360º Virtual Tours vs Traditional Viewings: Debunking the Scepticism in Estate Agent Industry

The estate agent industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with virtual tours becoming more prevalent than traditional viewings. Advancements in technology have made 360º virtual tours an increasingly popular option among buyers and sellers. However, some sceptics in the estate agent industry believe that traditional viewings are still the way to go. In this article, we will explore the scepticism surrounding 360º virtual tours and why they are the future of the real estate industry. From the convenience they offer to the cost-effectiveness they provide, we will discuss the many benefits of 360º virtual tours that make them an essential tool for any estate agent looking to stay ahead of the competition.

Overview of Traditional Viewings

Traditional viewings have been the norm in the real estate industry for decades. Buyers would arrange a viewing with an estate agent and visit the property in person. While traditional viewings may seem like a straightforward process, they come with a host of challenges. Buyers often have to travel long distances to view properties, which can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, buyers may have to arrange their schedules around the viewings, which can be quite inconvenient. Traditional viewings also require estate agents to be physically present, which can be a drain on resources.

Benefits of 360º Virtual Tours

360º virtual tours offer many benefits over traditional viewings. First and foremost, they provide convenience to both buyers and sellers. Buyers can view properties from the comfort of their own homes, at any time that suits them. This eliminates the need for buyers to travel long distances to view properties, saving them time and money. Additionally, sellers can showcase their properties to a wider audience, as buyers from around the world can view their properties online. This broadens the pool of potential buyers, increasing the chances of a successful sale.

360º virtual tours also provide a more immersive experience than traditional viewings. Buyers can navigate through the property and get a sense of the space and layout. This allows them to get a better understanding of the property and make more informed decisions. Furthermore, 360º virtual tours are more engaging than traditional viewings, as they offer a unique and interactive experience.

Scepticism in the Estate Agent Industry Towards 360º Virtual Tours

Despite the many benefits of 360º virtual tours, some in the estate agent industry are still sceptical. One of the main concerns is the lack of personal interaction between buyers and estate agents. Traditional viewings provide buyers with the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for the property in person. Additionally, some estate agents believe that 360º virtual tours can be misleading, as they only show a limited view of the property.

Another concern is the cost of creating 360º virtual tours. Estate agents may need to purchase expensive equipment and software to create these tours, which can be a significant expense along with the time to develop. Additionally, some estate agents may not have the necessary technical expertise to create these tours, which can be a barrier to adoption. Other options require acquiring the skills of professional 360º virtual tour technicians which can be costly.

Addressing Concerns About Virtual Tours

While the concerns about 360º virtual tours are valid, they can be addressed with the right approach. Estate agents can still provide personal interaction with buyers by offering virtual tours that are accompanied by a live video call. This allows estate agents to answer any questions that buyers may have in real-time, providing a more personalized experience.

To address concerns about the accuracy of 360º virtual tours, estate agents can provide floor plans and additional photos to give buyers a more comprehensive view of the property. Additionally, estate agents can use drones to capture aerial footage of the property, providing buyers with a better understanding of the surrounding area.

Case Studies: Success Stories of 360º Virtual Tours

Many estate agents have already embraced 360º virtual tours and have seen great success. One example is Redfin, a US-based real estate company that uses 3D walkthroughs to showcase properties. According to Redfin, properties with 3D walkthroughs receive 50% more views than those without. Additionally, these properties sell 10% faster and for up to 3% more than the asking price.

Another success story is the UK-based estate agent, Foxtons. Foxtons has been using virtual tours since 2014 and has seen a significant increase in sales as a result. According to Foxtons, properties with virtual tours receive twice as many enquiries as those without. Additionally, these properties sell 30% faster than those without virtual tours.

Comparison of Costs Between Traditional Viewings and Virtual Tours

While there may be initial costs associated with creating 360º virtual tours, they are ultimately more cost-effective than traditional viewings. Traditional viewings require estate agents to spend time and money on travel, while virtual tours can be viewed from anywhere in the world. Additionally, virtual tours can be viewed multiple times, eliminating the need for multiple viewings. This saves estate agents time and resources, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business.

Future of the Estate Agent Industry with Virtual Tours

The real estate industry is constantly evolving, and virtual tours are becoming an essential tool for estate agents. With the convenience they offer and the cost-effectiveness they provide, virtual tours are poised to become the norm in the industry. Additionally, advancements in technology will continue to make virtual tours more immersive and engaging, providing buyers with an even better experience.

Conclusion

360º virtual tours are the future of the real estate industry. They provide convenience to both buyers and sellers, offer a more immersive experience than traditional viewings, and are ultimately more cost-effective. While there may be some scepticism in the estate agent industry, the benefits of virtual tours are clear. By embracing this technology, estate agents can stay ahead of the competition and provide buyers with the best possible experience. So, whether you're a buyer, seller, or estate agent, it's time to embrace the future of estate  agents and see why 360º virtual tours are the way to go.

By Lee Wells

Walk Us Through Ltd

Gloucestershire

Walk-us-through.com