Ontario’s economy has begun to reopen, but that doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. As we continue doing all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, social-distancing restrictions remain firmly in place.
Needless to say, the new “normal” is still having a major impact on how agents do business. The good news is that there are a variety of technologies available to help you serve your buyers and sellers well—however long current conditions last.
Here are five digital tools you can use to make life easier for your clients during the COVID-19 pandemic…
1) 3D tours
A tour of the home is usually one of the most essential parts of buying or selling a home. Most buyers won’t commit to purchasing a piece of property without one. Likewise, sellers who don’t have a way to provide showings would likely have difficulty making a sale.
Fortunately, you can help your clients tackle this major hurdle with the right technology. Virtual tours have long been useful to busy professionals and out-of-towners. In the age of social distancing, they’re helping buyers of all stripes. When it comes to creating a tour, Matterport is the gold standard. This 3D platform offers more realistic walk-throughs than any of its competitors.
2) Digital feature sheets
A feature sheet presented in flipbook format is still one of the most sophisticated ways to showcase a property. These helpful marketing materials allow sellers to display some incredible views through a curated collection of photographs. Buyers have the opportunity to see many rooms from various angles—and read about what makes them special.
Digital versions are very convenient, especially at a time when showings are limited. Now more than ever, buyers need to get to know a property from a distance. By helping your seller clients create stunning, magazine-quality flipbooks, you can help give them a leg up on selling their home.
3) Virtual staging
Most sellers understand the value of staging. Unfortunately, the pandemic is making it more challenging for many professionals—including stagers and agents who offer staging services—to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. Luckily, if you fall into this camp, you have options!
Virtual staging is a quick and convenient way to enhance images of a home. By using software to add furniture and decor to rooms, you can help sellers highlight the full potential of a living space. Yes, traditional staging will always be important—but as the world goes increasingly digital, learning to do it the virtual way is becoming crucial. Now is the perfect time to develop this skill!
4) Remote open houses
While holding a conventional open house would be a very bad idea right now, it’s still possible to take this step online. All you need to help a seller promote their property is the right tools. A combination of Matterport and Zoom works well.
At a time like this, anything you can do to help a client maximize their property’s exposure is a good thing! If you can get many buyers into one (online) space, you’re increasing the odds of an offer. To boost attendance, consider promoting your virtual open house through the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).
5) In-depth video
Not every potential buyer is ready for a virtual showing, and some are likely to skip online open houses. To reach these home hunters, a detailed video is the ideal marketing tool.
Exploring a home through pre-recorded footage takes the pressure off for buyers, since it doesn’t feel like a commitment. It’s also bound to lead to a more seamless experience than they’ll get through a virtual open house, which will include multiple parties. If you’re somewhat familiar with video-editing software, you can put together something truly special—and even add a voiceover to increase engagement!
Helping clients achieve success during a pandemic has created new challenges for real estate professionals, but the most adaptable agents can overcome them. With the right tools and a flexible mindset, you’ll be well-equipped to deal with what’s to come in the weeks and months ahead.
Interested in learning how Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. can help you take your business to the next level? Contact our V.P. Sales Manager, Susan Kruger at skruger@harveykalles.com
