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The 3D Virtual Tour Experience

By Doug Francis

Letting the world tour your McLean condo…

can be pretty cool.

UPDATE: Yes, this Sold June 2017. The virtual tour played a vital role since it was viewed outside the U.S. International home buyers are starting their search online, and that’s why I work with my clients to maximize my digital marketing strategy. Contact me for help or to meet to put together the sale of your home.


When clients asked me to list their condo in McLean recently, they asked me some very specific questions about how I would do it differently than every other Realtor they had talked to?

Since they are a family of four living there, my first goal was to disrupt their lives as little as possible.

The second goal was to make sure every buyer could get inside to see their place.

I totally understand home buyers want to sift through and eliminate the junky listings at home, and then see only the best stuff. They are busy and really don’t have the time to get into multiple elevators, check in at multiple front gates, or discover that the view is of another building or air shaft.

It’s 3D for the real world

To go beyond the professional photos, adding a 3D virtual tour seemed like an ideal marketing tool that would allow home buyers to check it out on their own as long as they wanted.

Have you looked through the 3D virtual tour above? On any device, it is pretty cool.

It is done using a special 360-degree Matterport camera that scans the space from each round focal point. Controlled by a photographer using an iPad, the property springs to life as he is shooting the images.

It is a 3D experience for real-world real estate buyers.

I have found that this works best on iPads, iPhones, or probably any mobile device. Since it is such a new technology, Matterport likely designed it for that type of user.

Preparation and staging a home

Before you think that everything in the 3D tour is fake furniture from the staging store, or computer generated (CAD) enhancements, I want you to know that what you are seeing is their stuff. Yes, their own furniture!

3D Virtual Tour Rotonda CondoYes, their own furniture!

What I prefer to do when helping seller clients is to have a few meetings before any photos are taken.

The first meeting is with me reviewing moving plans, discussing the powerful global brand of TTR Sotheby’s, and seeing if we are the right fit. Honestly, it is important that we are on the same page before taking our relationship to the next level. (if you know what I mean)

The second meeting will be my first advice session putting together a list of things to get started with before our third meeting.

The third meeting involves my professional staging designer who is going to help us create “the dream” home that will stand out.

This is why I like to tell people it will take about 30 days to get your house ready to sell.

So, what’s different?

My goal is to bring our powerful Sotheby’s branding to any home. Really.

It amazes me when I see terrible photos or realtor jargon used when marketing a home. It’s always missing an opportunity to help… help both seller and buyer see the maximum potential.

I have been lucky enough to sell some exceptional homes in all price ranges, so let’s talk about your home today.

Cheers!

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips, McLean, real estate, Sotheby's, Virtual Tour

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

Considering selling your home?

https://youtu.be/0ZSodCtsfkY

Just Sold!

Plum Street home with swimming pool

Looking for a house with a pool in Vienna, VA?

Sold!

https://vimeo.com/1003798838?loop=0

Planning to sell your home?

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“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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