With advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences, the traditional methods of property viewing and sales have given way to innovative approaches, chief among them being virtual video tours. The rise of virtual video tours can be attributed to several factors, each contributing to its growing popularity among both sellers and buyers alike.
When the tech was first introduced within the South African real estate space, Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that there was not as high of an adoption rate as it is today. “It took something like the pandemic before the virtual tour really took off,” he notes.
These days, most property listings will have either a walk-through video or a 3D Tour available. To understand why virtual tours have become more widely used, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some of the reasons behind their popularity.
Cross country buyers
Ever since the pandemic, the semigration trends continues to drive sales across the country, but not all cross-country buyers are able to travel to the new province to view a property in person. A virtual tour helps buyers get a feel for the layout and size of the home without having to physically walk through the property.
More tech-savvy buyers
More and more Millennials and even some older Gen Z have entered the property market. These buyers are much more familiar with video technologies and are far more likely to interact with these options than the generations before them. High speed internet and mobile data has also become far more widespread and accessible, which makes it easier to view the virtual tours.
Convenience
In today’s fast-paced world, buyers have less time to waste on viewing homes that are not to their liking. A virtual tour allows the buyer greater insights into what the home has to offer before they invest the time to go visit the property in person.
According to Goslett, the adoption of virtual video tours in South Africa's real estate industry represents a significant paradigm shift, with long-lasting implications for how properties are marketed, viewed, and sold. “While traditional methods of property viewing will always have their place, virtual tours offer additional value that is more suitable to the evolving preferences and lifestyles of modern consumers,” he states.
“As technology continues to advance, we can expect virtual video tours to become even more popular. In this dynamic landscape, embracing innovation and leveraging digital tools will be essential for staying ahead in the competitive real estate market,” says Goslett.
Additional tips:
Here are some useful tips from Michelle Cohen, Principal of Leapfrog Johannesburg North East and Sandton, to making sure your property is the best-dressed address in the neighbourhood:
1. Clear away the clutter
Nothing says chaos quite like clutter. It’s easy to overlook your own clutter, but rather essential to pack it away when potential buyers come for a viewing. “An untidy, cluttered home can be a major deterrent, particularly in high-use spaces like the kitchen and bathroom,” says Cohen.
2. Sweetly scented
The way a space looks is only one part of its appeal. Make a home look good, but don’t forget to ensure that it smells great too, as scent has a surprisingly strong effect on our emotions.
“It’s a good idea to have a pot of coffee brewing or something tasty baking in the oven. Similarly, a scented candle or a mild, but refreshing, room spray can make a subtle difference,” advises Cohen.
Also don’t forget to take the rubbish out, wipe surfaces and clear the kitchen sink.
3. Inside out
While it’s the inside that seals the deal, the outside is not to be neglected. The outside of a home is the potential buyer’s first experience of the property, which is why it’s important to make a favourable impression even before they step through the door.
“Paint the wall and make sure the garden is neat and tidy. Even if there is no garden, make sure the veranda, balcony or walkway is clean and unobstructed. A potted plant also goes a long way in adding greenery and life to an outside area,” Cohen recommends.
4. From beyond the fence
It’s also useful to consider matters from the buyer’s point of view, Cohen says. “A buyer has likely looked at tens of properties, with many of them starting to look and feel the same. Often the ones that stand out are those that have enjoyed some TLC in the form of home staging.”
In countless instances, the decision to purchase a property is made emotionally and later rationalised intellectually and financially, says Cohen. “Home is where the heart sees itself flourishing, which is why it is so useful for the seller to encourage the potential buyer by employing the soft intervention.
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