In 2020, the nature of many customer-facing industries changed dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For instance, with increasing concerns over the spread of the virus, house viewings became a problem. Although the world has adapted, and work can go on, limited contact where house viewings are concerned is still a priority. 

So, in this article, we will discuss how estate agencies can use immersive technologies to adapt to the crisis. 

How Immersive Technologies Reduce The Need for In-Person Viewings

Customers arrange property viewings with their estate agents for one reason: They want to get a better impression of the layout and look of the house. 

In the past, this was a necessary follow up after having seen photographs online. Although photos are excellent for providing a general impression, they often leave buyers a bit ‘fuzzy’ about the exact layout of the space. As such, an in-person viewing is almost always necessary to gain a genuine understanding of the property.

However, by employing immersive technologies that enable buyers a better feel for the property online, they can more accurately assess the likelihood of purchasing the house. Consequently, they’re better positioned to determine whether a physical viewing of the property is really necessary. 

In other words, immersive technologies let you filter out those that aren’t interested, ensuring any remaining requests are from prospects seriously considering purchasing the property. Thus limiting the amount of in-person contact you have potential buyers.

Beyond the pandemic, this could streamline your agency’s viewing requests, making immersive technology something well worth investing in.

 

woman using VR to view real estate

Immersive Technologies That Revolutionize Property Viewings

Augmented reality and virtual reality have both become increasingly accessible tools for real estate agents.

For instance, virtual online tours are already commonplace. These are created by recording the property with a 360-degree camera. This ensures every angle of the house can be presented online for buyers to view from the comfort of their living rooms.  

These tours can be turned into interactive visits by providing hotspots the viewer can click on to virtually ‘move’ through the property online.

That said, virtual reality has the potential to take the immersive experience much further. This can allow viewers to visit the house virtually in a 3D space and examine the layout as if they were standing inside the home. 

Given that the photos are up-to-date, this is an incredibly life-like representation of the property. Viewers can even go so far as to assure the walls are free of cracks, examine the carpeting on the stairs, and look at anything else you want!

Suppose you don’t have the means for virtual reality. In that case, a guided interior walkthrough is also an excellent way to immerse customers. These resemble promotional videos, taken with 360-degree cameras. All this takes is a panoramic camera, and then your agents can talk over the video to explain the features of the house.

Implement Immersive Technologies to Ensure Your Company Excel During the Pandemic

These difficult times require creative and technological innovations to the way we do things.

With immersive technologies, not only do you regain control over an important part of the sales process, but you’ll also keep your agents and buyers safer by only arranging viewings for those ready to take the next step in the home buying process. It truly is a win-win for everybody!

To learn more, and find out how we can help you, please feel free to get in touch.

This blog was produced in collaboration with Student Accommodation Leicester: Brink Riley, and written by the team at SEO Agency Birmingham: Marketing Voice.