VR for Real Estate Agencies: From Myth to (Virtual) Reality
The Real Estate sector is getting new tools at the same time that it is being redefined by technology.
For Real Estate VR is a change in their games: this visualization resource is transforming the usual way of working in this area. On the one hand, the power of VR technology can help agents to grow their property portfolio without necessarily investing more time in managing it. On the other hand, it allows them to get more clients and offer high-level services in two ways: online and offline.
In the first case, it provides marketing resources with capacity for differentiation. And this is an important advantage specially when, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 44% of clients look for properties on the Internet first… and they always find the same type of answer to their needs. In the second place, clients in physical office are left with their mouth open, as they do not need to travel around the city looking for their ideal home.
Virtual Reality for Real Estate Agencies
Given the advantages of this new concept, the number of projects based on VR and AR is increasing due to the versatility and dynamism that it promotes. In fact, as this Goldman Sachs report points out, the total revenue associated with this industry within the Real Estate scope will be $ 2.6 billion in 2025.
Now, we will see in a more detailed way, how to apply VR for Real Estate : the virtual 3D tour. (Here we can see an example of a 3D virtual tour produced by our Virtual Reality experts)
3D virtual visits: two ways to see it
There are two ways to show the virtual environment to the client:
Guided tours seem like the conventional promotional videos, but they are totally virtual or in 360º format (which is considered a kind of Virtual Reality). Of course, the user must use a VR set to get the most immersive experience. Although a simple device such as Google Cardboard is enough, if it’s for a client who wants to see a portfolio of virtual tours via online. Anyway, the quality of the visualization equipment is the key in terms of immersion, a factor that requires a modest investment in the case of businesses who deal with public directly.
Interactive tours allow users to choose where to move themselves inside a property by clicking on special access points in the field of vision. The creation of interactive virtual tours is a complex process whose cost is higher, but the result is much more stimulating.
Virtual Home Staging
To understand this discipline in the correct way, let’s imagine showing an empty property, without furniture and in a poor condition. Now, we present exactly the same house or apartment, but furnished, full of details and with a cozy and attractive appearance. Which of these 2 options would be easier to sell? The answer is obvious, isn’t it?
Furthermore, the statistics corroborate it: according to this report (Profile of Home Staging) of the National Association of Realtors, 77% of real estate professionals confirm that the virtual adaptation process helps buyers to associate a property with their future house.
Virtual reality allows you to create stunning 3D real estate tours and organize properties. In this way your customers can see them.
As a conclusion, we remind the importance of assimilating the changes motivated by technological innovations. But do it before you lose your advantage in a sector which does not forgive mistakes.