The real estate arena is evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is the rise of virtual house tours. The growing relevance of virtual real estate tours, especially 3D virtual house tours, has revolutionized how properties are showcased and experienced. Prospective buyers can explore every nook and cranny from the comfort of their own space.
This blog delves into the increasing significance of home virtual tours. Specifically tailored for individuals looking to sell their properties, this guide offers insights into virtual home tours — from the benefits and differences to the future of these immersive experiences.
Real estate marketing has come a long way from static images and printed brochures. In the digital age — where visual appeal and immersive experiences matter — the rise of 3D virtual real estate tours has changed the game. Traditional methods struggled to convey a property’s true essence, leading to the rise of technologies like 3D real estate photography.
The year 2020 accelerated the adoption of virtual real estate tours since safety concerns and social distancing measures limited in-person viewings. Buyers sought the convenience and accessibility of 3D virtual house tours, enabling them to explore properties at their own pace and from anywhere. This technology also expanded the market’s reach, attracting global buyers.
Additionally, virtual reality (VR) technologies enable immersive and interactive property viewing experiences. These advancements have made virtual tours more engaging, realistic and accessible — contributing to their growing popularity in the real estate market.
As virtual tour software continues to evolve and become more user-friendly, it further enhances the effectiveness of virtual tours in showcasing properties and attracting potential buyers. To give an idea, the global virtual tour software market value is $384 million in 2023 — and is projected to grow to $941 million by 2030.
Real estate agents adapted to this shift, incorporating virtual tours into their marketing strategies, while buyers’ evolving preferences for work-from-home spaces increased the demand for comprehensive online property exploration. These changes have left a lasting impact, with virtual home tours becoming a standard feature in the real estate industry.
These immersive digital experiences offer advantages that can impact the selling process. Let’s delve into the numerous benefits of embracing 3D virtual tours for showcasing your property:
These tours offer an immersive, engaging and efficient way to showcase your property to a broad audience. They can streamline the selling process and enhance the overall experience for both sellers and buyers. Embracing this technology is a significant step toward a successful and efficient property sale.
Traditional physical tours have long been the norm. However, the emergence of virtual house tours has shifted how properties are experienced.
Let’s explore the main differences between these two approaches and why virtual tours have increasingly become the preferred choice for property sellers in Missouri and Kansas.
Traditional property showings provide a firsthand look, but they lack the immersive quality of virtual tours. Buyers can walk through the property, but their interaction is limited to the physical environment.
Virtual tours offer an entirely immersive and interactive experience. Buyers can explore every inch of the property at their own pace. They can view rooms from multiple angles, zoom in on details and even measure spaces — all from the comfort of their computer or mobile device.
Conducting in-person viewings can be costly and time-consuming. Sellers must prepare the property meticulously for each show — often disrupting their daily routines to accommodate prospective buyers’ schedules.
Virtual tours save sellers valuable time and money. There’s no need for extensive preparations, and showings can happen on-demand, 24/7. It’s an incredibly flexible and convenient way to showcase a property.
Physical tours are restricted by location. Interested buyers must be physically present, limiting the reach of your property’s exposure. Yet, the digital nature of virtual tours breaks down geographical barriers. Potential buyers can explore your property near and far — making it accessible to a broader audience, including out-of-state and international buyers.
While physical tours allow buyers to see the property, they may not catch every detail. This can lead to uncertainties and concerns down the road. Virtual tours, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive and transparent view of the property. Buyers can thoroughly assess it, fostering trust and minimizing surprises.
Physical viewings often involve sellers, buyers and agents driving from property to property, contributing to environmental pollution and high fuel costs. However, embracing virtual tours aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle. It reduces the need for extensive travel and the production of printed marketing materials.
Technological advancements are poised to drive the industry to new heights, offering both property sellers and buyers an array of exciting prospects.
One of the most promising avenues is the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Imagine immersing yourself in virtual reality homes, walking through their rooms as if you were physically present. This technology can provide a level of realism and engagement that was once inconceivable.
