3D virtual tours are transforming real estate. They let buyers explore properties online with 360° views, interactive floor plans, and detailed visuals. For agents, this means 60% more listing views, 31% faster sales, and 9% higher sale prices. Buyers love them too – over 90% say they’re more likely to buy a home with a virtual tour.
Why Use 3D Virtual Tours?
- Attract More Buyers: Listings get 87% more views and hold attention longer.
- Save Time: Pre-qualify serious buyers and reduce unnecessary showings.
- Expand Reach: Out-of-area buyers can tour homes remotely.
- Boost Sales: Homes sell faster and for more money.
Tools You’ll Need:
- 360° Camera: Options start at $250.
- Software Platforms:
- Matterport: Best for luxury listings.
- Asteroom: Budget-friendly for beginners.
- iGUIDE: Fast and precise.
Quick Comparison of Platforms:
| Platform | Cost | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matterport | $2,995+ | Advanced AI, “dollhouse” views | High-end, detailed tours |
| iGUIDE | $1,999+ | Accurate floor plans, fast scan | Efficiency, cost control |
| Asteroom | $315 (kit) | Smartphone-friendly | Budget-conscious agents |
Key Stats:
- Listings with virtual tours see 40% more clicks.
- Buyers spend 52% more time on these listings.
- Properties sell 31% faster and for 9% more.
Want to stand out? Invest in 3D virtual tours to engage buyers, save time, and close deals faster!
Main Advantages for Real Estate Agents
Increased Buyer Interest
3D tours are game-changers when it comes to grabbing buyers’ attention. Listings with 3D tours get 87% more views compared to traditional ones, with potential buyers spending 5–10 times longer exploring these properties online [2]. For younger buyers aged 18–34, the impact is even greater – they’re 130% more likely to schedule a showing after seeing a 3D tour [2].
But it’s not just about more views; it’s about attracting serious buyers. Homes with Matterport 3D tours sell 20% faster and for 4.8% higher prices than standard listings [1]. Plus, these tours save agents time by helping pre-qualify potential buyers before they even step foot in the property.
Time Management Benefits
3D tours make the showing process more efficient. They generate 49% more qualified leads [4], allowing agents to spend less time with casual browsers and more time focusing on serious buyers.
“Buyers decide in the first eight seconds of seeing a home if they’re interested in buying it.” – Barbara Corcoran, Founder of The Corcoran Group, NY [3]
This quick decision-making capability means agents can:
- Filter out unqualified buyers early on
- Cut down on unnecessary property visits
- Devote energy to buyers who are already interested after viewing the virtual tour
Out-of-Area Buyer Access
3D tours eliminate the limitations of geography, opening properties to buyers from anywhere in the world. On average, buyers spend 52% more time on listings with virtual tours [6], giving them the chance to explore properties in detail, no matter where they are.
“Virtual tours have become a powerful tool for bridging the distance and connecting international buyers to luxury properties.” – Volantt Real Estate [5]
For international and out-of-state buyers, these tours offer:
- A way to explore properties thoroughly without traveling
- The ability to move through the tour at their own pace, which can be especially helpful for non-native English speakers [5]
- Enough information to decide which homes are worth an in-person visit
The numbers back it up: 90% of prospective buyers say they’re more likely to buy a home if the listing includes a virtual tour [2]. Properties with this technology sell 31% faster and for 9% more than those without [2], making it a win-win for agents and sellers alike.
Creating Matterport Real Estate Virtual Tours
How to Create 3D Virtual Tours
If you’re ready to dive into creating 3D virtual tours, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Creating professional 3D tours requires specific tools. At the core, you’ll need a 360-degree camera (ranging from $250 to $500), but there are other essentials to consider:
- Hardware:
- 360-degree camera (standalone or a smartphone with add-ons)
- Lighting and stabilization tools like a monopod and extra lighting for consistent image quality
- A reliable laptop or tablet for uploading your footage
- A high-speed internet connection for seamless processing
- Software: Choosing the right platform is key. Here’s a quick comparison of popular options:
| Platform | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Asteroom | Works with smartphones, includes 3D tour kit | Beginners and budget-conscious agents |
| Matterport | Advanced capture tools, free mobile app | Full-service agencies and luxury listings |
| CloudPano | Live chat integration, flexible workflows | Tech-savvy agents and interactive showings |
Shooting Tips for High-Quality Footage
To ensure your 3D footage looks professional, follow these shooting guidelines:
- Camera Setup:
- Lighting:
- Open all blinds and curtains to maximize natural light.
- Turn on all interior lights to eliminate shadows and dark spots.
