Many sectors have increasingly seen their business move online as the 21st century has progressed, and real estate is no different. 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have only hastened that transformation for everyone. Let’s look at some of the best ways to utilize online platforms like Set Schedule, YouTube, and Zoom to create a smooth virtual experience for agents, sellers, and buyers alike.
Use Set Schedule to generate leads
In many areas, it’s currently a seller’s market, which means it’s more important than ever to identify and secure leads before your competition can. Set Schedule uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify potential leads quickly and efficiently.
Provide virtual video tours on YouTube
Now that you’ve landed the lead, it’s time to show buyers the home. Even before COVID-19, virtual video tours were growing in popularity. They’re a great option for long-distance home buyers and those with a busy schedule — a video walk-through can give a potential buyer a much clearer idea of a home than photos can. And during COVID-19, it gives buyers the peace of mind of getting a first look at a house without having to actually leave their current home. This can be especially beneficial in a situation where the homeowner still lives in the house — it’s far harder for homeowners to leave for a showing when they’re limited on where else they can safely go.
Whether you choose to upload the video to YouTube, Vimeo, or your own private server, a professional and polished video can showcase the charm of a home. Emphasis on professional and polished — consider using a drone or a gimbal to capture smooth video that recreates the experience of an actual walk-through. A shaky handheld video risks giving the viewer a sense of motion sickness, as well as simply looking unprofessional. Likewise, avoid too many gimmicky transitions or other video effects that could be distracting.
Meet virtually with Zoom
Even if your state’s current lockdown rules would allow you to meet face-to-face with buyers and sellers, they may still prefer to limit their in-person contact to only the most necessary meetings. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet make it easier to have a face-to-face without actually being in the same place. Oftentimes, video is preferable over a phone call as people feel more connected when they can see facial expressions and body language. Let the other party dictate their preference, of course. Some people may be feeling self-conscious about their quarantine hair, or have roommates running around in the background, and may prefer to have a voice chat instead.
Technology is here to help
Don’t let 2020 throw you off of your stride. If you take a little time to familiarize yourself with technological tools like Set Schedule, YouTube, and Zoom, as well as hardware such as drones and gimbals and webcams, you’ll be well-poised to take advantage of the current real estate market conditions. People are still buying and selling houses. It will take more than a pandemic to change that!
