When someone asks me: What works for you when trying to sell a home? I give them a very straight forward answer: virtual tours. When I first started looking back on things to do differently, and things to change to make my business better, this stuck out like a sore thumb.

Real estate agents, even though only a few were actually taking advantage of it, were having virtual tours done on their homes for sale. I watched a few - it captivated me to watch them walk through the home, showing and explaining every inch of the house. I did not even have to leave my home to know if I was going to like the home or not! From that point on, I knew I had to change. I looked into different options for myself and finally came upon a small company that does this exact thing: Creative Media Factory, located here in Savannah Ga. I contacted them, had my first virtual tour completed (I must say it was a little odd stepping in front of a camera for the first time), and was amazed by the results. No doubt my homes with virtual tours get more looks and more calls into the office.

I must say, I am surprised it works so well, but pleased all the same.  We have sold homes to military that have been deployed overseas and others that just don’t have the luxury of seeing the home in person.You might catch a few virtual tours here: www.realestateranger.com

When time is of the essence to purchase a home, this helps speed up the process greatly. Some of the times, I have seen many listings with no pictures or very few pictures. I’ve noticed buyers won’t even take the time to look at these. I have also noticed that it helps make the customers more adapt to contacting the agent.

I must say, I take pride in paying professionals to do particular marketing techniques for us, for the simple fact that they specialize in it and know far more than I do about it!

Anyone have any similar experiences? Do you use virtual tours?

 
Posted by Justin Singletary on 11/15/2008 10:37 AM   Comments (10)  
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10 Comments on Virtual tours are virtually indestructible!

NOV
15
2008

Good information, Justin!  Yes, virtual tours and any other information we can provide consumers with makes our job a whole lot easier.
10:42am • #1
606,097 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I do use virtual tours, and use a program to create them myself. The sellers appreciate them as well, and the buyers can take a tour on their computer!
10:43am • #2
509,628 Points 2 Featured Posts

I agree,  I use my zoom  for my virtual tours with great results...  Keep it up!
10:44am • #3
387,618 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I do a virtual tour on all of my listings....regardless of the price.  All home buyers (or most) start online somewhere.  And they want to see photos.  Slide shows, virtualtours, the more....then better.  The better chance that those internet shoppers "LOOK" at your listings! 
10:45am • #4
807,571 Points Outside Blog

Hi Justin;

Great post! I agree that virtual tours plays a very important role in the marketing process.
10:58am • #5
507,197 Points 57 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Justin:  Indeed, I also do VT's not only for my listings, but for neighborhoods and other areas of the city. They are a great tool for people to see a listing without seeing it. We've got an agent in our office that is very successful in his busines, and does not use them at all! I'm surprized his seller's don't ask for it!

And congrtulations on joining Active Rain! You are going to love it hear, and learn more about real estate than yon ever imagined possible! Let me know if I can help you! And if they are leaving Savannah for ATL or vice versa, let's do it!
10:59am • #6
127,839 Points Outside Blog

Virtual tours seem like they can be very useful if they are done right.
11:21am • #7
947,191 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I do use virtual tours, and i do think that they create an interest level in a property.    Not sure that I can say it was the definitive reason for a sale, but it is a way to encourage buyers to contact one.
11:41am • #8
296,556 Points Outside Blog

Hi and welcome to active|rain. There are thousands of tips, tools, and tricks of the trade here. Be sure to check them out. Best of luck and see you around.
12:21pm • #9
NOV
17
2008

Virtual tours are a great tool.  I usually just build a page on my web site for each of my listings  since I manage my own web site. 

By the way..... great point about the Merritt condo financing.  The new requirements for condo financing are making it much more difficult to sell a condo on the Islands, Tybee and the historic district.
1:30pm • #10


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Justin Singletary

Savannah, GA

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Century 21 Fox Properties

Address: 3109 East Victory Drive, Savannah, GA, 31404

Office Phone: (912) 352-2747

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