TECHNOLOGY
Show Off
Using technology to sell
V
R and AR offer an exciting opportunity for the property market , but how exactly does it work ?
Often computer-generated and viewed through a headset , VR differs to AR in that the latter overlays digital information to the viewer through a smart device ’ s camera . These technologies allow clients to get more of the information they need more quickly than before , making the decision-making process on whether or not to buy easier , faster and more efficient .
One of the biggest draw cards is the personal element the VR experience provides users , not to mention the added safety aspect VR gives agents and sellers . Instead of having dozens of strangers walk through a property on a show day , with VR technology , the house is filmed and can be ‘ walked through ’ and viewed numerous times without compromising anyone ’ s safety .
A step-by-step guide to creating VR walkthrough videos
Brendan Louw , COO of Forj explains how they go about creating the necessary material :
A date and time is set up with the agent , seller and production team . The team then arrives with the camera and sound equipment , and sets everything up . The real estate agent walks around speaking to the camera as they would a prospective buyer , pointing out fittings and describing each room . The process can be done by one or two people and can take between 45 minutes to 2 hours , depending on the size of the property .
Once filming is complete , the raw footage is cleaned up by the production company , correcting any lighting issues , blurring family pictures for privacy , and improving the sound quality . After the footage has been edited it goes to the quality assurance department to make sure it is up to standard , and once approved , a secure link is sent to the agent , so they can view the video and provide approval , or any changes as needed .
Once the finished product is put into VR mode and viewed through the provided headset , it gives the user the feeling of standing in the middle of the room as the real estate agent provides the full property tour .
The future is here
Soon , property developers will be able to make use of technology to share their virtual vision before the property has been built . This will allow investors and developers to gauge market interest at an early phase .
As a buyer , you ’ ll be able to walk through the virtual develop-
ment , giving you the opportunity to engage and envisage a life there . In the near future , you ’ ll even be able to digitally design or virtually furnish a space before buying or renting . This technology has already made a splash in the overseas property market , in places such as New York and London . Watch this space .
CASE STUDY
Jawitz Properties recently launched their digital showroom , offering clients the ability to view properties on VR headsets . Corne Davidtz , Principal of the group on the Western Seaboard , explains : “ One of the biggest benefits virtual reality affords our sole mandate clients , is the ability to showcase their property to many potential buyers without upsetting the current tenant . They also , don ’ t need to deal with constant viewings . The scope of potential buyers also increases exponentially with anyone being able to view the property , from anywhere .”
Davidtz predicts that there will be a steady increase in virtual showrooms and applications around the country . As demand grows , it can be expected that the technology will become cheaper and more accessible .
18 MARCH 2018 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine