Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Full range of tools to facilitate viewing
REMOTE buyers have a range of tools that can be helpful and facilitate the viewing process, including online property sites and the printed media, which gives a very good idea of the trends and prices achieved in various areas, says Alexander Swart Properties’ Rowan Alexander.
But when it comes to needing more sophisticated assistance regarding specific properties, technology is the answer.
“For example, Matterport will enable the buyer to view a ‘doll house’ replica of the home and give a 3D virtual reality experience that is in every respect almost equal to actually visiting the home.
The viewer can ‘navigate’ the tour through the house room by room, pausing or going back for a second look before moving on to a new area. The buyer will also get accurate external views of the house.”
Alexander says Matterport has only recently been introduced in South Africa but is undoubtedly the top-of-the-range means to assess a home without going to see it.
“Less expensive but also highly effective are the virtual reality interactive videos now used by most established estate agents. These cannot be controlled by the viewer but, again, give a thorough room-by-room tour of the home.”
Through the use of different devices, the web is most often the channel buyers use to begin their search for properties, says Andrew Golding, chief executive of Pam Golding Property. However, at some point, contact is made with the relevant agent or agency.
“For estate agents, the use of tablets for presentations to clients is now common, giving real time listing information and enabling quick and easy storage of notes, templates and presentation discussions.”