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 incorporate high-quality elements. These include:
- High-Quality Visuals: Ensure crisp, clear, and well-lit images for a professional look.
- Smooth Navigation: This feature enables viewers to explore the space with ease using intuitive controls.
- Strategic Angles & Coverage: Capture all key areas, including common spaces, storage, and unique features, to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Highlight Key Selling Points: Showcase the property’s amenities, upgrades, and standout features that make it special.
7 Steps for Creating a 3D Tour That Converts
Creating a 3D tour requires careful planning and the right equipment. Here are the steps to follow to ensure that your 3D tour is good quality and appealing to potential tenants:
- Stage the Property: Take the time to clean, declutter, and add inviting decor to the property’s interiors to give the space a comfortable home feel.
- Proper Lighting: Select a time of day that allows you to maximize natural light in the space. Add extra lighting as needed to reduce dark spaces, but be cautious not to overexpose some areas.
- Plan Each Shot: Before starting the shoot, plan the key areas and angles you want to capture. This is called a shot list. Having a well-thought-out shot list will ensure a smooth and thorough result.
- 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: Utilize virtual tour software to link your images together, creating a seamless walkthrough experience. Add clickable information points with descriptions of special features and customize the tour with added features, such as floor plans or maps.
- Optimize for Mobile and Desktop: Test your virtual tour and ensure it flows smoothly and delivers a quality experience. Be sure to test compatibility on both mobile and desktop devices.
Promoting Your 3D Tour for Maximum Impact
Once your 3D virtual tour is complete, the final step is to share it with your target audience. At the very least, embed the tour on your website and include it in your rental listings. To broaden your 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. these strategies will help you maximize the visibility and 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 Southland provides professional property management services in Pico Rivera and surrounding areas. We offer quality marketing tools and expert solutions to keep your properties occupied and profitable. Contact us today or call 562-270-1777.