Virtual home tours beyond ease and convenience
Not just scouting and shortlisting, but also the preliminary checks are now being done online. Homebuyers do not have the time to personally visit tens of properties to check if any one of them fits their vision for the new home. Virtual tours have thus been the solution, but real estate experts have noticed how this practice is also helping with another key concern. Experts state that virtual home tours present substantial environmental advantages that align with broader sustainability goals.
The surge in virtual home tours post-pandemic
“During the pandemic, real estate companies adopted virtual tours to facilitate property viewings without physical contact. This trend continued post-pandemic due to the convenience and efficiency it offers both, buyers and sellers.”
Real estate agencies quickly adapted, leveraging technology to create immersive 3D experiences and interactive floor plans with detailed visualisation. This approach not only appeals to the tech-savvy generation but also expands market access, enabling international and long-distance buyers to view properties without the need for travel.
Potential homebuyers can now navigate through a property, analysing all details, from the comfort of their own home. They can also view and compare multiple properties in a short period while saving commute time. Additionally, virtual home tours also reduce the stress of scheduling and commuting.
The seller has the ease of virtual staging, a process where furniture and decor are digitally added to empty rooms, helping buyers visualise the potential of a space. The ability to measure dimensions and view floor plans adds to the practical benefits.
“Some companies offer immersive 3D experiences, interactive floor plans, and detailed visualisations. This approach not only appeals to the tech-savvy generation but also expands market access, enabling international and long-distance buyers to view properties without the need for travel.”
Environmental benefits of virtual home tours
Virtual home tours help in reducing carbon footprints in several ways:
Reduced carbon emissions
Traditional home tours often involve extensive travel, particularly when buyers are looking at multiple properties or in different neighbourhoods. Each visit typically requires a car journey, contributing to carbon emissions. Virtual home tours eliminate the need for such travel, significantly reducing the number of car trips and carbon emissions.
Decreased resource consumption
Conducting physical home tours consumes various resources, such as fuel for transportation and paper for brochures and floor plans. “Virtual home tours, on the other hand, are mostly digital and require minimal physical resources. This shift reduces the need for paper brochures, stationery, gifts, etc.”
Energy efficiency
“Homes shown in traditional tours need to be well-lit and often air-conditioned to ensure a comfortable viewing experience for potential homebuyers. This in turn leads to increased energy consumption, particularly if multiple viewings are scheduled throughout the day,” COO at a real estate developing company. Virtual tours mitigate this need, as buyers can explore properties online without requiring the home to be prepared physically each time. This results in lower energy use and, consequently, a reduction in carbon emissions associated with energy production.
Waste reduction
Real estate transactions generate significant amounts of waste, from printed materials to disposable items used during open houses. Virtual home tours reduce this waste considerably by minimising the need for physical marketing materials and disposable goods. The digital nature of these tours means less waste is produced, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Promoting sustainable practices
The adoption of virtual home tours is part of a broader trend towards digital transformation in various other sectors. By embracing these practices, the real estate sector sets a precedent for sustainability and innovation.
It encourages other sectors to consider how digital solutions can reduce environmental impact, fostering a culture of sustainability. As technology continues to advance, the capabilities and adoption of virtual tours are likely to become more popular in real estate transactions. This change not only enhances the buying and selling experience but also aligns with global efforts to address environmental challenges. Through virtual home tours, the real estate sector can play a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability.
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