Virtual Tours Took Over During the Pandemic
And they’re here to stay. Buyers came to expect them online, and many now see them as the first hurdle to be crossed before scheduling an in-person visit.
NEW YORK – Virtual real estate tours, a common facet of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to be widely used, according to Brokerage firm JLL.
Yasuo Nishiyama, vice president of Smart Vision at Ricoh, says virtual visits have several advantages.
“Potential buyers or tenants can examine every angle, room or space within the property, enabling them to make more informed decisions [than with] static images or floor plans,” says Nishiyama. “Ricoh developed the world’s first one-shot 360° camera in 2013, and they’ve since developed a virtual tour platform called RICOH360 Tours “as a cloud service that allows anyone from anywhere to virtually view spaces online.”
Nishiyama says virtual tours “streamline the process by allowing potential buyers to assess properties at their convenience.”
For sellers, virtual tours can help reduce marketing costs because they can negate the need for professional photos or open houses. Moreover, “properties with virtual tours tend to attract more attention and generate higher engagement than those without them,” Nishiyama notes.
“By providing agents with advanced marketing tools and embracing technology, brokers can attract top talent and create an environment that supports agent satisfaction and reduces staff churn. They can help generate leads for the agent, facilitate pre-screening and provide a more informed basis for decision-making.”
Brokers shouldn’t be concerned that the technology would make their roles obsolete, he adds.
“Brokers possess in-depth knowledge of the local market, including pricing trends, neighborhood information and legal considerations. They can provide personalized advice, negotiate on behalf of their clients, and help navigate complex transactions.” Virtual tours can only market a house – they can’t complete the sale.
Source: GlobeSt.com (09/26/23) Katz, Rayna
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