COVID-19 Update: With concern around the Coronavirus firmly taking hold in New Zealand, buyers and sellers are worried about the impact of Coronavirus on the NZ property market. Realtors are responding by offering Virtual Reality Tours, also known as Matterport 3D Digital Twins, or Virtual Open Homes as we call them. These interactive 3D virtual tours of a house allow realistic, immersive access to a property online – allowing buyers to continue to view property without putting themselves or others at risk of contracting the virus.
We are continuing to support real estate agents by creating 3D virtual tours, while maintaining strict health and safety standards to keep our staff and our clients healthy and do our part to help fight the spread of the coronavirus.
On the 16th of March the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand sent out this press release to members (real estate agents):
“In terms of open homes/rental viewings, members should speak to vendors/clients in the first instance to see if they are still happy to hold open homes/rental viewings or if they would prefer to hold viewings by private appointment only.”
16 March 2020
REINZ issues COVID-19 suggestions around open homes, auctions & rental viewings – REINZ postpones events & education until end of April
We’re urging people to keep calm and take financial advice where they need to.
“However, what is different this time is that the use of technology may have a significant part to play in how the housing market can try and continue in a ‘normal’ fashion. For example, open homes or rental property viewings can utilise options such as video walk throughs or virtual reality tours. “
18 March 2020
REINZ: potential impacts of COVID-19 on the housing market
Around the world, real estate agents are turning to technology and specifically virtual tours in order to continue to show homes to buyers while fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
“The coronavirus is shutting the door on NYC open houses, but opening a digital window: Virtual home tours.”
NY Post: https://nypost.com/2020/03/16/coronavirus-fears-turn-real-estate-open-houses-into-virtual-tours/
“L.A.’s Real Estate Agents Go Virtual to Keep Coronavirus from Cooling the Market”
Los Angeles Magazine: https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/real-estate-coronavirus-los-angeles/
“Brokerage firms are cancelling open houses and promoting virtual tours of homes as buyers and sellers alike become concerned about contracting the novel coronavirus through the real-estate process.”
Market Watch: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/redfin-and-other-brokerage-firms-cancel-open-houses-and-limit-in-person-tours-as-social-distancing-hits-the-real-estate-industry-2020-03-17
During the course of our work, we are being extra careful in how we operate to help fight the spread of COVID-19. While on site we are:
- Ensure that you and your employees are not experiencing any flu-like symptoms, particularly fever, cough or shortness of breath.
- If any staff is experiencing symptoms, we have requested they call a doctor and stay at home.
- Because the situation is dynamic, we are continuing to montitor the situation and are following NZ government advice. https://covid19.govt.nz/
- When on site our staff are extra cautious and follow the protective measures offered by the New Zealand government and the WHO. Including, but not limited to:
- Thoroughly washing and drying hands before and after each appointment, maintaining social distance, refraining from handshakes or physical contact and avoiding touching the property or furniture.
To talk with a 3D virtual tour consultant, or to book in a shoot – Contact Us Today.
Or click here to learn more about topVIEW 3D Virtual Tours for real estate marketing & sales.