A few months ago, I told you all about the virtues of virtual reality. In fact, I gave some VR goggles a try and posted the video to show you just how crazy VR can be. I also walked you through some of the benefits of virtual reality for real estate, all made possible by the amazing Matterport 3D Camera (which, I am thrilled to have in my arsenal).
It’s been awhile since we’ve talked Matterport, 3D home listings and virtual reality, but on October 4, Phantom Compass hosted a VR open house at St. Catharines’ The Generator at One, and as soon as I heard about it, I thought, “FINALLY!” People are finally going to see first-hand just how amazing VR technology is and truly understand why I keep touting it as a real estate gamechanger.
What’s new in Virtual Reality for Real Estate?
Back in August, Matterport announced new capabilities to its already comprehensive and amazing system. It was already changing the way people were selling real estate with immersive 3D home tours, but now it was VR’s time to shine. A new app (Matterport VR) made it possible to create a way for people to fully experience a property, anytime and anywhere.
If you know me at all, you know I’m always looking for new ways to go the extra mile when I’m helping people buy and sell homes. And with the ability to dive into the world of virtual reality, I’m seeing firsthand how the way people buy and sell real estate is transforming. So long open houses, hello home viewings from the comfort of your living room!
Matterport’s 3D Spaces
The use of Matterport’s 3D spaces is hands down the most immersive way to show someone a property without actually walking through the front door. And while looking on a traditional browser gives us the opportunity to view a home from top to bottom in a way no video tour can accomplish, using a VR headset, like Google Cardboard, is even better. With VR, Matterport spaces is even more immersive and engaging. You get a total sense of what it’s like to be in the home physically as you “walk” through and look around.
I’ve been using Matterport 3D Walk Throughs for almost a year, and buyers and sellers alike are loving the benefits. It breaks down geographic barriers, making the home buying process easy for out-of-town buyer, and it allows people to view homes whenever they want, making the home showing process easy for the seller. As VR keeps growing in popularity, I can’t wait to virtually walk a homebuyer through their new home — while inside their old one!
More News from Matterport
Until recently, you’ll have noticed most of my listings with Matterport showed inside the home only. That’s because the Matterport camera was unable to capture immersive 3D views in direct sunlight.
But now, Matterport has taken a step further, with Matterport 360° Views, allowing you to experience sweeping exterior views of the property, in 360° and then “go inside” and walk through the home in 3D. Stay tuned for more on this — you know me, I have big plans to show off Matterport’s capabilities on this front!