“Excellent and friendly tool to create wonderful virtual tours. Everything you need is there! Absolutely recommended.” – Ignacio Borrego, Panoee User [7]
Once your footage is captured, take time to address any technical issues to ensure a polished final product.
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Creating 3D tours isn’t without its hurdles. Here are some common problems and practical solutions:
- Image Quality Issues:
- Process Challenges:
“I personally have dealt with many different technical troubles from ingestion to delivery, but the biggest challenge has always been delivery and accommodations for different platforms for both sound and video.” – Lorraine Cardoza, VR Editor [9]
Marketing with 3D Tours
Website and MLS Integration
Adding 3D tours to your website and MLS listings can significantly increase buyer engagement. According to data, listings with photos and virtual tours receive twice the buyer interest compared to those without [13].
Here’s how to make your 3D tours stand out:
- Add clear “Take a Tour” or “Explore Now” buttons on your homepage.
- Ensure your website is mobile-friendly so tours work seamlessly on all devices.
- Focus on fast-loading tours to avoid frustrating potential buyers.
- Create a dedicated section for virtual tours to keep them organized and easy to find.
When uploading tours to MLS platforms, keep in mind that they prioritize property details over branding. Platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin pull directly from MLS data, so proper integration ensures maximum visibility. This integration also sets the stage for sharing your tours on social media.
Social Media Distribution
Social media platforms are excellent tools to expand the reach of your 3D tours. Each platform has unique strengths:
| Platform | Tips for Sharing | Suggested Content |
|---|---|---|
| Share direct links, create events | Full tours, preview clips | |
| Use Stories and carousel posts | Short previews, highlights | |
| Write professional captions | Full property showcases |
You can also create short preview videos using screen recording tools [14]. Highlight specific parts of the tour and use strategic hashtags to boost engagement.
Online Open House Tips
Virtual open houses are another way to maximize exposure for your property. They combine live interaction with the benefits of 3D tours, offering a dynamic experience for potential buyers.
1. Choose platforms like Zoom, Facebook Live, or YouTube that fit your audience’s preferences. Make sure your chosen platform works well with your 3D tour software.
2. Use good audiovisual equipment, stable internet, and proper lighting to ensure a smooth experience.
3. Structure your open house effectively:
- Keep tours concise – around 10-20 minutes [15].
- Focus on key property features.
- Answer questions live to keep the session interactive.
- Follow up with attendees afterward to maintain interest.
“A virtual open house is an online showing of a house where the real estate agent invites buyers to explore the property. They can ask real-time questions about the property and get a personalized virtual tour of the house.” – RICOH360 Blog [16]
Real-world examples highlight the impact of 3D tours. Jellis Craig in Australia sold 70% of units in a development project before it was even completed, thanks to interactive 3D models [12]. Similarly, Bali Luxury Villas boosted their bookings by 40% in just three months after introducing 360-degree video tours [12].
3D Tour Platform Options
Once you’ve learned how to create 3D tours, the next step is picking the platform that best suits your property and goals.
Matterport vs. iGUIDE: Comparing Features
In the 3D virtual tour space, two top players—Matterport and iGUIDE—offer distinct approaches to showcasing properties. Using AI-driven 360° photography, Matterport creates immersive “dollhouse” models, whereas iGUIDE blends laser scanning with 360° photography to produce detailed, interactive floor plans.
| Feature | Matterport | iGUIDE |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Time | 1-2 hours (large properties) | 20 minutes |
| Equipment Cost | $2,995 (Pro2 camera) | $1,999 (Planix camera) |
| Monthly Fee | $0-$309 | No monthly fee |
| Per Project Cost | N/A | Starting at $29 |
| Measurement Accuracy | AI-based | ±0.5% (distance), ±1% (sq ft) |
| Data Ownership | Platform-dependent | Full user ownership |
These differences can help you decide which platform aligns with your business priorities.
How to Choose the Right Platform
Here are some key factors to think about when selecting a 3D tour platform:
- Speed and Efficiency: iGUIDE can scan a typical property in just 20 minutes, while Matterport often takes longer for larger spaces [17].
- Cost Structure: Matterport offers a free tier with one active space and professional plans starting around $45/month for up to 150 active spaces [17]. iGUIDE charges per project, beginning at $29 for properties up to 1,450 sq ft [17].
- Accuracy Needs: If precise measurements are critical, iGUIDE’s LiDAR technology provides highly accurate data [18].
Choose a platform that fits your budget while meeting the level of detail and efficiency your clients expect.
