8 Secrets for Stand Out Virtual Showings

To stop the spread of COVID-19, the real estate industry is pivoting away from in-person events and embracing virtualization. But buying or renting is a big decision--how is a buyer or tenant supposed to choose the right home without stepping foot inside?

Enter: virtual showings. Real estate agents are leading stand out virtual showings--either by FaceTiming their client or recording a comprehensive walk through--to keep real estate running as usual. Scroll down to see eight secrets of virtual showings for real estate agents.

1. Don't Underestimate the Power of Good Lighting

As any good photographer knows, it's all about light. So make sure that you're doing your listing justice by filming your virtual showing with great lighting. Go during the day, and experiment with what looks best on camera. Got shadowy corners in the home? Could the living room use a couple of extra pieces of floor lighting? Bring your own gear. Purchase a small, handheld light and shine it in the dark areas to get your client the best possible view.

2. Mind Your Windows

Be mindful of windows in your listing. All the light that comes streaming through large windows can distort the visuals in your virtual tours. Windows can totally white out an image, or can make a room go very dark, so be careful. When you move your camera to show an area with lots of windows, go quickly and don't linger on the light source.

3. Practice Beforehand

Whether you've chose to send your client a pre-recorded video of a listing or you've decided to live-stream a showing while your client is on FaceTime, do a dry-run. There, rehearse the key selling points and features of the home. Even if you've been leading showings for years, using a phone to do the job might throw you for a loop. Don't take any chances. Instead, show up 20 minutes before you've agreed to FaceTime your client and rehearse your main talking points and the path you'll take through the home. If you're opting for a pre-recorded showing, try filming a couple of takes before you select the one you'll send to your client.

4. Keep Things Steady with a Stabilization Device

Ever been on FaceTime with someone taking a walk and felt yourself get seasick by the movement? Make sure your clients have a better experience (and are able to see the listing in its best light!) by investing in a cheap stabilization device (a pop socket or another type of grip). Or, if you want to spend a little bit money, purchase a dolly—a tripod with wheels. It's possible that virtual showings will become the norm for a while, so adapt and make sure you can give your client a smooth ride as you explore potential homes.

5. Don't Take Wi-Fi For Granted: How Will Your Service Be?

If you're leading a live showing (FaceTiming your client at a specified time), good Wi-Fi is a must. Bad reception can garble the images your listing, and—worse—disconnect repeatedly and cause a stressful and frustrating experience for both you and your client. When you call ahead to the owner or property manager to let them know that you'll be conducting a virtual showing, ask them about their Wi-Fi situation. If it's not good, you might need to dip into your data or let your client know that a pre-recorded showing might work better.

6. Go Beyond Descriptive Words:

This is great to keep in mind even if you're leading in-person showings—make sure to use very precise descriptions.

Instead of saying: "This open concept living-dining room is pretty big."

Say: "This open concept living-dining room could comfortably fit a round table for four and two couches."

It can be tough to really get a good sense of space using a screen, so help your client envision what these spaces look like in real life with your words.

7. Don't Rush: Walk Slow and Leave Time for Comments

Don't rush your good work! It can be tough to envision something from an iPhone screen, so take your time walking through the home and showing off its fantastic features. Ask your client if you are moving too slow or too fast, and be sure to course-correct your pace as per their recommendations.

8. Luxury Home? Best to Leave It to the Professionals

Are you working with luxury listings? If so, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Connect with real estate photographers and see if they would be willing to lead a virtual showing for your client. Yes, it's an extra expense. However, professionals have long-range cameras that will be able to capture depth in a much more realistic and compelling way than your iPhone can, and will know best-practices to make your showings successful. It's an expense well worth it if you're working for clients seeking luxury homes. And, the opportunity to network with another real estate professional can grow your sphere of influence, and maybe even generate referrals.

To view the original article, visit the Rental Beast blog.