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Feature
Virtual realty Lawrence Higgins looks at some hi-tech ways to show a home. T
echnology-savvy agents are always hunting for the next new product that can give them an edge over any of their less forward looking peers
and ensure that they remain at the forefront of market advancement. Standard fl oorplans have become the norm as 3D plans, virtual walk-throughs, slide shows and video tours are becoming more widespread. James Davis, systems manager for The
Mobile Agent, says, “Whether selling a two-bed fl at or a castle, having a fl oorplan is essential. The average buyer will look at 20 properties on line – they will not be able to remember beyond the second or third so a fl oorplan allows them to retain some perspective.” The use of 3D images, photos and videos
are bringing fl oorplans to life and adding value to the user. Given its clarity and usefulness it is surprising that fl oorplan and
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related technology has not become more of the norm in the market but as access to new products becomes easier and less expensive this is changing. Brian Farrell, Managing Director at Metropix says, “There has been a steady growth in the use of interactive and 3D plans ever since they were fi rst introduced. However, since we introduced PicturePlus interactive plans as part of the standard off er
“Whether selling a two bed fl at or a castle, having a fl oorplan is essential.”
James Davis The Mobile Agent
to subscribers the growth of these have increased much faster. More than half of our customers use at least one of the available upgrades on a regular basis.” There is no doubt that agents are wary of
any unnecessary spend at the moment, with anything beyond the basic imagery often seen as a fancy add-on, but Farrell says, “When the recession fi rst happened agents were cautious on all spending fronts however we didn’t see clients stopping using our service in any large numbers. This is because fl oorplans are an essential part of the marketing pack from both the buyers and sellers point of view; it really is cost eff ective so isn’t a large outlay for agents.”
AVAILABILITY The are numerous products available; slideshows which simply show still photos with added audio; fl oorplans which allow
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