As real estate continues to adapt to our changing times, real estate technology is more important than ever. This month, we are rolling out a series focusing on different kinds of real estate technology, and how these tools can help you sell more homes than ever. In this article, we’re examining virtual reality real estate: virtual tour software, 3D mapping, and virtual floorplans.
As homebuyers move to touring many homes online, real estate agents must know and understand the tools available to create the best virtual tour possible for potential buyers.
Real Estate Technology at a Glance
In the past decade, we have seen an unprecedented rise in real estate technology. As younger buyers enter the real estate market, they’re expecting computer-based and cloud-based tools to help them search for and purchase real estate. In fact, listings that offer virtual tours get more views and sell faster than those without.
Tech companies have stepped up to the challenge. Many real estate technology companies have created products designed to help real estate agents, home buyers, and homeowners sell homes faster. Moving forward – especially as the country continues to change its habits due to a pandemic – real estate technology will continue to play a starring role in home buying and selling.
What is Virtual Reality Real Estate?
One tool gaining in popularity, particularly in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, is virtual reality real estate. These tools allow potential buyers to view a home virtually, “touring” every room from the comfort of their home.
Gone are the days of hours-long home showings. Instead, tech-savvy buyers can log on from anywhere they have internet access and complete virtual walkthroughs of dozens of homes in a single sitting.
Top Real Estate Virtual Tour Programs
Virtual Real Estate tools vary as widely as the homes they showcase. Here, we’re outlining some of the top virtual tour and 3D mapping tools that real estate agents use.
Matterport https://matterport.com/
Photo by: Matterport.com
Matterport creates stunning 3D tours of homes using 3D cameras or iPhones. It’s more than just a panoramic tour; it’s a fully immersive virtual tour. Once completed, a Matterport allows users to move from space to space in a home, giving a completely accurate picture of each area.
In addition, Matterport technology measures each space and creates a “digital twin” of the floorplan. Buyers can see a detailed 3D rendering of the home’s floorplan, rotating to view from any angle. Then, users can click on each room to see high-resolution panoramic renderings of each space, from multiple angles.
Many real estate photographers are familiar with Matterport and have the cameras necessary to create the virtual walkthrough. There is also a “find a pro” tool on the Matterport website, where real estate agents can connect with professionals who can create the virtual walkthrough experience for a property.
Photo By: PadStyler.com
PadStyler https://www.padstyler.com/
Another player in the virtual reality real estate game, PadStyler not only creates virtual walkthroughs, but also allows users to create virtual staging and architectural renderings. Like Matterport, PadStyler uses 3D photos to create a virtual floorplan, where potential buyers can “tour” each room.
iGuide https://goiguide.com/
Photo by: iGuide.com
Using a specialized 3D camera, iGuide creates stunning 3D renderings, virtual home walkthroughs, and downloadable floorplans. The platform also comes complete with measurement guides so buyers can plan each room and ensure their furniture will fit in the space.
In addition, real estate agents can add still images and other videos to enhance the buyer’s experience. Agents can also include information about the neighborhood, school districts, restaurants, transit hubs, and more.
Virtual Tour Outfit/Easy Pano https://www.easypano.com/virtual-tour-outfit.html
Photo by: Easy Pano Virtual Tour Outfit
A more affordable “do-it-yourself” option, Virtual Tour Outfit sends agents and photographers everything they need to create virtual tours on their own. Using a DSLR camera, Realtors, photographers, or even homeowners can use the specialized lens and equipment to create 3D floorplans and panoramic views of each room.
Zillow Virtual Tour https://www.zillow.com/marketing/3d-home/
MLS giant Zillow isn’t sitting back and watching other companies get ahead in the virtual reality real estate game. Instead, they’ve created their own app that allows home sellers, agents, and photographers to create high-quality virtual walkthroughs of their properties.
Photo By: Zillow
The best part? You can create a virtual tour using an iPhone.
While the 3D tour software is intended for use only on Zillow and Trulia, agents can add the 3D tour to another MLS listing site or their own website by embedding a link. The app is free to use, making it a popular option with some agents. However, it doesn’t quite match the quality and effectiveness of other paid software on this list.
What’s Your Take on Virtual Reality Real Estate Tools?
Have you tried these virtual reality real estate apps? We want to hear about them! Share your experiences with us in the comments below, or tell us about another real estate technology you love.
Next week, we will be looking at Client Management Software, so stay tuned!
Great tips! Do you know if matterpods runs on macbook? I am after architectural software that is compatible with the system .. and this one in particular caught my attention!
Thanks! Currently we have only used it on iPhone’s. I don’t think there is a MacBook application for Matterport yet, unfortunately. Have you looked at TurboFloorPlan 3D Home & Landscape?
Matterport virtual tours work on pretty much any modern phone, laptop, tablet, pc, etc. If you have a web browser, Matterport works. I own a Matterport camera system .
Thanks for the feedback, Chris! We think Matterport is an incredible product, too. Thank you for sharing your experience.