Introduction
A virtual real estate showing has become a vital tool for agents, providing a convenient way to showcase properties to clients from anywhere for accessibility. It has become an essential tool for agents, providing a convenient way to showcase properties to clients from anywhere. These showings expand accessibility, save time, and allow potential buyers to tour multiple properties quickly. Yet, hosting a successful virtual showing requires more than a simple video call. Here are best practices to ensure your virtual showings are as effective, engaging, and professional as possible.
1. Prepare the Property Thoroughly for a Real Estate Showing
Like an in-person showing, a virtual tour requires a property to look its best. To maximize appeal, clean, declutter, and stage the property beforehand. Pay attention to small details like removing personal items, ensuring good lighting, and making spaces appear spacious and inviting.
Tip in Action: Remove clutter from countertops, tidy up visible storage spaces, and add small touches like fresh flowers to make the space feel welcoming on camera.
2. Invest in Quality Equipment
A quality camera, tripod, and microphone are essential for a professional virtual showing. Many smartphones offer high-quality video, but a stabilizing tripod will reduce shaky footage, and a microphone ensures clear audio, especially if there’s background noise.
Tip in Action: Use a smartphone gimbal for smooth transitions between rooms. For live tours, consider using a lapel microphone to ensure clear sound.
3. Utilize Multiple Formats for Maximum Flexibility
Offer both live and pre-recorded virtual showings to cater to different client preferences. Pre-recorded tours allow you to highlight the best features in a polished format, while live tours enable clients to ask questions and request a closer look at specific areas.
Tip in Action: Create a well-edited, pre-recorded tour with captions and descriptions, and schedule live showings for clients who want real-time interaction.
4. Set the Scene with Natural Light
Natural light is crucial for making rooms appear bright and spacious. Schedule virtual showings during the day and open blinds and curtains to let in as much light as possible. Avoid harsh overhead lights, which can cast unflattering shadows, and use lamps for softer lighting if necessary.
Tip in Action: Schedule your virtual tours mid-morning or early afternoon for the best natural lighting, and avoid tours on overcast days if possible.
5. Showcase Key Property Features and Layouts
In a virtual showing, it’s essential to highlight unique property features, such as large windows, upgraded appliances, or architectural details. Give special attention to flow and layout by logically walking clients through the property, allowing them to understand how each space connects.
Tip in Action: Start with the exterior and main living areas, then move to bedrooms, bathrooms, and additional features like basements or outdoor spaces. Narrate to provide context, pointing out notable design elements.
6. Provide a Virtual Floor Plan and Measurements
Virtual showings can make it difficult for clients to gauge scale and layout accurately. Including a digital floor plan or adding measurements during your tour helps viewers understand room sizes and how they might fit their furniture.
Tip in Action: If possible, overlay measurements in your virtual tour video or include a link to a floor plan clients can access before or after the showing.
7. Engage Viewers with Real-Time Interaction
For live virtual showings, encourage client interaction by inviting questions and addressing concerns immediately. This engagement helps build trust, gives viewers a sense of control, and makes the experience more personal.
Tip in Action: Prompt clients to ask questions as you move through each room. For instance, ask if they’d like a closer view of any features or want to see a specific area again.
8. Narrate Effectively and Avoid Jargon
Narration is critical to a successful virtual showing, so describe rooms and features clearly without overwhelming clients with real estate jargon. Keep the language simple, engaging, and focused on the property’s standout qualities.
Tip in Action: Instead of using terms like “upgraded granite countertops,” try “These countertops are durable, easy to maintain, and provide an elegant finish to the kitchen.”
9. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Leverage interactive tools, such as 3D tours, virtual reality (VR) experiences, or augmented reality (AR) applications, to give clients a more profound sense of the property. 3D and VR tours allow clients to explore rooms independently, while AR will enable them to visualize furniture placements and renovations.
Tip in Action: Provide clients with links to 3D or VR tours and encourage them to explore the property independently after the guided virtual showing.
10. Ensure a Reliable Internet Connection
A solid and stable internet connection is essential to prevent buffering, freezing, or low-quality video during live virtual showings. Test your connection beforehand to avoid technical interruptions, especially if you’re hosting the on-site showing.
Tip in Action: If the property’s Wi-Fi is spotty, consider using a mobile hotspot for better connectivity during the tour.
11. Plan for Multiple Viewing Options
Since virtual showings can occur through various platforms, be flexible with options to accommodate clients. Offer showings through popular platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime, and be prepared to assist clients with setup if they are unfamiliar with the technology.
Tip in Action: Email clients a list of platform options in advance, with instructions for joining, and send a reminder email or text before the scheduled showing.
12. Follow Up with Additional Resources
After the virtual showing, provide clients additional resources, such as listing details, floor plans, video links, or a downloadable brochure. This step reinforces your professionalism, keeps the property in mind, and gives clients a reference if they have additional questions.
Tip in Action: Send a follow-up email with links to recorded tours, images, and contact information to keep the property fresh in the client’s mind.
13. Be Transparent About Potential Limitations
While virtual showings are convenient, they may not capture every detail that an in-person tour would. Be transparent about this and offer to address any concerns or schedule an in-person showing if feasible.
Tip in Action: Let clients know that while you’re committed to showing them as much as possible, specific details (like property noise or neighbourhood ambience) might be better experienced in person.
Conclusion
Virtual real estate showings are an incredible way to engage potential buyers and broaden the reach of property listings. By following these best practices, real estate agents can make virtual showings as impactful as in-person tours, creating a seamless, informative, and engaging client experience. Embracing the latest technology and focusing on client interaction and clear communication can set agents apart in a competitive real estate market, making virtual showings a crucial part of their success strategy.
