Although virtual tours are still a topic of discussion for some, professionals in the field are leveraging AI technology to reshape properties, combine unique spaces, and design engaging virtual environments, all from their office space.
It has been captivating to observe the transformation of property marketing in recent years.
Upon Matterport’s introduction, virtual tours were considered a pleasant bonus rather than an essential feature.
With over 35 billion square feet of space digitized globally, virtual tours have transitioned from a novelty to a critical component of property marketing.
The Data Speaks for Itself
Steven Kounnas of Captur3d recently provided an in-depth look at the adoption trends surrounding advanced property technology, backed by some striking statistics.
He pointed out that the number of listings incorporating virtual tours has expanded from 2% to 12%.
What’s especially noteworthy is their estimate that this figure could rise to 20% by 2025, highlighting the direction the industry is moving towards.
Transformative Tools Reshaping the Landscape
Matterport’s latest releases have brought two exciting new features to the forefront: Defurnish and Merge, which are especially intriguing for those tracking the company’s developments.
While both focus on solving persistent challenges in property marketing, they take unique approaches to the problem.
Defurnish: A Smarter Way to Stage Properties
Defurnish provides an inventive solution to a frequent hurdle in property marketing. While staging is essential for showcasing a property, the expense of professional staging is not always justifiable for every listing.
Steven highlights that professional staging can be an expensive addition to the listing process, which not every property can justify.
With Defurnish, the process becomes easier by removing unnecessary items and clutter, allowing the property to be displayed in its true form without distractions.
This approach offers significant marketing advantages by addressing multiple challenges effectively. It alleviates privacy concerns for homeowners while simultaneously enhancing the buyer experience by providing clear, uncluttered views of the property, making it easier for them to envision their own furnishings.
Merge: Tackling the Challenge of Fragmented Spaces
With properties in Australia often featuring standalone granny flats, garages, or storage units, creating a unified virtual tour has been challenging. The Merge tool changes that by integrating these areas effortlessly.
As Steven noted, something that used to be time-consuming and often impossible is now accomplished quickly and effortlessly with a user-friendly click that brings everything together.
This translates to a remarkable improvement in efficiency. Scanning a three-bedroom house, a task that previously took 20 minutes, can now be accomplished in just 10 minutes.
Tech That’s as Easy as It Gets
The accessibility of these innovations is perhaps their most impressive quality.
The technology may be sophisticated, yet its implementation is easy to grasp.
As noted by Steven, the system demonstrates a high degree of user accessibility, successfully onboarding individuals across a broad age spectrum, from 12 to 70 years of age. The majority of users achieved proficiency within a 15-minute timeframe.
According to him, the process involves simply placing an object on a tripod and clicking one button.
He also clarified that the technology takes care of the rest. Moving it around the room just a few meters is enough for it to capture the entire area in a matter of minutes.
Innovating the Virtual Tour Experience
The combination of these tools with other innovations is what really draws attention.
Building upon seven years of expertise in crafting compelling content and developing innovative software, Captur3d has unveiled the Capture platform, a powerful fusion of these capabilities.
Once the Defurnish tool has successfully removed all furnishings from the space, this integration seamlessly transitions into the virtual staging process.
Far-Reaching Effects
The evolution of property marketing necessitates the development of more sophisticated tools. Matterport’s recent updates demonstrate a commitment to providing users with advanced functionality while maintaining ease of use.
As a result of this evolution, agents and property marketers can enhance their property presentations while significantly reducing the time and effort dedicated to technical challenges.
The property technology industry is witnessing a transformative era, driven by the rapid advancement of immersive technology. With a projected 20% adoption rate by 2025, this technology is no longer limited to virtual tours, but now offers a complete digital journey for property exploration.
The emergence of user-friendly tools like Defurnish and Merge suggests a potential surge in their popularity.
The primary focus has shifted from assessing technological feasibility to determining the most effective ways to integrate these technologies into existing marketing processes.
As the property marketing sector undergoes continuous evolution, industry observers are closely monitoring how these tools will shape its future direction.