The Best Solutions for Commercial Real Estate Virtual Tours
March 3, 2022 • Commercial Real Estate
Technology has been late to hit the commercial real estate sector. But that is all changing, as more and more proptech solutions geared towards the commercial side have emerged in recent years. Covid-19 predictably escalated the issue, as safety concerns and protocols changed the nature of going to the office in every way, including the process of searching for the right property. One emerging sector of proptech that has played a pivotal role in addressing these issues is commercial real estate virtual tours.
According to a study by VTS, 60% of landlords say clients expect to see a commercial real estate virtual tour before visiting a space. This expectation may be new, but it is likely the new norm, not a passing fad. In addition to managing pandemic safety protocols, virtual tours are a powerful tool for brokers and landlords alike when it comes to setting the correct expectations for potential clients. A virtual tour can be a time saver for everyone involved by helping clients identify properties that don’t meet their needs without having to schedule an in-person visit.
When looking to add a virtual tour service to your tech stack, it is important to find a provider that closely matches your specific needs. The market for virtual tours is fairly large, with many services not explicitly targeting commercial real estate. That’s why we’ve taken the time to highlight some of our client’s’ favorite providers.
The Best Commercial Real Estate Virtual Tours Solutions
Matterport is a leading provider of virtual tour technology for a number of industries including real estate, both commercial and residential, retail, travel and hospitality, and more. They have a variety of options that include 360-degree cameras or a mount for iPhone and Android. Additionally, they can scan your property to produce 3D renderings. Whatever your needs are, Matterport has a plan for you. To learn more about Matterport, visit their website.
Ricoh360 Tours is billed as the DIY solution for creating virtual tours. Their entry-level platform allows users to create engaging videos from 360 degree images that can be captured from the standard iPhone or Android. With plans starting at $0, Ricoh360 Tours is a great place to start for those looking to get into virtual tours for the first time. With an AI staging tool in beta, Ricoh360 Tours is actively enhancing their offering and is an exciting company to keep an eye on. To learn more about Richo360 Tours, visit their website.
Based out of Switzerland, Klapty also focuses on the entry level side of virtual tours and services a wide range of industries including real estate, construction, tourism, and more. With a free plan and two low priced monthly options, Klapty works on both iPhones and Androids, making them perfect for anyone looking to add professional looking commercial real estate virtual tours to their listings for the first time. For more information on Klapty, visit their website.
If you’re looking for an enterprise solution that will really wow your clients, Swivel is the way to go. With a focus on digital stagings and renderings, Swivel creates a smooth and engaging interactive experience for customers that allows them to see not just what the property looks like, but what they could turn it into. While Swivel is not a solution for those looking to make a quick video from a few photos, those looking for a more advanced enterprise service will find Swivel meets their needs. For more information about Swivel, visit their website.
That’s right, all you really need to create a commercial real estate virtual tour is your cell phone and a free Youtube or Vimeo account! While this may not seem like the most glamorous solution, a simple video is often all it takes to really show a client what they need to see. If you are not currently offering any form of virtual tours, creating a quick video and uploading to Youtube or Vimeo may be the right choice. It is quick and painless, and most importantly, free!
Summary
Commercial real estate virtual tours are going to play an important role in the tenant experience in for years to come. Whether you are on the tenant rep or listing agent side, being able to offer your clients a virtual tour is quickly becoming a standard expectation. With so many tools on the market, and more emerging every day, creating virtual tours has never been easier or more affordable.
The AnthemIQ transaction management platform is designed for tenant rep brokers and is used to get clients from search to signed lease. Our digital market survey includes over a billion square feet of detailed listings, with tens of thousands of properties currently offering virtual tours to prospective clients. Our clients leverage each of the services mentioned above and our platform supports any tool of your choosing. Commercial real estate virtual tours may just be one piece of a property listing in AnthemIQ, but their importance is undeniable.
Interested in learning more about how AnthemIQ can help you get your clients from search to signed lease in a single platform? Contact our sales team today to learn more.
