Virtual reality (VR) may not be in every household in the country, but it's becoming more mainstream by the day. And contrary to popular belief, it's not just video game experts who want to get their hands on the latest technology. See how VR can inspire better offers from motivated buyers, leading to a bidding war that ends in your favor
The Case for VR Over Video
From drone shots to interior tours, there's no doubt that video has proved effective at showcasing the size of the home. However, VR has the edge because it helps people feel as though they're already living in the home. Instead of having to watch other people at Open Houses parade around, the buyers feel as though the home is already theirs.
VR can also streamline the sale process because buyers can get answers to their questions upfront. Videos have limitations when it comes to showing the scope and details of certain parts of the home, but VR gives buyers the true experience of being there.
Convenient & Memorable
Homebuyers are inundated with properties when they're on the hunt. Eventually, one house can start to blend in with the next. Instead of scrolling through countless photos online or attending their fifth Open House of the day, VR gives buyers time to inspect the home without having to leave the comfort of the agent's office.
Considering this technology is still not widely being used, buyers are virtually guaranteed to remember your home from the rest of the pack. Plus, if your home is attracting interest from outside the state (or even country), VR is the next best thing if they can't attend in-person. If out-of-state buyers are inspired to make the trip, it's almost certainly to make an offer.
More Than a Tour
VR technology for luxury homes can do much more than just give the home buyer a tour. Some programs allow the buyer to decorate rooms, allowing them to see how they're preferred color scheme and furniture placement would look.
VR can also show the details of the neighborhood, such as the ratings of the school systems, nearby shopping, etc. Finally, VR can help people calculate their future mortgage and property taxes, so they understand the financial side before making an offer.
This technology is still largely being used for luxury homes only, though it should be noted that the technology is becoming more widely available (and affordable) with every passing year. It's an effective and fun way to get people interested in your property.
About the Author
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
