When listing your property online, it’s important to paint a full picture for prospective renters. Instead of leaving details to their imagination, focus on showcasing your property in a way that answers their questions before they even ask. That’s where a 3D virtual tour can make all the difference.
3D tours are a great way to bring your listing to life. As opposed to stagnant photos or videos, a 3D tour lets renters explore a property in-depth, all from the comfort of their own home. However, to fully maximize the convenience and effectiveness of a 3D tour, it’s important to understand why these powerful tools matter and how to utilize them.
In this article, we’ll share our tips and tricks for creating 3D tours for your rental listing, along with a step-by-step guide to get you started. Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover:
- Why 3D virtual tours are important
- How to create a 3D tour: step-by-step guide
- Additional tips for successful 3D tours
Why 3D Tours Matter for Rental Listings
So why do 3D tours matter? Won’t standard listing photos suffice? Though a 3D tour isn’t necessarily required for online listings to be successful, it can make a significant difference. From widening your pool of applicants to saving time for all parties involved, here are some ways a 3D tour can benefit your rental business:
Attract more renters
Advertising a rental property is all about casting a wide net. And luckily, 3D tours allow for just that. By optimizing your listing with a virtual tour, your listing becomes more appealing to tenants who may be states away. Rather than making a trip to come see your property or signing a lease without ever seeing it, long-distance applicants can get an accurate feel for your home through a screen. This capability alone makes 3D tours critical tools for attracting renters from all over, not just ones who live nearby.
Enhance transparency and trust
While your listing’s main goal is to generate appeal, it’s also there to build trust. The more detailed and accurate your listing is, the more credit you build with your future tenants. 3D tours are a great tool for enhancing this trust, as they paint a clear image of the property – flaws and all. Even if a virtual tour unveils imperfections, potential tenants will appreciate your transparency and feel more comfortable renting from you.
Save time and reduce effort
A 3D tour simplifies things for everyone involved. For tenants, it saves them the time and effort of coming to tour the property in person. This is especially important for attracting out-of-state renters, as we mentioned earlier. For you, the landlord, a 3D tour means you don’t have to constantly schedule and conduct in-person tours or open houses. Instead, you can dedicate more time and resources to other property management needs, such as renovations or marketing strategies.
How to Create a 3D Tour for Your Rental Listing with Matterport
Now that you know why 3D tours are important, let’s talk about how to make one. On Apartments.com, we offer 3D tour capabilities through Matterport, an all-in-one platform that allows landlords and property managers to elevate their listings with advanced media components.
What is Matterport?
Matterport provides powerful spatial data tools that transform real-world spaces into precise, immersive digital replicas. Its cutting-edge technology captures every detail of an interior and generates a high-quality 3D model. These models are intuitive and easy to navigate, enabling users to virtually explore spaces from multiple angles and perspectives. The result is a seamless, lifelike walkthrough experience that brings any space to life.
Step-by-step guide to creating a 3D tour
Matterport offers a simple user experience for both iOS and Android users. In just a few steps, you can use your smart device to create a 3D tour and upload it to your Apartments.com listing. Here’s how:
1. Download and set up the Matterport app
To get started, download the Matterport app on your iOS or Android device. If you don’t already have an account, sign up and set up your login credentials.
2. Connect your camera device
Before you start creating a tour, allow camera access to the Matterport app. If you would like to use a different camera device, Matterport also works with a wide range of connected cameras, including the Matterport Pro2 camera, the Leica BLK360 G1, and select 360° cameras.
3. Create a job
Before you can create your tour, first tap on the “+” button at the bottom right corner of the screen to create a new job. When the new job window appears, name your model and enter its address information. Then click the “Save” button in the top-right corner of the screen.
4. Select your scan method
Next, click on the “Options” button in the bottom-left corner. You can select between a “Simple Scan” or a “Complete Scan.”
The Complete Scan is the default method, but the Simple Scan option captures a space more quickly. If you want to include more of your space, such as high ceilings or expansive rooms, opt for the Complete Scan option. If speed is your top priority, select Simple Scan. Or feel free to try both and see which output you prefer!
