As VR goggles make their way into auctioneering, the real estate industry weighs the lasting impact of this technology
Last month, Greg Brydon, auctioneer at Ray White Cheltenham, etched his name in real estate history by donning a pair of Apple Vision VR goggles during the auction of a century-old converted church. The result? A resounding success, as the property fetched over $1.4 million from an East Melbourne family.
However, opinions on the widespread adoption of VR goggles during auctions vary. Andy Reid, an auctioneer and self-professed proptech enthusiast, sees both promise and pitfalls in VR technology for real estate professionals.
For Reid, the primary advantage of VR lies in its potential for internal training and compliance. He emphasizes how firsthand VR recordings eliminate disputes by providing indisputable evidence of auction proceedings. Unlike traditional third-person filming, VR offers an immersive experience, ensuring transparency and reducing non-compliant activities.
Moreover, Reid sees VR’s training potential as a game-changer for auctioneers. By analyzing real-time VR recordings, auctioneers can pinpoint areas for improvement, refining their skills in volume, tonality, pace, and body language.
However, Reid urges caution against alienating consumers with overly complex VR setups. Until VR becomes commonplace in households, consumers may find VR auctions distracting and off-putting, detracting from the property-buying experience.
To overcome this hurdle, Reid advocates for user-friendly VR designs, such as glasses-like headsets, to enhance consumer acceptance. He warns against tech gimmicks that fade into obscurity, stressing the need to focus on transparency, compliance, and professional development as the true value propositions of VR in real estate.
In conclusion, while VR holds immense potential to revolutionize the industry, its long-term success hinges on addressing consumer concerns and delivering tangible benefits beyond mere novelty.
