The power of virtual tours: Six ways agents can benefit from this technology

The real estate industry is constantly evolving, with new technology becoming available that speeds up processes and enhances the customer experience. Are you using the latest technology to help you sell more properties? 

"During the pandemic, people wanted to view houses but also stay safe, and this really boosted the popularity of virtual tours," says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group. "While the pandemic has passed, virtual tours have remained a powerful tool that helps agents showcase their listings, reach a wider audience and attract more serious buyers."

We unpack six ways agents can benefit from using virtual tours to sell properties. 

1. Save time and money

Setting up show days and in-person viewings requires a lot of planning and travelling, which can be time-consuming for agents. In addition, some of these enquiries are just from curious people who have no intention of buying the property. Virtual tours become the first viewing, so the second, physical viewing is likely to be with an interested potential buyer. This time saving enables agents to focus on other important aspects of their business. 

2. Increase convenience and accessibility 

Virtual tours create a permanent open house which reduces the need to schedule, clean, stage and stay onsite for long hours. The property will always be seen in its best condition and during bright daylight hours - no matter what time of day it really is. It's available for viewings around the clock and can be seen multiple times - from the comfort of the potential buyer's couch. 

3. Create a sense of ownership

As the potential buyer tours the house virtually in their own time and at their own pace, it provides a sense of control and autonomy and helps build an emotional connection with the property. Viewing the home in 3D creates a more realistic, immersive experience, where every detail can be seen and the house layout can be appreciated. This all helps the potential buyer to envision themselves living there.

4. Reach a wider audience

The property can be viewed by someone who has time constraints or who lives in a different city, province or country, and it can be viewed multiple times without the need to schedule in-person appointments. Virtual tours are also particularly useful if the property is in a remote area or is difficult to access. 

5. Improve the home-buying experience

Buyers may not have time to view open houses every weekend, so virtual tours enable them to see multiple properties in a short space of time, helping them to narrow down their choices for a second, in-person viewing. Virtual tours also provide an intriguing digital experience, making the property more memorable. 

6. Gain a competitive advantage 

Stand out in the market with virtual tours that help you showcase properties and their features in an interactive and more engaging manner. In a highly competitive industry, virtual tours can help set you apart and attract more high-interest buyers. 

All content formats are important and add value to a listing. For example, video is indispensable on social media. However, virtual tours have become an essential tool for the modern agent. Take advantage of this technology to increase property visibility in a crowded market, enhance the buying experience for your customers, save time, money and effort, attract more interested buyers and ultimately sell more properties. 

At Chas Everitt, we have always believed in the power of technology to improve and streamline processes while enhancing the experience of agents, buyers and sellers. If you're interested in joining our innovative, forward-thinking company, visit our recruitment page.