We're living in the future. While there might not be many flying cars floating around the airspace, the continued development of new technologies has sent modern society to places we used to only dream of. Virtual reality used to be the stuff of science fiction novels, but has become a mainstream form of entertainment available on virtually every budget.
Of course, VR isn't just for entertainment purposes. Countless industries have adapted the technology for their own use, be it surgeons practicing new techniques or construction companies testing out new ideas. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management encourages property managers to get in on the fun and embrace VR in their daily business. There's no better way to do so than to do so than incorporating VR in the way you market your community.
Choosing an apartment or home in which to live is an important decision, and one no one wants to make sight unseen. That said, daily tours of vacant apartments can be a real drain on your resources. By incorporating virtual tours of your vacancies, you can entice folks to come learn more about your community. Even better, those who are lukewarm on your offerings will confirm that they do not wish to schedule an in person tour, saving everyone valuable time!
Virtual reality tours can cut down on the in person time needed to show a vacancy, but it can also reduce the man hours needed to schedule appointments, man phone lines and confirm showings. There's also the unique feedback you can garner from VR viewings. If a majority of viewers close out and opt not to apply after seeing the bathroom, you know exactly what needs upgraded.
While virtual reality is relatively new, online "tours" are not. Anyone who remembers the days of dial up can remember clicking through a virtual home and exploring photos of the space. Thinking of those can cause some property managers to reconsider whether they want to subject potential tenants to the frustration. Thankfully, VR has come a long way, and online tours of a space can now be just as immersive as a favorite television show or movie.
The point is, don't rush to judgment about VR, regardless of your previous experiences with the technology. As it continues to evolve, you'll be surprised at how VR is in fact here to stay. Harnessing it for use in the property management world will only benefit you and your team!
- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
