Making the most out of virtual viewings

Prospective buyers are now taking their time to consider property details online, here we share our top tips to help make the most out of a virtual viewing.

What are virtual viewings?

A virtual viewing of a property is 3D imagery that is viewed in a virtual reality system – it seems as though you’re really there in the property.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced estate agents to stop conducting so many viewings and update the way they showcased properties online. Some agents chose to do virtual tours via video walkthroughs, others chose to do professional video tours.

We believe that together with professional photographs and floorplans, a 3D virtual tour is the very best way to enable potential buyers to get the full measure of a property prior to arranging property viewings. In some instances, a pre-recorded video tour is also appropriate.

How to use a virtual viewing

The Horton and Garton Chiswick office use high quality technology to capture a property virtually. The Matterport cameras provide 3D imagery that feels like you’re in the property, it allows a buyer to see every aspect – good and bad.

 

Virtual tours

Buyers should take their time doing a virtual walk through as though they were in the property, there are several points to look out for which can be seen on a virtual tour:

· The age and condition of the kitchen, whether quality brand appliances are built in

· Is there adequate storage space?

· Is the central heating system gas or electric?

· The condition of bathrooms and quality of the fittings.

· Any visible cracks in the ceiling or walls beyond what is expected if it is a period property

· What does the property look out onto – from a 3D tour you can see the view from the windows

· Are the windows in good condition, are they double glazed?

From the virtual tour you might have questions to raise with the selling agent prior to viewing in person.

Measure up

The software we use enables buyers to mark out measurements of their furniture online within the 3D tour to make sure their belongings would fit.

If you want to clarify any measurements, such as the width of a door frame to get furniture in, sellers are usually happy to measure for you – just ask the agent.

If you’ve viewed the property thoroughly online and believe it to be a real contender there are certain questions that you might need the estate agent to answer and provide more information:

· Has there been any structural work completed on the property in the last 10 years?

· When were the kitchen, bathroom and boiler installed?

· Older properties can be susceptible to damp so perhaps ask if there has been any damp proofing and if there is a guarantee for the works.

· If the property is within a building confirm the charges applicable and whether there are any building works planned as this could incur cost and cause noise disturbance.

· You might even want to know who lives next door!

· If you’re new to the area you might like to know more about local schools and amenities

Whatever your query the estate agent will be able to help, or they’ll be able to ask the seller and come back to you.

Floor plans

Floor plans have been being used for estate agents for a very long time and remain to be incredibly important. If the property is one that you know you’ll want to improve or reconfigure the floorplan can be hugely useful.

The floorplan will also confirm where there are storage cupboards that might not have been obvious on the 3D tour such as those in the eaves.

For the purposes of valuing the property the total square footage is used to equate a price based on the price per square foot for comparable properties that have sold recently nearby.

Things to consider before viewing a property in person

Aside from looking around the property virtually make sure you’ve considered these factors before arranging a physical viewing. 

Location

The location of a property and the local transport connections are often easier to check online.

Look at a map to consider the exact location and take a look around at street level by using street view technology as this will give you a better idea of what’s right outside your front door and the outlook. Apps like Citymapper can prove useful to establish how well connected a property is and what modes of transport are nearby, offering an accurate commute time.

Price

The internet allows buyers to easily access sold prices in the area, officially all property sales are registered with the Land Registry. Property portals such as Rightmove will offer an idea of what’s available to buy and some also show recent sold prices of nearby properties.

It’s worth keeping in mind that a property’s value isn’t solely based on what the property next door sold for – there are a number of factors.

If you can’t understand why there’s a difference in the value of the property you’re considering, be it lower or higher than nearby homes, talk to the estate agent as they will have arrived at that guide price for good reason.

Physical viewings

Once you’re sure the property is what you’re looking for it’s appropriate to arrange to view in person. A physical viewing is now more about getting the fuzzy homely feeling when you’re there as you’ve already checked the other factors. Horton and Garton strictly adhere to the government’s Covid 19 guidelines including social distancing and wearing PPE.

How sellers can make the most out of virtual viewings

We’ve highlighted how a buyer can make the most out of a virtual viewing but how can a seller ensure their property is showcased in its very best light when it is captured by the 3D cameras?

Matterport cameras take a full 360° scan of each individual room so think about the following:

· Declutter – tidying away unnecessary items can help buyers see the property more clearly

· Spring clean – give the house a good clean, wipe away any marks and scuffs and, touch up the paint

· Remove valuables – put them out of view

· Ideally pets should be out – having an animal running through a room when capturing the virtual tour can ruin the imagery

· Open all the doors and turn on all the lights – make sure the property is as light and bright as possible

· Freshen up the garden – give the lawn a mow and trim back any trees and bushes

For professional advice on the sale of your property please do get in touch or watch our recent video to find out how Horton and Garton can present your property online.

Buyers looking for property in Chiswick can find our latest listings here or contact us to discuss your property requirements.