MBy saying the words “remote viewing,” you might conjure up an image from a Dean Koontz novel of a CIA-trained telepath in a trance-like state, “spying” on a Russian missile complex.

But thanks to dramatic advances in camera technology, artificial intelligence (AI) software and broadband speeds, it’s now an option for potential buyers.

Imagine that you need to organize an “open house” session. You know that most of the spectators are tire enthusiasts, but you have to repeat all the characteristics of the property over and over again.

What if you could guide them simultaneously, without any of them having to meet – and all from the comfort of your office?

Essential Agent Armor

Virtual reality tours and property tours allow you to do just that and are the final weapon in an agent’s arsenal. Just five years ago, they would have been considered gimmicky – years away from mainstream adoption.

And then came Covid and the restrictions on visiting physical properties. The lockdowns have had many repercussions, but not all of them good. But one positive outcome has been the dramatic acceleration of technology for viewing properties remotely.

Whether it’s 3D floor plans, videos, or virtual reality (VR) and 3D tours, there are now a wide range of time-saving technologies available – technologies that will not only save you time time, but will display your clients’ properties in a spectacular and new way. , and help you fend off the competition.

“Virtual tours are a fantastic tool for agents,” says Jonny wanderstraining and development manager at Nichecom (you can see one here).

“We have technology that allows agents to host virtual tours, where they can invite people to a call and show them around, show them in rooms, introduce other people to that call – it “It’s great technology.”

If you show first tours to people via a virtual platform, you can minimize your carbon emissions by around 80%.

He says this technology also allows agents to reduce their carbon footprint. “Physical viewings are the main carbon-producing element in the real estate market. This is ideal for carbon neutral status. You create this huge carbon footprint – if you show the first visions to people via a virtual platform, you can minimize your carbon emissions by around 80%,” he points out.

Nichecom employs more than 125 real estate photographers across the country who will take high-resolution photos for display purposes and 3D images, as well as shoot video and draw up floor plans for agents. In fact, the company’s “niche” is to reduce the burden on agents as much as possible.

Another innovation is the use of drones for aerial photography, with up to 600 flights per month. “We’ve seen that drones have had an incredible impact on a whole range of properties,” says Wanders. “We captured stunning estates, sprawling farms and magnificent harborside cottages. Each offering a perspective impossible from the ground. It really is a real wow effect.

Giraffe360 is another market leader that allows agents to host 3D tours of properties. “People like rich content, and that comes down to the basics of photography, floor plans, 3D tours and videos,” says CEO, Mikus Opelswhich is currently in the United States, where the company is rapidly gaining traction.

American influence

Giraffe360’s core offering is, as the name suggests, 360º photography, using its own bespoke tripod-mounted cameras, featuring the latest technology such as Sony sensors, Lidar and an AI chip.

“Our goal has always been to provide a premium tool at the lowest possible cost,” says Opelts. “You just take this beautiful camera and press a few buttons – it’s a very simple process. Our AI then renders the scan content, so there is no additional work for the user.

But Opelts does not believe in standing still and has focused on developing its video offering.

“Price is not the determining factor for our customers: they want quality. We spent a lot of time on the video functionality,” he says. “Eighteen months ago we didn’t have a good video offering, and video seems to be growing a lot thanks to social media. This is definitely a trend in the US, which is our fastest growing market. The United States is obsessed with social media presence; it’s all about video – reels and shorts.

Some of this American influence will soon find its way to British customers. “You get this American influence on the product that I think our British customers are going to love, it’s going to make it more flamboyant, bolder – very marketing-driven characteristics,” adds Opelts.

AI audio and additional features

One new feature he says customers love is a descriptive audio file to accompany video tours. A description of the property is automatically generated from the camera scans using the built-in AI, and it is generated as a text file, which ChatGPT then uses to generate the audio file. The whole process only takes a few seconds.

Metropixa company that originated in providing standard floor plans used on thousands of listings, has now also begun using 3D to complement its latest 2D “visual” floor plans, which feature furniture and d other room elements.

“Essentially, you make the 2D floor plan, you label the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, etc. and the rooms will be automatically furnished. They can then press a button and get a 3D version as well,” says Steve Sanashee, customer success manager at Metropix.

“If you wish, you can even reposition the furniture – this is an option appreciated by some of our customers. Thanks to intelligent algorithms, it won’t place a chair in front of a door: it can read its landmarks in the room.

Metropix has some 10 million UK floor plans in its database, and you can get started quickly by simply selecting a similar address and adjusting if necessary. In 15% of cases there will be an exact match for the property, while in 80% of cases there will be something similar on the same road.

The app can be used on a smartphone, but Sanashee recommends using an iPad with its much larger screen. Everything works offline, so you don’t need a signal and it will sync as soon as you are in signal range.

He says 2D is even more popular right now, but 3D is a great complement. “You can go in and get a real sense of the size and layout, it’s the logical side of the brain. But the emotional side is drawn to fanciful things, and that’s where 3D comes in: they complement each other.

“We recommend our clients introduce the idea of ​​3D plans during the appraisal, so you can talk about additional options when marketing the property. It’s probably something the seller has never seen before – they don’t know it’s a simple click of a button – so it’s a bit of a “wrap me” hook at the offset.

“It is not a 360º tour, but an alternative that makes it more accessible to the smallest agent.”

Compare and Contrast

Meanwhile at Inventory hive, specializing in easy-to-use inventory software for the rental market, the company has developed DIY 360º virtual tours using affordable 3D cameras.

“Virtual tours have become much more popular during Covid,” explains Marketing Director, Mitch Handley. “We received feedback from agents, as the popularity of virtual tours grew, that if they were already on site taking inventory, they could create a virtual tour at the same time using the “Inventory Hive app.”

Ricoh cameras, which start at just over £300, sync seamlessly with the app and users can add hotspots (links to other rooms or features) here and there, rather than having to add them later, creating a seamless tour of both properties. visits and inventory records.

All the agent has to do is compare and contrast images from a new scan of the property, rather than resorting to the traditional method of taking dozens of individual photos.

When it comes to check out time, all the agent has to do is compare and contrast images from a new scan of the property, rather than the traditional method of taking dozens of individual photos coupled with numerous notes – although they can still take photos. still images of commonly controversial articles.

Usability is the key feature of the application. “Agents want to create inventory reports for the properties they manage as quickly and efficiently as possible, without substituting details,” says Handley.

“When you take a check-out report, you can compare it with the check-in and see photos walking around the property in the app, so you can clearly see what it looked like and make your judgment from there , and if there are any deposit deductions or maintenance issues that need to be raised.

“This means they spend less time at the property because they take fewer standard photos. It’s also great from a referee’s point of view, so we have a very good working relationship with TDS, and they like to look at 360° photos in inventory reports because it gives them good context of the piece.

Given the rapid advancements in technology and AI over the past five years, you can be sure that new developments, in terms of property viewings and elsewhere, will be coming soon. Watch this space.