A 360° walk-through tour has many advantages for a anyone trying to sell a home or commercial property. Three of the biggest advantages is saving time, money and improving exposure. For the buyer and buyer brokers, it’s an opportunity to connect to a property from anywhere at any time.

If you decide to use a virtual tour to showcase your property, it’s important to know how to do it right. What features do you want to stand out? Is there specific amenities you want to highlight? The professionals at TrueViews 360s recommend the top tips and ideas to prepare your property for a jaw-dropping 360° virtual tour.

Clear the Clutter!

It only takes a few minutes to ensure that your property is free from debris and it’s also an opportunity to feature your property in an ideal setting during a photoshoot. A pile of leaves in the backyard or an overcrowded dumpster in the front of your property can drive a potential buyer to the competition. If possible, hire a professional to clean your property from top to bottom, inside and outdoors to prepare for a virtual tour photoshoot. Here are the basics to clean your property in preparation for a 360° virtual walk-through photoshoot:

• cleaning all the windows
• cleaning the appliances for a close-up
• Make sure dirty/clean dishes are out of the sink & put away
• shine all stainless steel
• clearing the closets of excessive clothing
• cleaning each room thoroughly
• toning down artwork/memorabilia/photos
• empty all garbage cans
• Organize the garage
• Mow the lawn and weed the beds

A well maintained interior and landscape for residential or commercial property photography is very attractive. A little TLC for your property can go a long way in closing the deal.

Capture Your Property in the Best Light…

With many people reluctant to visit property in-house, the key to potential buyers connecting to your listing is creating a great first impression. More importantly, build trust by offering an identical virtual setting to an in person showing. For example, all the lighting should be working and inviting. One of the most important elements of photography is lighting. Lighting that’s too bright or too dim could impair the visualization of your real estate. If you’re not sure of the right lighting, discuss your lighting options with your photographer in advance.

• Choose a photoshoot time when the sun is NOT shining brightly into the windows
• Turn on all the lights
• Double check all light bulbs are working
• Ensure bulbs in light fixtures are all the same color
• Turn off televisions & Fans and hide remotes

Shift Things Around…

If you’re casting your property, your design ideas may not be the best creative design for the camera lens. Potential buyers will be more interested in what the space truly has to offer. Don’t hesitate to move furniture or office equipment around to ensure it’s properly spaced to give a clear visual of the floors, walls, windows, cabinets, and other key areas. A well-thought-out setting that gives a clear visual will look good on camera and impress potential buyers.

• Straighten couch pillows
• Make all the beds
• Toilet seats down

Plan Each Property Accordingly

For multiple listings, each property will require a unique set up in preparation for a photoshoot. A set up that works for one home, office, or commercial property may not be the best setting for another. Take the time to give each of your listings a signature look in preparation for photographs. A large window will need a different setting than a small window to stand out on camera. Each room should be given careful consideration for what looks best on camera. Research design ideas to find a setting that stands out and generates views. You may even consider staging your property either digitally or physically.

Find Out What’s Working for Your Competitors

There’s nothing wrong with eyeing the competition. Look through competitor virtual walk-through tours to see what’s driving their views. If something stands out, you don’t have to copy it, but it can be used as an opportunity to go above and beyond what they’re doing. Taking notes from the competition is also a good way to find out what looks good on camera. Use the photography from your 360° walk-through virtual tour to maintain a competitive edge.

Do A Double Take!

Once everything is ready for the photoshoot, give it another once over. Taking a few minutes to double check your handy work will help you spot any clutter, anything that’s not clean, or make any final touches. Your handy work is what potential buyers will see through the eye of the camera. Not only will potential buyers see it on camera, but they have the option of 3D which puts them up close and personal with your listing.

Your photographer will walk through the property to double check that it is ready to photograph and make any changes they think will improve the results. The time spent prepping your property will pay off.

Hire A Professional

You get what you pay for. A virtual walk-through photographer doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but a professional with experience can help you avoid costly mistakes. A professional photographer should be easy to work with, creative, have great communication skills, and an eye for detail. If the photographer is passionate about their work, it will show in the photography of your virtual tour. Also check their references or past virtual tours they have created before you hire them to do any work. If you find a photographer you can work well with, keep them on board for future virtual walk-through virtual tours.

Is It Really Important To Prep For A Virtual Tour?

A 360° panorama virtual tour is attention grabbing and preparation allows you to set the end goal you expect for your photographs. Prepping for your virtual tour allows you to avoid simple mistakes like putting a time on your listing by removing seasonal items from your property or costly mistakes including poor photography. Planning your virtual tour is an opportunity to stage what you want potential clients to see and attract views from potential buyers that have an expressed interest in your property features.

At TrueViews 360s, we’re cost effective, generate more views, and help our clients close more deals. We’ll maximize your visibility 24/7 to make photography work for you.

Contact us to discuss a 360° virtual walk-through tour to showcase your property today!