How to Create a Virtual Tour Using Your Phone

When potential renters can't tour a property in person, it's hard for them to imagine themselves living there. The solution? Offer a virtual tour.

Virtual tours allow potential tenants to explore a property from the comfort of their own homes, on their own time, and at their own pace. It offers an immersive, 360-degree video view of your property, providing a perspective that traditional photographs simply can't match.

For student renters, virtual tours are not just a nice-to-have feature; they're crucial. College students often face the challenge of finding housing remotely during the school year, especially those moving from different cities or even countries. The convenience and in-depth insight offered by a virtual tour can significantly ease this process, making your rental property a more attractive option for them.

Creating a virtual tour doesn't require high-end equipment or professional videography skills; in fact, all you need is a smartphone to create a video of your property to attract tenants.

By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to enhance your property listings with virtual tours and attract more potential renters.

The Importance of Virtual Tours

By bringing a property to life with a virtual tour, you offer a competitive edge that can't be ignored. But why exactly are they so important? Let's delve into the compelling benefits of virtual tours.

Broadening Your Reach

First and foremost, virtual tours have the power to extend your reach. They allow potential renters from anywhere in the world to take a walkthrough of your property at their convenience. There’s no scheduling of visits or taking the time out of your day to show the property. Your property is open for viewing 24/7, reaching a far wider pool of potential tenants.

Offering a Complete Picture

Unlike traditional photos, virtual tours provide a holistic view of your property. Viewers experience a real feeling of being there, allowing them to explore each room, inspect every corner, and get a feel for the layout. This comprehensive insight helps potential tenants envision themselves living in the space, which can be a powerful motivator in their decision-making process.

Catering to College Students

Virtual tours can be a game-changer when it comes to attracting college students, a demographic that often needs to secure housing from afar. These tours eliminate the need for physical viewings, making the process less stressful for students. By offering a virtual tour, you're showing understanding of their needs and making your property a more accessible and attractive choice.

What You'll Need

Creating a virtual tour may seem like a daunting task, but as mentioned before, you don't need a professional camera or high-tech equipment. Your smartphone can do a good job of creating a virtual tour. However, investing in a few additional items can enhance the quality of your tour and make the process smoother. Here's what you need to get started:

• Smartphone with a High-Quality Camera: Modern smartphones come equipped with cameras that rival professional ones. They offer high-resolution imaging, wide-angle lenses, and image stabilization features that can capture your property in all its glory. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, as long as your device has a decent camera, you're good to go.
• Tripod: While it's possible to hold your phone and record, using a tripod can improve the stability and consistency of your footage. A tripod ensures your phone stays steady, eliminating any shaky movements that could make your tour hard to watch. Look for a model that's sturdy yet lightweight and has an adjustable height feature for more flexibility.
• Smartphone Stabilizer: If you want to take your footage to the next level, consider investing in a smartphone stabilizer. Also known as a gimbal, this device counteracts any unwanted movement and helps you capture smooth video of your rental property. It's particularly useful if you plan on moving around a lot during your tour, as it can help maintain a steady, fluid motion.

Remember, the better your virtual tour looks, the more appealing your property will be to potential renters.

Getting Your Property Tour-Ready

The preparation of your property is an essential step before you start filming for the virtual tour. The way your property is presented can significantly influence a potential renter’s perceptions and decisions. Here are some essential tips to ensure your property appears at its best.

Cleaning and Staging

First impressions count, and a clean, tidy property will appeal to renters far more than a cluttered or dirty one. Be sure that all rooms are thoroughly cleaned, surfaces are dust-free, and there's no clutter lying around. If you have an outside space, be sure to clean up this area as well. Go ahead and mow the lawn, pick up any yard trash, and sweep the front and back porches. This not only makes the property more attractive but also signifies that it's well-maintained.

If you would like to take your virtual tour to the next level, consider staging your property. Arrange furniture in a way that maximizes space and shows off each room's potential. Add appealing elements like plants, artwork, and soft furnishings to create a homely, inviting atmosphere. Remember, the idea is to help potential renters visualize themselves living in the space.

Lighting is Key

The lighting throughout your property plays a crucial role in how renters perceive your property. Good lighting can highlight the positive aspects of your property, make spaces appear larger, and create a warm, welcoming ambiance. On the other hand, poor lighting can make rooms look small and uninviting to potential student tenants.

Try to conduct the tour during the day when there is plenty of natural light. Open all curtains and blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible. If natural light is limited, artificial lighting can be used effectively to brighten up the space.

Artificial Lighting

If you're relying on artificial lighting instead of natural lighting, here are some things to consider. Be sure to choose warm light bulbs over cool ones since they create a cozier and more inviting atmosphere. As you place light sources, make sure they are strategically placed to illuminate the rooms evenly and avoid casting harsh shadows.

Supplement natural light with strategically placed artificial lighting, such as lamps and overhead fixtures. Ensure that each room is well-lit, especially during the virtual tour. If a room is large, use multiple light sources.

Proper cleaning, effective staging, and the right lighting can transform your property, making it more appealing to potential student renters. By taking the time to prepare your property effectively, you're more likely to attract and engage viewers on your virtual tour.

Creating Your Virtual Tour: Step-by-Step

Creating a virtual tour might seem like a complex task, but with the right preparation and guidance, it's completely manageable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through each stage of the process:

Step 1: Plan Your Route

Before you start filming, plan out the route you'll take during the tour. Start by making a list of all the rooms and areas you want to include in your virtual tour. Then, decide on the order in which you'll visit them. Ideally, you should follow a logical path that mimics the way someone would naturally explore the property, such as starting at the front door and ending at the backyard.

Step 2: Shoot

Now that you have your route planned out, it's time to start shooting. Use your smartphone to record the video, making sure to hold it horizontally for a wide-angle view.

Begin at the entrance of the property and slowly move from room to room, following the route you've planned. Try to maintain steady movement to avoid shaky footage. If you can’t get a clear video without shaky movements, consider using a tripod or a stabilizer.

Ensure you capture all necessary details. Slowly pan the camera around each room and focus on key features. Remember, the goal is to give viewers a comprehensive understanding of the space, so don't rush.

Step 3: Edit

Once you've captured all the footage you need, you'll need to edit it into a cohesive tour. When editing, trim any unnecessary footage and arrange the clips in the order of your route. Add transitions between clips for a smoother viewing experience. If necessary, adjust the lighting and color balance to ensure the video accurately represents the property.

Consider adding text overlays or voiceovers to provide additional information about the property. However, keep these concise and avoid overwhelming viewers with too much information at once.

With careful planning, steady filming, and thoughtful editing, you can create a virtual tour that effectively showcases your property and appeals to potential student renters. Remember, the goal is to make the viewer feel as if they're walking through the property, so take your time, pay attention to details, and aim for a smooth, comprehensive tour.

Creating a virtual tour with your phone is not just a tech-savvy move; it's a game-changer in the property rental market. By following the step-by-step guide shared in this article—planning your route, filming with precision, and editing for a polished finish—you are equipping yourself with a powerful tool to showcase your property in its best light and attract the right college students to your property.