HomeJab: A Full-Service Option
If you’d rather not handle the process yourself, HomeJab offers a convenient all-in-one service. They provide:
- 24-hour turnaround times
- Nationwide coverage
- Professional photographers
- MLS integration
- Branded property pages
For frequent users, their bulk pricing offers a $50 credit for every $1,000 spent. Their standard 3D tour package includes:
- 360° property capture
- Interactive virtual tours
- MLS-compatible formats
- Both branded and unbranded versions
The best platform or service depends on what you value most – speed, accuracy, or cost. To find the right fit, consider testing one property on each platform to see which delivers the results you’re looking for.
Measuring 3D Tour Results
Performance Metrics
To evaluate the success of your 3D virtual tours, focus on key metrics that reveal how visitors engage and how effective your marketing efforts are. Platforms like Matterport and iGUIDE provide analytics dashboards to track these important indicators:
| KPI Metric | Description and Business Impact |
|---|---|
| Average Virtual Tour Duration | Tracks how long visitors spend on your tour – longer times often signal greater interest. |
| Lead Conversion Rate | Shows the percentage of viewers who turn into qualified leads, highlighting the tour’s role in generating business. |
| Website Traffic to Tour Pages | Measures the online visibility and interest in your listings. |
| Engagement Rate | Monitors actions like clicks on hotspots, reflecting the tour’s interactive quality. |
| Cost per Acquisition | Evaluates marketing efficiency by comparing the cost of acquiring each lead or sale. |
Use these metrics to better understand your tour’s performance and make data-driven decisions.
Client Response Analysis
Knowing how clients interact with your virtual tours helps you refine and improve them. Advanced analytics can pinpoint which property areas draw the most attention and reveal navigation patterns. Combine this data with feedback from post-tour surveys, agent forms, website analytics, and social media interactions. These insights can guide adjustments to layout, hotspot placement, and camera angles, creating a smoother and more engaging experience. When paired with financial data, this analysis helps you understand the full impact of 3D tours on your business.
Return on Investment
Assessing your financial returns offers a clear picture of the value your 3D tours bring. For example, data shows that listings with virtual tours get close to 90% more views[19], and properties with these tours can sell up to 31% faster[20]. On average, creating a 3D home tour costs about $350[19].
Here’s a simple example: If you invest $5,000 and generate $15,000 in sales, your ROI would be 200%. The calculation is straightforward: ($15,000 – $5,000) / $5,000 = 200%[20].
Consider these additional stats: Over 90% of buyers start their home search online[19], and more than half skip listings without virtual tours[19]. Google also reports that virtual tours can double business interest[19]. To further track ROI, look at metrics like reduced in-person showings, more qualified leads, higher listing prices, and lower marketing costs overall.
Next Steps with 3D Tours
Quick Reference Guide
Set up 3D virtual tours effectively by using the right tools and following a clear process:
| Implementation Phase | Key Requirements | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Setup | 360° camera or smartphone with a 3D kit | Options include the Asteroom 3D kit ($315) or the Matterport Pro2 ($3,395) |
| Software Selection | Subscription to a virtual tour platform | Consider CloudPano ($49/month) or Matterport ($69/month) |
| Capture Process | Proper camera placement and lighting | Position the camera at eye level and turn on all room lights |
| Post-Production | Editing and creating the virtual tour | Use platform-specific tools to maintain consistency |
| Distribution | Embedding on websites and MLS integration | Add iframe code to property landing pages for seamless viewing |
Start capturing from the entrance and maintain consistent lighting and camera angles throughout the property. If you’d rather delegate, HomeJab offers turnkey 3D tours starting at $315, ideal for agents who prefer outsourcing.
As you become more familiar with the process, stay ready to adapt to new technologies that will continue to enhance virtual tours.
Future Technology Updates
The world of 3D virtual tours is advancing quickly, bringing new ways to showcase properties:
- VR/AR Integration: Platforms now blend virtual and augmented reality, allowing buyers to see how furniture fits or imagine renovations in real time.
- AI-Enhanced Tours: Chatbots are being used to guide visitors and answer questions during virtual tours.
- IoT Features: Buyers can interact with smart home devices, controlling systems remotely during their tour.
Interactive features are proving to be a game changer, with reports showing they can boost conversion rates by up to 80% [21].
To stay ahead, choose platforms that regularly roll out updates and new features. Established names like Matterport and iGUIDE are known for consistent improvements, while newer options like CloudPano are gaining traction with competitive pricing and fresh tools. Opt for platforms with strong customer support and frequent updates to ensure your virtual tour setup keeps up with the latest trends.
