Virtual home tours are increasingly popular, especially for buyers and sellers who are out of state, or simply too busy. High-quality photos and videos are now standard for showcasing properties, but not everyone can afford top-notch 360-degree video tours.
For many buyers, virtual tours are a convenient way to narrow down their choices without the need to travel to multiple homes. This can be both a positive and a negative for real estate agents. While virtual tours save time, they also reduce the face-to-face interaction that helps agents understand their clients’ needs and educate them about the local market. This is especially crucial when clients are not familiar with the area.
To adapt, agents are using their smartphones to create personalized introductions to properties and the local market. These phone videos are a great way for agents to connect with distant clients and demonstrate that they understand their specific needs.
So, how can agents make the most of video tours? What are the best ways to record, edit, and share these videos with clients? And when during the sales process should agents highlight their role as the client’s local representative? These are key questions for the modern real estate agent navigating the world of virtual home tours.
Initial Client Engagement: The Virtual Meeting
After you’ve virtually met your client, likely through phone or email, it’s essential to establish a solid connection. This initial interaction is your opportunity to share market insights and a few handpicked listings that align with their interests and requirements. Your objective here is to showcase your expertise and understanding of the market, laying the groundwork for a trustworthy relationship.
Personalized Property Tours
Consider visiting two or three of the best properties that align with the client’s preferences. During these visits, record yourself walking around the property. Emphasize the moment you open the front door to convey the first impression of the space. This is not just about showcasing the property; it’s about expressing your genuine reactions and feelings about the space.
Authenticity is crucial – your goal is to be real, to show and tell. Remember, you’re not just selling a property; you’re selling your expertise and trustworthiness as an agent. This is your moment to become their go-to advisor.
Short-Listing Properties
Once you’ve established initial contact and gauged the client’s preferences, the next step is to shortlist properties that meet their specific needs and preferences. This is where personalized video tours can be incredibly effective.
Showcasing Unique Features
Use videos made on your phone to highlight unique aspects of each property. Focus on details like the view from the porches or the intricate designs of kitchen tiles and countertops. These small details can have a significant impact on the client’s decision-making process.
Platforms like BombBomb can be instrumental in this phase. Such applications allow you to record and send these tours directly from your phone. They come equipped with video trimming and editing features, enabling you to create professional-looking videos that are concise and impactful.
Engaging Clients with Follow-Up Videos
Imagine your client decides to visit the town based on the videos and insights you’ve provided. But remember, time is a luxury, and everyone is busy. To keep the momentum going and maintain communication, follow-up videos can be highly effective.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
Use the video email platform for follow-ups to avoid technical challenges like finding and attaching large video files in emails. How often do we face issues with large video files exceeding email size limits? With a video email platform, this issue is mitigated.
Choose BombBomb, a platform that teases the client with a GIF or a thumbnail image of you in the video. When they open it on the platform, you get an alert. This not only ensures that your message has been received but also keeps you informed about their engagement with your content.
Building Trust Through Virtual Tours
When conducting virtual tours, it’s important to create an experience that’s as close to an in-person visit as possible. Narrate the tour as if you were walking the client through the house physically. Point out features that might not be immediately apparent in a video, like the quality of natural light or the feel of the materials used in the home.
Highlighting the Local Area
Don’t just limit your videos to the property itself. Take some time to showcase the neighborhood and local amenities. This is particularly crucial for out-of-state buyers who might not be familiar with the area. A quick video of the nearby park, local shopping areas, or community centers can make a big difference.
Engaging and Interactive Content
After sending your video tours, follow up with a call or email asking for feedback. This not only shows that you value the client’s opinion but also gives you insights into their preferences, which can help you refine your property search.
Live Virtual Tours
Consider offering live virtual tours where clients can ask questions and get answers in real-time. This can be done via video calls, where you walk through the property while the client watches and interacts from their location. It adds a personal touch and makes the experience more engaging.
Building Long-Term Relationships
The relationship with the client doesn’t end with the sale. Follow up with them after they move in to ensure they are settling in well. Offer assistance or advice about living in the new area. This kind of post-sale service can lead to referrals and repeat business.
Innovating in the Real Estate Market
The real estate market and technology are always evolving. Stay informed about new virtual tour technologies and digital marketing strategies to keep your services up-to-date and appealing to modern buyers.
Discover the transformative power of BombBomb for your real estate business. Sign up today for a free trial and experience the future of property showcasing — where technology empowers connection, and every interaction is an opportunity for success.
