Most real estate agents are changing the way they do business. This means you will need to learn how to use new tools and acquire skills you may have not needed beforehand. At the moment, there is perhaps nothing more important for property professionals than virtual property viewings.
These allow clients to see inside properties without needing to leave the comfort of their own home. You have probably heard about virtual viewings in the past. Many real estate agents believe it is too costly or complicated to successfully conduct virtual property viewings. However, that is not the case.
In fact, you may be surprised at just how easy it is. Here are five tips to successfully conduct virtual property viewings.
1) Use the tools at your disposal
Firstly, don’t fret about needing to invest in a top of the line camera and microphone. Most agents use their smartphone and a common messaging app. Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Skype are just a few that work for virtual property viewings.
The quality of these is pretty good and the technology is already familiar. That means you don’t need to spend a bunch of time trying to figure out how something works or dealing with technical difficulties. Your clients will appreciate that.
2) Practice before you start
If you are going to successfully conduct virtual property viewings, you better make sure you practice. The technology is familiar and you’re skilled at hosting traditional viewings, but combining them both can lead to mixed results.
The solution here is to practice by conducting virtual property viewings with partners, friends or family. Not only will this help you feel comfortable, but practice client can offer valuable feedback on what you could do better.
3) Treat it like a traditional viewing
Just because you aren’t meeting with the client face-to-face doesn’t mean you should treat virtual property viewings any differently. Start with the basics such as getting to the property early and dressing like you would for any other meeting. Apart from that, just be yourself. There is no need to change the way you act just because the format used has changed.
4) Be sure to explain the lifestyle aspects of the property
To successfully conduct virtual property viewings, you need to give the client a sense of the lifestyle aspects the property offers. This can be a challenge since video doesn’t always do a good job of conveying the vibe and ambiance of a residence. That’s why you must be there setting the scene.
Don’t focus solely on the facts and figures of a residence, especially ones that will be used as a vacation property or second home. Make sure your client can feel what makes it special through the phone.
5) Allow the client to come prepared
Virtual property viewings aren’t perfect. One of the major shortcomings is that a camera can’t capture every square meter. However, by providing the client with information about the property a day or two before the scheduled virtual meeting, they will have a better understanding of what areas they want to see more of.
Photos are good for this, but having a short video tour of the property is better. Your client will be able to take a look around and come up with some questions. This is actually good for you as well since the viewing can focus on what the client wants to see, not what you think they may like.