Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It involves a lot of research, planning, and budgeting. You want to find a property that meets your needs, preferences, and expectations.
But how can you do that without visiting the home in person?
Thanks to technology, especially the benefits of AR/VR, you can now take advantage of virtual visits to explore homes online. A virtual visit, or a virtual tour, is an interactive tour that allows you to see every detail of a property from the comfort of your own device. You can navigate through different rooms, zoom in on features, and even ask the agent or seller questions.
Sounds fantastic, right? Many top-notch real estate platforms and developers have started providing virtual real estate tours to make the user experience of buying homes more futuristic and convenient than ever. Most importantly, virtual tours also allow potential buyers to make informed decisions. Let us find out how.
How Does a Virtual Visit in Real Estate Work?
Virtual real estate visits are a way of viewing properties online without travelling to the location physically. They can save time, money and hassle for both buyers and sellers, especially in times of social distancing and travel restrictions. But how do they work, and what are the benefits and challenges of using them?
There are different types of virtual real estate visits, depending on the interactivity and realism they offer. The most common ones are:
- Virtual tours: These are pre-recorded videos or images that show the interior and exterior of a property from different angles and perspectives. They can be accessed through a website or an app, allowing the viewer to navigate the property by clicking arrows or icons. Some virtual tours also include audio narration, music or sound effects to enhance the experience.
- 3D tours: These are more immersive and realistic than virtual tours, as they use 3D modelling and rendering techniques to create a digital replica of a property. They can be viewed on a computer, smartphone or VR headset, allowing the viewer to move around the property freely and explore every detail. Some 3D tours also include interactive features such as changing the rooms' lighting, furniture or colours.
- Live tours: These are the most interactive and personalised virtual real estate visits, as they involve a real-time video call between the viewer and a real estate agent or owner at the property. They can be done through Zoom, Skype or FaceTime, allowing the viewer to ask questions, request specific views or information, and get feedback from the agent or owner.
How Real Estate Virtual Tours Help You Make Informed Decisions
Virtual visits are not only convenient and time-saving, but they also offer many benefits for home buyers who want to make an informed decision. Here are some of them:
1. You can view more properties in less time. Virtual visits enable you to browse through dozens of homes in hours without having to travel or schedule appointments. No matter which city or location the prospective property is, you no longer have to spend time and effort visiting and doing a preliminary inspection. You can also easily filter your search by location, price, size, style, and other criteria. You can also compare different properties and save your favourites for later review.
2. You can get a realistic impression of the home. Virtual visits are not like photos or videos that can be edited or staged. They show you the actual condition and layout of the home and the surrounding neighbourhood and amenities. You can see the natural light, the colours, the textures, and the dimensions of each space. You can also spot any flaws or issues that might affect your decision.
3. You can interact with the home and the seller. Virtual visits are not passive experiences. You can control what you see and how you see it. You can move around freely, zoom in on details, and switch between views. You can also communicate with the seller or agent via chat or voice. You can ask questions, request more information, or negotiate the price and terms.
4. You can involve your family and friends in the process. Virtual visits are not limited to one device or one person. You can share the link with anyone and invite them to join you on tour. You can get their opinions, feedback, and suggestions. You can also record the tour and watch it again later.
5. You can make a confident offer. Virtual visits give you a lot of information and insight into the home you are interested in. They help you narrow down your choices and eliminate any doubts or uncertainties. They also help to convey to the seller you are serious and motivated about buying their property. By using virtual visits, you can make a strong and informed offer that stands out from the competition.
Therefore, virtual real estate visits are a valuable tool for buyers and sellers in today's market, thanks to the convenience, efficiency and enhanced user experience they bring. Additionally, virtual home tours have also proven to reduce the risk of exposure to viruses or other health hazards in times of pandemics, as well as protect the privacy and security of the properties.
Final Thoughts
Should virtual tours replace physical visits entirely? They should be seen as a complement or a preliminary step to finding or selling a property rather than a substitute. They should also be verified and validated by other sources of information, such as reviews, testimonials or inspections. However, the innovation they bring to the table proves to be a revolutionary change in the real estate and house-hunting world.
