n the early 90’s, home referred to basically a page on
buyers started heading out the internet that had a picture
in a new direction to look of the front of the home and
for homes. It was this thing perhaps some interior photos.
called the internet. It provided This evolved later into a page of
information, or at least held photos along with some music.
that promise, convenience and There was more of a wow-factor
most important of all – it for the seller to see their home
provided anonymity! The only showcased this way, but provided
problem was, in the early 90’s little for the buyer.
their just wasn’t a lot of
information out there when it Then came “stitching” software.
came to real estate and homes for This allowed Realtors to take
sale. several photos (of the exterior
for example) and “stitch” them
Realtors started to catch on and together into a 180-degree
along came the concept of panorama. These wide panoramas
“Virtual Tours”. Realtors wanted could then be put on the internet
to provide potential home buyers, either as a still photo or,
at least those using the thanks to JavaScript, animated to
internet, a way of touring the move from side to side. Realtors
home from the comfort of their were getting closer to the
computer. They provided little “Virtual Tour” concept.
in the way of information, since
that is what Realtors hold dear After a little while, the idea of
and don’t want to give up easily. “stitching” photos progressed to
the next logical step. Panoramas
Virtual tours started to pop up started showing up that were
around the internet. In this 360-degrees. This gave buyers a
first incarnation a virtual tour much more realistic impression of
a home and it’s surroundings. anonymity! The best home
websites include an unlimited
A company called iPIX truly amount of photos, links to maps,
revolutionized this concept local schools, mortgage
though with it’s creation of true information, property documents
360 by 360 stitching. This meant such as disclosures and surveys,
that you could have a virtual the ability to schedule a viewing
tour that went 360-degrees and even print of a brochure!
horizontally AND vertically.
Buyers could now see those grand So, if you’re a home buyer, be on
two-story foyers, staircases, the the lookout for these websites –
tops of trees and more! This was they will truly give you a
the true virtual tour, or was it? “Virtual Tour”. And if you’re
considering selling your home,
Realtors may have finally don’t just ask your Realtor if
delivered on their promise of they provide virtual tours – ask
Virtual Tours. In the last them what kind of virtual tours!
couple of years we have seen Virtual Tours have really come a
entire websites devoted to long way. What’s next? Well,
showcasing a listing of a home wait and see!
for sale. This gives potential
home buyers the most amount of
information possible. It meets all the requirements that they type="text/javascript">
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About the Author:
Kris Kombrink has been working in his family-owned real estate business since 1995. Specializing in Geneva, St Charles and Batavia Illinois residential real estate his team stays on top of the latest trends while maintaining superior customer. Learn more about his team at http://www.kombrink.com
