House Tours Virtual

Welcome to another Momentum 360 blog! Our goal is to inform you on everything 360 related in our incredible industry. If this is your first time with us, welcome aboard! If you’re coming back for a second read with us, welcome back! In this one, we’ll go over house tours virtual!

House Tours Go Virtual: A New Era of Property Exploration

There was a time when the notion of touring a house without actually stepping into it would’ve sounded like science fiction. Fast forward to today, and virtual house tours are not just a reality, but rapidly becoming the norm. As technology evolves and integrates into our daily lives, the real estate market is not to be left behind. Here’s a closer look at how house tours have gone virtual and the benefits that come with it.

What is a Virtual House Tour?

A virtual house tour, at its core, is a digital exploration of a property. This can range from simple photo slideshows to more interactive 3D and 360-degree walkthroughs. The latter allows potential buyers or renters to navigate through a property just like they would in a video game, offering an immersive experience.

These tours are made using special cameras that capture every angle of the house. Once stitched together, they create a digital replica of the property. Some advanced tours even offer augmented or virtual reality experiences, transporting viewers into the property using VR headsets.

Why the Shift to Virtual?

Safety & Convenience: With recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an immediate need to minimize in-person contact. Virtual house tours provided a safe and efficient solution. But even outside of pandemic concerns, virtual tours eliminate the need for multiple physical viewings, making it easier for international buyers or those who simply can’t travel.
Time-Saving: Going from one property to another can be time-consuming, especially in large cities. With virtual tours, you can visit multiple properties in a single afternoon from the comfort of your home.
Broadening the Market: Sellers can now showcase their properties to potential buyers from all over the world. The geographical barriers that once limited property viewing are now a thing of the past.
Enhanced Information: Virtual tours often come with additional features. From clickable hotspots providing information on the kitchen countertops’ material to embedded videos explaining the house’s history, the potential for an enriched viewing experience is vast.

Benefits of Virtual House Tours

A Real Feel: While photos can be deceiving, a well-done virtual tour gives a more accurate spatial awareness. You can understand the flow of the house, the size of rooms, and even see what the view looks like from the bedroom window.
24/7 Open House: There’s no need to coordinate timings between sellers, buyers, and agents. The house is always ‘open’ for a tour online.
Reduced Pressure: Virtual tours can be taken at your own pace. There’s no rush, and there’s no agent watching you as you explore, which can make some buyers feel pressured or rushed.

What’s Next for Virtual House Tours?

As technology advances, we can expect the virtual house tour experience to become even more immersive. We might soon be able to:

Interact with Objects: Imagine opening cupboards, switching on lights, or even changing the wall colors to see how the living room looks in a shade of blue.
Virtual Reality Integration: While this is already in play, expect it to become mainstream. With a VR headset, potential buyers could almost ‘feel’ like they’re inside the house.
Instant Feedback & Queries: Future virtual tours might have an integrated AI assistant that can answer questions in real-time, like “When was the roof last replaced?” or “What’s the square footage of this room?”

In conclusion, the digitization of house tours is yet another testament to how technology is revolutionizing industries. For the real estate market, it means broader audiences, convenience, and immersive experiences. For buyers and renters, it means broader choices, more information, and a better sense of their potential new home. The future of house hunting is here, and it’s virtual!

The Real Cost of Virtual House Tours: An Investment Worth Making?

The real estate landscape has been significantly transformed by the rise of technology. Among the most notable changes is the shift from traditional in-person house showings to virtual house tours. While the idea of navigating a property from the comfort of your home or office might seem intriguing, many are left wondering about the costs associated with this novel approach. In this blog, we’ll break down the expenses and evaluate whether virtual house tours are indeed an investment worth making.

What Goes into Creating a Virtual House Tour?

Before diving into costs, it’s crucial to understand the elements that make up a virtual house tour:

Photography and Videography: The backbone of any virtual tour is high-quality imagery, be it photographs, videos, or a combination of both.
360-degree Cameras: Unlike traditional cameras, these capture a comprehensive view of each room, allowing for a more immersive experience.
Software: Specialized software is needed to stitch together the images, creating fluid transitions and enabling viewers to ‘walk’ through the property.
Hosting: Once created, the tour needs to be hosted online for potential buyers or renters to access.

Breaking Down the Costs

Equipment Costs: If you’re thinking of handling the tours in-house, you’ll need to invest in a good 360-degree camera. Prices can range from $200 for entry-level cameras to over $5000 for professional-grade equipment.
Professional Services: Hiring a professional to shoot and create your virtual tour can range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the property’s size and the complexity of the tour. This fee typically includes shooting, editing, and producing the virtual tour.
Software Costs: If you decide to DIY, several software options help in creating virtual tours. These can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per month, with some premium options charging a one-time fee of up to $400.
Hosting Fees: Hosting a virtual tour online can range from $5 to $50 per month, based on the hosting solution chosen.
Additional Features: Want to add interactive elements, floor plans, or information hotspots? While these enhance the viewer’s experience, they might come at an extra cost, often ranging between $10 to $100, depending on the complexity.

The Intangible Benefits and Returns

While there’s a clear monetary cost to virtual house tours, one must also consider the intangible benefits and potential returns on this investment:

Global Reach: Virtual tours open your property to a global audience. This is especially beneficial for luxury properties or homes in tourist or expat-heavy locales.
Time and Money Savings: Reducing the need for physical viewings can save both agents and clients significant amounts of time and money.
Increased Engagement: Virtual tours are more engaging than static photos. This could mean potential buyers spend more time ‘in’ the property, increasing the likelihood of them taking the next step.
Competitive Edge: Offering virtual tours can give a listing a competitive advantage in a crowded market, potentially leading to quicker sales or rentals.

