Future-Proof Your Real Estate Operation: Hints and Tips
Learn how to future-proof your real estate operation with these hints and tips, including adopting remote work patterns, using cloud-based software, and upgrading to video calling.
Working Remotely
With social distancing measures still in place, remote work has become essential for real estate agents. By adopting remote work patterns, agents can better help clients and future-proof their operations. Here are some key ingredients for successful remote work:
- Cloud-based software, storage, and email systems are essential for maximum agility, allowing employees to access data and contacts from any device, anywhere.
- Laptops offer greater mobility than desktop setups, enabling staff to work on-the-go and from home.
- Video calling is a great alternative to in-person meetings and can help increase professionalism. Upgrade to a more robust platform with better support and user features, and consider using a virtual background to hide any distracting clutter.
By implementing these changes, agents can adjust to the new real estate normal and improve their operations in the long-term.
Embracing Virtual Viewings in the New Technologie Age of Real Estate
Starting with social distancing measures in place, virtual viewings have become the new normal for touring properties. To keep up with the trend, agents should adopt a two-step viewing process where all potential buyers and tenants are encouraged to take a virtual tour before booking a private viewing. Why this trend will keep up is pretty obvious. It safes the Buyer and Seller a lot of time to Filter which property might be interesting or not.
Not having virtual tours of your listings can be a deal-breaker for clients. In fact, property sentiment trackers show that clients are actively requesting virtual tours. To stay ahead of the curve, consider the following tips:
- Invest in high-quality virtual tour software that provides an immersive experience for viewers.
- Add virtual tours to your property listings on your website and other listing portals.
- Use social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, to promote your virtual tours and reach a wider audience.
- Train your agents to conduct virtual tours and provide them with the necessary equipment, such as a stable internet connection and a high-quality camera.
Embracing virtual viewings is not only necessary in the current climate but also offers long-term benefits for your business. By providing virtual tours, you can reach a wider audience, save time and money, and increase your chances of closing deals.
Matterport in combination with 360INT Technologies are designed with real estate in mind and we offer three opportunities:
The facility to book a trained technician to capture virtual tours on your behalf. The option to buy a compatible camera with access to online training and support.
Our iPhone-compatible 3D capture app, which works for capturing a room or small space without the need for a special camera.
Not only do virtual tours provide the next best thing to visiting a property in person, they carry extra benefits:
Increased commission: Agents reported 4-9%9 higher sales price for homes marketed with a virtual tour.
Supercharged enquiry levels: Buyers are 95% more like to ask about a home for sale that has a virtual tour.
More qualified leads: Virtual tours ensure only the most genuine potential buyers are progressed, with the ability to weed out tire kickers and time wasters.
Quicker sales: Properties with a virtual tour spent 31% less time on the market.
A reduction in unnecessary viewings:
Twenty percent of buyers made an offer after just viewing a virtual tour and not visiting the property, saving agents time.
A better Google ranking: Virtual tours keep people on web pages longer and increase customer engagement when used as part of an online listing – both of which will help your Google ranking.
“New-build homes are twice as likely to be marketed with a virtual tour of some kind than older properties. In
fact, we have seen a 215% increase in virtual viewings of new-build properties on our site, suggesting they are a big hit with potential buyers.”
—Zoopla
In addition to re-imagining your office space, you may also want to consider adjusting your staffing policies to accommodate social distancing guidelines. Here are some tips:
- Implement a staggered work schedule, with some employees working from home and others coming into the office on alternating days.
- Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to all employees and require them to wear them while in the office.
- Encourage employees to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands regularly and avoiding touching their face.
- Consider implementing a touchless sign-in system, such as a QR code or a digital sign-in sheet, to reduce contact with shared surfaces.
- Conduct regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces in the office, such as doorknobs, light switches, and keyboards.
By implementing these measures, you can help keep your staff and visitors safe while still running a successful real estate agency.
Personal space: A switch to shifts? If you’re struggling to maintain social distancing measures with a full house of employees, consider implementing a rotating schedule and utilizing remote working tips to facilitate a workable shift pattern. Need help with space planning? Ask us about a virtual tour’s role in space planning and building information modeling.
Outsourcing when staffing is compromised When you find yourself short-staffed due to sick or isolated employees, outsourcing elements of your business to third-party experts can help. They usually operate on a “pay only for what you use” basis and can scale up or down in line with your business.
Streamline with a smart partner With Matterport’s virtual tours, you can streamline your marketing and reduce fixed overhead expenses. One scan and one property visit generates 4,000 print-quality photographs, guided and video tours, schematic floor plans, and an interactive dollhouse model, in addition to a 3D virtual tour. Share on social media sites, publish to Google Street View, VRBO, Realtor.com, embed your 3D virtual tour on your website, and measure anything in the space digitally. Get everything you need to make a listing live.
Future-proof your real estate business with 360INTs virtual tours. Contact us today.
Future-Proof Your Real Estate Business with PropTech and Virtual Tours – What’s next?
As the real estate industry evolves, it presents both challenges and opportunities for agents. PropTech can be a game changer, offering innovative solutions that better support buyers and future-proof the industry. At Matterport, we’re leaders in the PropTech industry and can help your business prepare for a brighter and more digital future.
Our 3D capture and virtual tour solution can help you win more listings, expand your reach, and entice buyers. Whether you’re shifting toward remote work or improving the way you do business, Matterport has the latest PropTech guidance and best practices to help you succeed.
Don’t get left behind in the changing real estate landscape. Connect with us today to learn more about how our PropTech solutions can help future-proof your business.
