Sound Advice 09-27-24

Technology has greatly influenced how the business of real estate is conducted today, including allowing buyers to see homes they're considering, even when they're physically far away. Realtor Geoff Smith explains how virtual showings bridge the geographic divide:"During 2020-2021, virtual showings, 3D tours and video tours definitely became more popular as a useful way to present a home to a buyer who couldn't see it in person. We also have a large Navy population in our area, and unfortunately these buyers often have to rely on seeing properties through a lens, as it is difficult to travel cross-country to see every home they are interested in (especially in a fast-paced market). It is always best that the buyer tours a property in person, as there is no substitute for stepping into a home. That being said, technology has definitely helped us give a better idea of what a property has to offer from afar.3D tours have been very useful in marketing, and I include one with every property that I list. These are produced with a camera that takes a 360-degree picture of each room, often from multiple angles, and then stitches those images together to create a virtual representation of the home. I think the main benefit of these is that a buyer can virtually "click" their way through a home at their own pace. You can also zoom in on certain areas you would not otherwise have access to through still photos.My preferred method of showing a long-distance buyer a property is through live video (FaceTime, Zoom, etc). The main benefit to this format is that the buyer can ask to focus in on certain aspects of the home they want to "inspect." I also think it is helpful from my perspective as their Realtor, because I can explain what I am seeing while I am showing it to them, and help provide my client with a better idea of the highlights, imperfections and quirks that you can't see in photos. As I get to know what each client's preferences are, I can also tailor the video to show them aspects of the home I know they'll want to see.There are always aspects of a home that are hard to show on video, such as smells, sounds, proximity to neighbors. If a buyer structures their offer properly, they can allow themselves multiple opportunities to tour the home in person before the final documents are signed—whether that be through a contingency to tour in person, an inspection contingency, or the opportunity to conduct a final walk through before finalizing the sale."Have a question for a local Realtor? Ask it here: welcomehome@theday.comGeoff SmithBroker Associate, RE/MAX On the BayOffice: (860) 739-0888Mobile: (860) 912-3209geoff.smith@remax.net