In today’s fast-paced, digital-driven environment, renters anticipate a new level of convenience when searching for and leasing a home. They want to get a sense of a rental property before they even enter the door. For this reason, 3D virtual tours have become a must-have in rental property marketing.
This powerful tool allows prospective tenants to explore a property independently without having to set up an in-person viewing. 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 creating 3D tours that convert viewers into renters.
Why 3D Tours Matter in Property Leasing
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.
A 3D tour allows a renter to view a property without needing an in-person visit. This saves both the renter and the property manager a lot of time since in-person showings are reserved for prospective tenants who are likely ready to submit an application.
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 garner more interest and lease faster than before, keeping occupancy rates high.
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 allows viewers to explore the space easily with intuitive controls.
- Strategic Angles & Coverage: Capture all key areas, including common spaces, storage, and unique features.
- Highlight Key Selling Points: Showcase amenities, upgrades, and standout details that make the property 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 the feel of a comfortable home.
- Proper Lighting: Choose a time of day that will allow you to maximize natural light in the space. Add extra lighting as needed to reduce dark spaces, but be careful not to overdo it and 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 end 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: Using virtual tour software, link your images together to create a seamless walkthrough experience. Add clickable info points with descriptions of special features and customize the tour with added features like 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
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 rental property management approach. 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 to promote their properties effectively.
Real Property Management Dairyland provides professional property management services in Kenosha and surrounding areas. We offer quality marketing tools and expert solutions to keep your properties occupied and profitable. Contact us today or call 414-400-0016.
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