Virtual tours are an immersive experience that allows potential customers to explore a property remotely, providing a realistic and interactive way to view spaces. They have become a crucial tool in proptech (property technology) for enhancing sales efforts, especially in real estate, where the physical location of properties often poses a challenge for buyers.
benefits of virtual tours in proptech sales
- enhanced customer engagement: Virtual tours offer an interactive experience, allowing users to control the pace and direction of their tour, making them more engaged compared to static images or videos.
- wider reach: Buyers can view properties from anywhere in the world, making it easier to attract international clients or those in distant locations.
- time efficiency: Virtual tours save time for both buyers and sellers by reducing the need for multiple in-person visits to properties.
- increased transparency: Buyers can explore every nook and cranny of a property, leading to a more transparent and trust-building process.
real-world examples of virtual tours in proptech
- matterport in residential real estate: Matterport, a leading company in 3D tour technology, has revolutionized how residential properties are marketed. Agents use Matterport to create detailed, 3D walkthroughs of homes, allowing buyers to explore properties as if they were there in person. This has led to faster sales cycles and higher engagement rates.
- redfin’s virtual home tours: Real estate brokerage Redfin offers virtual home tours, where agents walk through a property with a camera, providing live commentary and answering questions in real-time. This service has been particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling property sales despite lockdowns and travel restrictions.
- commercial real estate with vieweet: Vieweet specializes in creating virtual tours for commercial properties. Companies looking to lease office spaces or retail units can now get a comprehensive view of potential locations without needing to physically visit each one. This has streamlined the decision-making process for businesses looking to expand or relocate.
implementing virtual tours for your proptech startup
- choose the right technology: Start by selecting a virtual tour platform that suits your needs. Platforms like Matterport, 3DVista, or Cupix offer various features depending on your budget and the complexity of your properties.
- create high-quality content: Invest in professional photography or videography to ensure the virtual tours are of the highest quality. Poor-quality tours can deter potential buyers.
- integrate with your sales process: Incorporate virtual tours into your existing sales process. This could include embedding tours on your website, sharing them via email with prospects, or using them during virtual meetings.
- train your sales team: Ensure your sales team is familiar with the technology and can effectively guide potential buyers through the virtual tour, answering any questions that may arise.
- promote virtual tours: Highlight the availability of virtual tours in your marketing efforts. Use social media, email campaigns, and property listings to showcase this feature and attract more potential buyers.
conclusion
Using virtual tours in proptech can significantly enhance your sales efforts by offering an immersive and convenient way for buyers to explore properties. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully implement virtual tours in your startup, increasing engagement, trust, and ultimately, sales.