5. Start capturing
Tap the “Capture” icon to begin scanning. A series of white dots will then appear on your screen, and you will aim your phone at them as directed. Once you have finished one 360° rotation (or two if you’re in Complete Scan mode), Matterport will begin stitching together the series of images you captured.
You’ll repeat this process at your next scan location, which should be five to eight feet from your previous scan. When you’re in the right spot, tap the Capture icon again and begin. Repeat this process for each of your designated scan positions, which you can find on your property’s displayed 2D mini map in the Matterport app.
6. Upload your scan
After scanning is complete, tap the “Upload” button in the top-right corner. This will send your model to Matterport Cloud. You’ll receive an email when your model is ready.
7. Get your shareable link
You can edit your scan on the Matterport app using various tools like the Mattertags tool, Highlight Reel tool, and more. When the scan is to your liking, login into your Matterport account on a web browser. Select your scan and edit its privacy setting to either “Unlisted” or “Public.” Then, copy the tour ID portion of your shareable link.
8. Link your 3D tour to Apartments.com
Finally, login into your Apartments.com account and click “Properties” from the navigation menu. Then, select “Edit Listing.” Go to the Media section. Click “Add a Matterport 3D Tour” under the “Matterport 3D Tours” tab. Paste your Tour ID. Upload a thumbnail and caption. Click “Publish” and voila! Your Matterport 3D is live.
To learn more details about creating and uploading Matterport 3D tours on Apartments.com, visit our Help Center or the Matterport website.
Tips for Success with 3D Home Tours
Creating a 3D tour goes beyond following a step-by-step guide. It’s also about knowing your property inside and out, specifically its main selling points and the best ways to highlight them. As you follow the above-listed steps, consider the following tips to ensure your 3D home tour is a success:
Use proper lighting and staging
Creating a 3D tour starts well before the camera starts rolling. Before you can capture your space, you must ensure everything is clean, tidy, and positioned in a way that’s appealing to renters. This includes using proper lighting to show off the space, as well as staging furniture and décor that highlights its best features.
Plan your route
Your 3D tour prep should also involve planning a route. Map out your property. What rooms or areas need extensive coverage? What areas can be skipped or minimized? Consider the flow, layout, and best-selling points of your property to determine what you want to highlight. Doing so will make things easier for you when you start capturing the tour.
Do a practice run
If you’re capturing your Matterport tour on a smartphone, try a practice run first to polish your filming skills. Hold your phone with both hands. Keep your arms close to your chest and avoid moving your arms. The key is to stand still and keep the phone stable. Focus on capturing smooth and steady visuals of each room so that Matterport can string your images together seamlessly.
Create a Stand-Out Property Listing on Apartments.com
Making a stand-out rental listing is easy when you list on Apartments.com. Showcase your property to millions of renters and capture their interests by highlighting its unique features, uploading strong listing images, and, of course, creating an immersive 3D tour!
Our listing platform is designed to maximize your home’s online potential. And once your listing is live, you can use our other advanced Rental Tools for your next steps. From screening applicants to creating a lease agreement, Apartments.com is a one-stop shop for all your property management needs. Get started today, and unlock the full potential of your rental business!
FAQs
Do I need professional photography equipment to create a 3D tour?
No, you don’t need professional equipment. Many 3D tour platforms are compatible with smartphones or basic 360-degree cameras, making it easy to capture high-quality visuals without investing in expensive gear.
How much does it cost to make a 3D tour?
The cost of creating a 3D tour can vary depending on the platform and tools you use. Some platforms offer free or low-cost options, while others may charge for premium features like hosting or advanced editing tools. Apartments.com’s affordable, premium listing feature includes 3D tours to help showcase your property and attract more renters.
How long does it take to create a 3D tour?
Creating a 3D tour can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the size of the property and the equipment used. Advanced platforms with automated processes can speed up the editing and publishing time.
Can renters view 3D home tours on a phone or tablet?
Yes, most 3D tours are designed to be accessible on smartphones and tablets. Many platforms use responsive designs, ensuring a smooth and interactive viewing experience across different devices.
What if my property is already occupied?
If your property is occupied, you can still create a 3D tour by scheduling a convenient time with the tenant to capture the space. Be sure to tidy up and remove personal items to present the property in its best light.
