will make on viewers. REALTORS gain from producing and sharing video virtual tours on their websites, but others get strong results by just sticking with high-quality photos. Sometimes the best impression of a small dwelling will be made by a talented still photographer. When selling your home, in a well-rounded marketing plan it is the unique aspects of your property that should shape the media.
If you’re looking for an agent to represent your home in its best light, you’ve come to the right place. Call me today!
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