Is It Worth the Investment?

For most realtors and homeowners, the answer is a resounding yes. The initial costs of creating a virtual tour are easily offset by the myriad benefits. Not only do they make a property more accessible and engaging, but in a post-pandemic world, they offer a safe, convenient alternative to traditional viewings.

However, like any investment, it’s essential to ensure quality. A poorly executed virtual tour can be more detrimental than beneficial. Therefore, whether you’re outsourcing or taking the DIY route, always prioritize quality to ensure your virtual tour paints the property in the best light.

In Conclusion

Virtual house tours, while having an associated cost, offer unparalleled advantages in the modern real estate landscape. Their ability to showcase properties to a wider audience, coupled with the convenience and safety they provide, makes them an investment with potential for significant returns. So, if you’re on the fence, now might be the perfect time to go virtual with your property listings.

Exploring Virtual House Tours: Essential Equipment Breakdown

In recent years, virtual house tours have reshaped the real estate market. With prospective buyers exploring homes from their digital devices, the quality of these tours has become paramount. And while the concept of a virtual house tour might seem daunting, having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more professional. Let’s delve into the essential equipment for crafting stellar virtual house tours.

1. 360-Degree Cameras

Arguably the cornerstone of virtual tours, 360-degree cameras capture every angle of a room in a single shot, offering viewers an immersive experience.

Ricoh Theta V: Renowned for its ease of use, this camera delivers high-resolution images and videos. It’s ideal for real estate agents taking their first step into virtual tours.
Insta360 One X: Known for its excellent image stabilization, this camera provides crisp 5.7K videos and 18MP photos. Its intuitive editing software is a bonus.
GoPro MAX: A familiar name in the action camera sector, GoPro’s 360 offering is top-notch. Its rugged design and superior video quality make it a favorite among professionals.

2. Drones

For properties with expansive exteriors or those located in picturesque settings, drones can capture breathtaking aerial shots.

DJI Mavic Air 2: Compact yet powerful, this drone boasts 48MP photos and 4K videos, ensuring your property looks stunning from every angle.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro: A professional’s choice, its 1-inch image sensor captures detailed images and videos. Its obstacle sensing makes flying safer.

3. Tripods and Stabilizers

Steady, level shots are crucial for a professional-looking tour. Tripods ensure your 360-camera remains stable, while stabilizers are great for moving shots.

Manfrotto Compact Advanced: Lightweight and robust, this tripod is perfect for 360-degree cameras. Its ball head ensures precise and smooth movements.
DJI Ronin-S: For videographers capturing dynamic shots, this stabilizer offers excellent balance and fluid movement.

4. Lighting Equipment

Natural light is perfect, but sometimes you need a little boost. Proper lighting ensures clarity and showcases the property in the best way.

Neewer Ring Light Kit: Ring lights provide even illumination, reducing shadows. This kit is portable and comes with adjustable color temperatures.
Godox SL-60W: A more powerful lighting solution, it’s excellent for larger properties or dimly lit spaces. The LED light can be adjusted for brightness and color temperature.

5. Virtual Tour Software

Once you’ve captured your footage, software is required to stitch images together, add hotspots, and create a seamless experience.

Matterport: A favorite in the industry, Matterport allows users to craft interactive 3D tours. Its cloud-based platform ensures easy sharing and hosting.
Kuula: User-friendly and versatile, Kuula offers photo editing, virtual tour creation, and even VR integration.

6. Virtual Reality Headsets (Optional)

Taking virtual house tours to the next level, VR headsets offer potential buyers an incredibly immersive experience.

Oculus Quest 2: Wireless and user-friendly, it’s ideal for showcasing properties in full VR glory.
Samsung Gear VR: Compatible with a range of Samsung phones, it offers a more affordable VR solution for real estate agents.

Making the Most of Your Equipment

Buying the best equipment is just the start; understanding how to use it effectively is crucial. Here are a few tips:

Plan Your Shots: Before starting, map out the property. Decide the sequence of rooms and any key features you wish to highlight.
Use Natural Light: Whenever possible, shoot during the day to make the most of natural light. This reduces the need for excessive artificial lighting and ensures colors remain true to life.
Edit Thoughtfully: While software offers various editing capabilities, avoid over-processing. The goal is to present the property realistically.

In Conclusion

Virtual house tours have proven invaluable in modern real estate, bridging distances and providing safe property viewing options. Investing in the right equipment is fundamental to crafting professional and engaging tours. Whether you’re a seasoned real estate agent or just starting, this equipment guide will ensure you’re well-prepared to showcase properties in the digital realm.

House Tours Virtual

Momentum 360 is a Premiere Small Business and Real Estate marketing company in Philadelphia and tri-state area. Our main service offerings are 3D Virtual Tours powered by Matterport, as well as photography and videography. We are both a Matterport Service Provider and Google Trusted Photography agency. While 3D Virtual Tours started in real estate, they are versatile and applicable across every industry.

House Tours Virtual

Momentum 360 specializes in virtual tours for real estate, small businesses, restaurants, retail, healthcare, professional services, and much more. These virtual tours help our clients showcase their business online, while also allowing them to rank higher on Google with SEO, and get more followers on social media. Call for a quote.

House Tours Virtual