Contra Costa, California Real Estate

With up to 94% of home buyers conducting their initial house-hunting on the internet, it is critical to capture the "essence" of the home for sale on a virtual tour.  Let's face it, from a buyer's perspective the facts of the home (bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage and price) are just the basic search criteria. 

What buyers really want to know is that the house will suit their lifestyle.  The virtual tour must reflect the lifestyle in such a compelling manner that potential buyers willingly leave their computers to visit the Open House or make an appointment to physically view the home.


Virtual Tour "Do's":

DO get the seller's input.  I have a very simple form that I ask sellers to complete entitled "Help Get Buyer's Excited About Your Home".

DO describe the lifestyle activities associated with the home's photos.  Rather than restate the obvious such as "Trellis-covered patio in the corner of the yard" (hello, they're looking at the photo!), describe an activity that could occur such as "A sanctuary for quiet conversation at the end of a busy day".

DO set aside time to take photos of the lifestyle amenities in the immediate market area:  local parks, walking trails, playground equipment, sporting events for children, etc.  We are prohibited from claiming a "family friendly neighborhood" to avoid potential discrimination, but what if potential buyers have young children and really want that type of neighborhood? Photos tell the story!

DO purchase a generic representative photo if necessary.  One of my recent listings was very close to an off-leash dog park (a big deal in my area) but, due to weather, I was unable to get a decent photo so I purchased this one from istockphoto.  Is there any dog owner that wouldn't love this picture?

Virtual Tour "Don'ts":

DON'T assume an online buyer is from the local market.  Add links to the city, local restaurant guides, shopping areas, entertainment and even the local Homeowner's Association website. 

DON'T put your virtual tour together in haste.  The flow and timing of the pictures and text makes all the difference!

The benefit of a good virtual tour is that it can help the perfect buyer find your listing...... and you just might get some kudos from the seller too "It was so pleasing to read your descriptions of our home in the virtual tour.  I'm glad you appreciate our home!" (Received from a seller today).