How Virtual Showings are Taking Over the Real Estate Market During COVID-19
With a pandemic sweeping the nation, buyers and sellers alike are wary of in-person showings. Thankfully, real estate agents have quickly adapted by conducting virtual showings. While these might appear daunting to those not technologically savvy — in reality, virtual showings allow real estate agents to provide clients with more resources and convenience than ever before.
The process is relatively simple, and — as a trusted real estate agent in South Carolina — I can easily help you navigate the process!
Types of Virtual Showings
Whether you're a prospective buyer or seller, the first step in navigating virtual showings is deciding which type works best for you. There are three main types of tours: pre-recorded virtual tours, 3D interactive tours, and virtual open houses.
Pre-recorder virtual tours and 3D interactive tours are both good to have on your hands as a seller, as they give buyers a pretty good feel for your home to decide whether or not they wish to move forward with your property. A pre-recorded tour should be a normal video recording of the home. The 3D interactive tour allows buyers more autonomy; they’ll be able to choose the order of their walk-through and stay in specific areas longer than others.
If a buyer is serious about the home, they might request a virtual open house. This allows the buyer to directly interact with the homeowner or agent using services like Zoom or FaceTime. Your real estate agent should take care of all the questions during the open house, so all home sellers will have to do during this is act as an off-camera assistant.
Best prepping methods for virtual showings
Ask any real estate agent. They’ll tell you the most important tasks to undertake before a showing: deep clean, depersonalize and declutter. These are just as important today — if not more important. After all — with the nation overcome by COVID-19 — buyers aren't going to feel safe in a new home unless they feel it’s spit-spot clean.
Of course, safety is not a concern during virtual showings, and potential buyers won’t be there in person to check for dust and dirt. Focus on cleaning methods that make a visual difference on-screen. For instance, buyers might not notice a bit of dust on the ground, but they will be impressed by the lack of fingerprints on your stainless steel appliances and windows. Stock your home with EPA-recommended cleaning products and get to work.
Another task to focus on for virtual tours is the lighting. Warmer, darker lighting will actually trick buyers into thinking your home is smaller than it actually is, so stick to bright lighting. Natural light is always a plus, so plan your tours for a time of day in which your home receives the most sun.
Once you’re ready to start filming, do a quick walkthrough first. If you’re tripping over your own belongings and wiggling in between coffee tables, buyers will notice. If you want your home to seem spacious and free-flowing, make sure you have a route from room to room — and even within rooms — that is easily maneuverable.
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