The real estate landscape has swiftly shifted towards the digital realm, with virtual house tours emerging as a pivotal tool. Surprisingly, in 2020, 63% of homebuyers in the Canadian housing market made offers on properties they hadn’t seen in person, all thanks to virtual tours. Even in a seller’s market, ensuring your home shines during virtual house tours is crucial for securing top-dollar offers.
Virtual house tours, offering 3D walkthroughs and video-chat experiences, enable potential buyers to explore your home as if they were there in person, regardless of their location. Whether a prospective buyer resides in Vancouver, BC, and is eyeing properties in Toronto, ON, they can virtually tour your home with ease. To stand out and attract more buyers, Realfoto Media presents eight tips to enhance your home’s appeal during a virtual house tour:
Illuminate Your Space
Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating an appealing and camera-ready ambiance, especially during virtual house tours. “Your home looks its best on camera when filmed during daylight hours. Keep those window shades up to invite natural light, making rooms feel more spacious and vibrant,” advises Makayla Zurn, Creative Production Manager at Redfin. “Consider layering light by using lamps and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Just be cautious not to overwhelm the space with excessive artificial lighting.”
Paint with Purpose
A fresh coat of paint can transform any room, and it’s a cost-effective way to improve your home’s appearance on camera. “Opt for camera-friendly shades, preferably lighter and neutral colors, as they showcase best in videos. Darker colors tend to make spaces appear smaller,” notes Zurn. “For rooms with darker paint, include measurements in the description to provide context.”
Declutter Your Space
Virtual house tour viewers want to envision themselves in your home, and clutter can obstruct that vision. “Personal items can divert a buyer’s attention from your home’s features,” cautions Zurn. Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops, make beds, and tidy up. Items like paperwork, excessive cords, or cluttered spaces should find permanent homes or be donated. To create an open and inviting atmosphere, remove a few items before taking photos and consider hiring professionals to help with decluttering.
Showcase Cleanliness
A clean interior is a must, as potential buyers can discern cleanliness even in a virtual house tour. Mirrors, windows, hardwood floors, carpets, and closets should all be spotless. Buyers might inquire about odors and cleanliness, so ensure every corner shines. If time is a constraint, consider hiring professional cleaning services.
Stage for Success
Staging is pivotal, with 83% of buyers’ agents agreeing that it helps buyers envision themselves living in a home. Present a well-maintained home and create a positive first impression. Professional home stagers can attract more buyers and potentially increase your sale price. Focus on staging key areas like the entryway, living room, main bathroom, primary bedroom, and kitchen. Rearrange furniture, add indoor greenery, and maintain a balanced decor layout. Remove personal photos and keepsakes to help buyers picture themselves in your home.
Professional Photography Matters
Listing photos are your home’s first impression, so invest in professional photography. Real estate photographers know how to capture the essence of your home, highlighting its unique selling points. Research shows that professional photos can expedite sales and boost final sale prices. Consider aerial photos to provide a distinctive perspective of your property.
Highlight Your Home’s Best Features
Emphasize the features that made you fall in love with your home. Whether it’s modern appliances, a spacious outdoor area, or an open floor plan, give special attention to these elements in photos and during virtual tours.
Elevate Curb Appeal
Don’t forget the exterior. A well-maintained landscape, lawn, and porch can leave a lasting impression and enhance your home’s perceived value. Clear debris, trim plants, mow the lawn, pressure wash the siding, and add flowerpots to the entryway. If you have outdoor furniture, stage it just as you would indoors.
Virtual house tours are now essential, and thorough preparation is key to presenting your home in the best light possible. At Realfoto Media, we understand the importance of making your home stand out during virtual tours, and these tips will help you achieve just that.
