New Tech: The Advantages of Showing Properties With Virtual Reality

New Tech: The Advantages of Showing Properties With Virtual Reality

Remote Viewings: When Virtual Reality Meets Real Estate

Conducting house viewings in virtual reality (VR) is no longer a distant possibility; this technology is making great strides. It may well be that in the near future this will be the default method of visiting homes. Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon.

At this time, a small percentage of properties for sale that can be visited in VR, the top reason being that the technology is still unknown. In addition to this, the process is costly. In order for a residence to be viewable in virtual reality, a technician must first go there to collect the visual data that will be used to create the immersive experience. They will carry out a 3D virtualization of the spaces which can be completed in less than two hours.

Exceptional Images

The house can be visited remotely by anyone who wishes to do so. However, a special headset is required. The latter can be rented from or provided by participating brokers. The immersion is impressive. The technology is similar to that used in the video game industry. The quality of the images is therefore exceptional: they are so real that you can see scratches on the floor and even look through the windows to look at the view. 

Everyone Saves Time: Broker, Buyer and Seller

The main advantage of VR house tours is that it allows everyone to save valuable time, be it the broker, the seller or the buyer. In fact, we know that the more detailed a property listing is and the more the photos are a true reflection of the home’s actual appearance, the fewer the number of fruitless visits there will be. Virtual reality offers more and buyers can immediately decide if they like the property. As a result, the broker and the buyer can both avoid unnecessary travel. It’s also ideal for the seller. He will only be visited by buyers who are really interested in his property … and won’t have to repeatedly clean up for nothing! 

Delighted Brokers

For the moment, not all homes are included in the data banks and not all real estate brokers in Quebec are offering the concept. But those who do use it say that they are delighted with it. This is the case for RE/MAX broker Frédéric Hébert, who in September 2019 explained that virtual reality saves him a lot of time: “It would take you take three nights or a day on the weekend to visit 12 homes in Longueuil, Brossard and Boucherville. Instead, I invite clients to my office where I have two VR headsets. In 30 minutes, they can see 14 properties that I have pre-selected according to their needs, their tastes or their budget. Then, we’ll go and view the houses that really interest them.”

Integrating a Different Decor

Some companies around the world even offer their customers the opportunity to see how their furniture will look in the desired home after they have moved in. In this way, they can find out if their sofa is too big for the space or if their colourful comforter looks good in the bedroom. It is likewise possible to push the concept further and repaint the walls or hang wallpaper … virtually, of course!

Useful Technology When Moving Abroad

Virtual reality is also very useful for people moving away from the area there are currently living in. Some are in a hurry and want to quickly find a new home, even before they get on the plane. But this is no mean feat, especially when moving from one continent to another! In the future, they will be able to start long-distance house hunting in the comfort of their own homes.

Reducing Your Ecological Footprint 

Another important aspect of VR visits is that it generates less pollution. One need only think of the gas burned by the broker or buyer driving from one property to the other. Every action counts when it comes to helping the planet!

The Real-World Visit Is Still Important

While this technology offers users a pleasant experience, it would be surprising if it replaced in-person viewings. Indeed, visiting a virtual space does not allow us to feel textures or absorb the vibe of a neighbourhood. And these are aspects that can tip the scales when you’re looking for the property of your dreams. Virtual real estate tours have their limits.

Do you think the use of this technology will be widespread in the real estate world in the next few years?

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.