The impact of technology on the real estate market today can’t be ignored and agents are poised to take advantage of every new tool to enhance their business. One of the key tech trends is virtual reality.
As more and more clients start their search for a new home online, virtual reality is fast becoming one of the primary technologies for real estate agents. They can use VR to showcase a property to a prospective buyer without actually being there, giving them a play-by-play of the location.
According to a report by Goldman Sachs, VR will likely be an $80 billion market by 2025. However, real estate is also personal, and a Forbes report discussed several ways that agents can instill the personal touch when it comes to cultivating relationships using virtual reality.
According to Referral Exchange’s Lisa Fettner, creating a virtual version of yourself can help to communicate who you are. Keep all photos current and have consistent information across the web.
Engelo Rumora, of List’n Sell Realty, never give up on in-person meetings.
“I don’t believe that virtual reality will be a prominent part of the real estate industry for at least another 10 years,” he wrote in Forbes. “With that said, nothing will ever beat meeting someone in person, hearing their voice, and shaking their hand.”
Video apps also can be a key tool in the virtual age and it is a key way that Kevin Taylor, of Sand to City Real Estate Team, communicates with clients.
“I employ many ways to keep things personal as I help my clients buy homes all over the globe,” he wrote. “I use Skype and FaceTime to stay in touch with video, as well as WhatsApp. All of these apps are great for keeping things personal and for that personal touch that we, as professionals, must make day in and day out with our busy schedules.”
You also can add multiple touchpoints, according to Sharran Srivatsaa of Douglas Elliman. Simple communication can help build trust and confidence.
Nav Athwal of RealtyShares also notes that constant communication is a key. “Personal touch comes down to back-and-forth communication. Leverage these opportunities.”
Going “old-school” also can help forge relationships and keep a personal touch. A handwritten letter can be a strong personal touch, according to Doug Fath of Wealthy Passion/Legacy Capital.
“Anyone can FaceTime or send an email with the click of a button, but taking time out of your day to purchase a card, sit down and write a personalized message, stands out in today’s marketplace, and clients appreciate the personal touch,” he told Forbes.
Finally, technology can be used to enhance the personal experience and Sean Black of Knock said it can be used to enhance the key attributes that sellers and buyers care about most, such as trustworthiness, local market knowledge and responsiveness.
