Welcome to a Homeowner's Guide to Preparing Your Home for a Virtual Tour (or Matterport Tour)! In this blog post, we’ll cover six steps for home preparation, and provide some pro tips to ensure your virtual tour looks its best.
First, What is a Virtual Tour?
A 3D Virtual Tour is the most realistic and immersive way to view a property online. This virtual experience allows users to explore a property from any angle to get a full 360° representation of what it would be like if they were to visit in person. (You can see an example of a Virtual Tour at the bottom.)
It is important to understand that since the camera does take 360° scans of each room; you have to be slightly more meticulous with preparing your home. Even the photographer has to step out of the room to make sure they don't appear in the scan.
Step 1: Declutter and Stage Your Home
A virtual tour is an opportunity for potential buyers to get an up close and personal look at your home. To make your home look as best as it can for the tour, it's important to declutter and stage the space. This includes clearing away all clutter in each room, rearranging furniture to create an open and inviting atmosphere, and adjusting the accessories to enhance the look and feel of each room.
Step 2: Remove any Pets from the Home if Possible
Although your curious pets may be the most adorable animal on the planet; if you have any pets, it's important to make sure they are out of the way during the virtual tour. Keeping pets in one room away from the camera or removing them entirely from the home during the tour will make the scanning process much faster and keeps the photographer safe from getting bit or scratched.
Step 3: Close Toilet Lids and Take Out the Trash
Virtual tours show just about everything. Potential buyers don't want to see what's in your toilet or trashcan!
Step 4: Lighting and Shades
It's a good idea to make sure that all the lights are on and all the shades are open prior to the photographers arrival. This makes for a quick and easy session. Blinds can often be damaged, so it's best for someone who operates them often is the one to open them.
Step 5: Remove any Photos/Items that Include Any Personal Information
This one is especially important. In order to protect the privacy of your family, it’s best to remove any photos or items that include personal information. Including but not limited to names of your children, schools, and work locations.
Step 6: Hide Valuables
A virtual tour is an opportunity for anyone to peek inside your home, so make sure you safeguard any valuable items from view. Keep your valuables in a locked drawer, closet, or anywhere out of sight.
Following these six steps will help ensure your virtual tour looks its best, and that it is an enjoyable viewing experience for potential buyers. Most importantly, take your time and make sure you’re satisfied with the way your home looks for the tour. After all, it’s the first impression they’ll get of your lovely abode!
Virtual Tour Example: