In today’s fast-paced, digital-driven world, renters expect a new level of convenience when searching for and leasing a home. They want to get a feel for a rental property before they even step inside the door. For this reason, 3D virtual tours have become a must-have in rental property marketing.
This powerful tool enables prospective tenants to explore a property independently without the need for an in-person showing. Offering a 3D tour can also attract more interest and streamline the leasing process, a win-win for rental property owners and renters.
That being said, there are a few things you need to know to create an engaging virtual walkthrough of your rental property. Let’s explore some best practices for developing 3D tours that convert viewers into renters.
Are 3D Virtual Tours Worth It for Rental Properties?
Today’s digital world has changed how rental property owners and managers operate, and showing a property is no different. Thanks in part to the global pandemic of the early 2020s, virtual tours have become the gold standard for renters.
Virtual tours save both the renter and the property manager a significant amount of time, reserving in-person showings for prospective tenants who are more likely ready to apply.
Virtual tours also offer convenience for out-of-town renters and those with busy schedules. By allowing renters to view a property in 3D, property owners can generate more interest and secure leases faster than before, thereby maintaining high occupancy rates.
Key Elements of an Effective 3D Tour
To create an effective 3D tour, the final product must feature high-quality elements such as:
- High-Quality Visuals: Making sure all images are crisp, clear, and well-lit to give the tour a polished, professional look.
- Smooth Navigation: This feature allows viewers to navigate the space effortlessly through user-friendly, intuitive controls.
- Strategic Angles & Coverage: Capture all key areas, including common spaces, storage, and unique features, to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Highlight Key Selling Points: Highlight the property’s amenities, upgrades, and unique features that set it apart and add value for potential renters to make it special.
7 Steps for Creating a 3D Tour That Converts
Creating a 3D tour takes thoughtful planning and the proper tools and the right equipment. Follow these steps to ensure your 3D tour is good quality and appealing to potential tenants:
- Stage the Property: Clean and declutter the interiors thoroughly, and add inviting decor to give the space a comfortable home feel.
- Proper Lighting: Choose a time of day when natural light is at its best to maximize natural light in the space. Supplement with additional lighting as needed to eliminate dark areas, but avoid overexposing any part of the room.
- Plan Each Shot: Before you begin filming, plan the key areas and angles you want to capture. This is known as a shot list. A detailed and well-thought-out shot list helps ensure the process is efficient and comprehensive.
- Capture High-Quality Images: Use a quality camera or a 360-degree camera to implement your shot list, taking a series of high-quality images. Pay close attention to composition, lighting, and proper focus.
- Select a Virtual Tour Platform: Choose a virtual tour creation platform that meets your needs and upload your images.
- Link and Enhance Images: Use virtual tour software to connect your images together, creating a seamless walkthrough experience. Enhance the experience by adding clickable information points that highlight key features, and customize the tour with extras like floor plans or location maps.
- Optimize for Mobile and Desktop: Test your virtual tour to ensure it runs smoothly and provides a high-quality user experience. Make sure to test compatibility on both mobile and desktop devices.
Promoting Your 3D Tour for Maximum Impact
After creating your 3D virtual tour, the final step is to make it available to your target audience. At a minimum, you should embed the tour on your website and in your rental listings. For a wider reach, promote your property and the tour by sharing it on social media and in digital ads. You can also send direct links to prospects who inquire about the property. Using these strategies, you can maximize the impact of your 3D tour.
Elevate Your Leasing Strategy with 3D Tours
Integrating a 3D tour into your marketing strategy is an investment in a more streamlined approach to rental property management. There are real benefits to offering a 3D tour to prospective tenants, but it takes a quality tour to attract and convert viewers to renters. For this reason, rental property owners and managers often turn to professionals to help create virtual tours and effectively promote their properties.
Real Property Management Blue Chip Valor provides professional property management services in Kenwood and surrounding areas. We offer quality marketing tools and expert solutions to keep your properties occupied and profitable. Contact us today or call 513-278-5050.
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