Furthermore, the emergence of AI-powered virtual assistants holds immense potential. These digital guides can accompany prospective buyers during virtual tours by offering information, answering questions and providing an interactive experience simulating an in-person viewing.
The real estate industry is continually evolving, and virtual house tours are at the forefront of this transformation. Stay informed about these emerging trends and innovations, as they can shape the future of property marketing and redefine how we buy and sell homes. The coming years promise an exciting reality where the line between the virtual and the physical property showing may blur, offering endless possibilities for property sellers.
In a dynamic real estate landscape, the rise of virtual house tours has become a transformative force. Property sellers in Missouri and Kansas can unlock various advantages, from heightened visibility and increased buyer engagement to swift transactions. Take the leap into this exciting future.
Looking to sell your property? Cates Auction & Realty Company’s four generations of auction expertise and advanced technology will supercharge your property’s journey from listed to “SOLD.” Discover your property’s true market value and connect with the perfect buyer through competitive bidding.
Contact us online today to begin your next chapter.
Kansas City, Missouri, is a thriving city with delicious barbecue, friendly people and a downtown hub that comes alive at night with food trucks and music performances. It’s a great place to move, whether you want to raise a family, flourish in a career, retire or invest in properties.
Kansas City’s early developers gathered inspiration from the boulevards in Paris. That’s why you can find over 130 miles of practical and aesthetically pleasing passageways throughout the town today. Check out this list to learn more about Kansas City culture.
You can experience the thrill of living in a popular city without the standard traffic and rush hours. On average, the commute to work is less than 24 minutes.
You can save more on housing, transportation and food expenses when you move to Kansas City, Missouri. The cost of living is around 2.1% lower than the nation’s average.
It’s best to diversify your wardrobe with items ranging from flip-flops and hats to boots and jackets. The area features springs, humid summers, vibrant falls and snowy winters.
If you like barbecue, you’ll love relocating to Kansas City, Missouri. You can satisfy your craving for this signature cuisine at more than 100 mouth-watering restaurants in the area.
The Midwest has delightful farmer’s markets! Cooking Light magazine named the Overland Park Farmers Market the best in the city — plus, there are dozens of other markets to explore throughout town whether you’re free mid-week or on the weekend.
Want to experience a relaxing oasis or adventure in the outdoors? The city has over 12,000 acres of parkland, with more than 220 parks. You can travel through almost 160 miles of bikeways and trails with scenic views.
Feel like you’re traveling abroad when you walk through the “City of Fountains.” Early city planners got inspiration from the fountains in Rome, resulting in over 200 displays across the metropolitan area.
Finding real estate through an auction is one of the best tips for moving to Kansas City, Missouri. Cates Auction & Realty Company offers a quick way to buy properties at fair prices.
Want to learn more about our auction process? Fill out a contact form today to get started! We can answer any questions about whether buying at an auction is a good fit for you.
Decluttering, getting rid of things, and moving into a smaller space is a well-trodden road for families all across the nation. If you’re thinking about, or in the beginning stages of downsizing your home, you are not alone by any means.
Every stage of life could bring about reasons to downsize. Young couples who want to move in together have to discard duplicate items. Empty-nesters may consider a smaller home to suit their child-free routines. Retirees may want to spend less time and money maintaining a larger home. Individuals on whom age is taking its toll — and their families — may find themselves searching for extra assistance in a care facility. Even though it can be challenging, downsizing is part of life everyone will eventually experience.
Whether you’re looking to save money or distress your life, and whether you are downsizing your home with kids or for a loved one, you can benefit from knowing both the advantages and disadvantages of downsizing a home and the steps to do it most efficiently.
Essentially, downsizing offers a range of benefits related to escaping frivolous living, from financial savings to a more concentrated, simpler lifestyle. Despite the work and time that goes into it, getting rid of your excess stuff and having less to maintain can be an incredibly refreshing move — and one that pays off in the long run.
Benefit 1: Financial Savings
One of the primary reasons people consider home downsizing is to save money. Smaller homes ensure a smaller mortgage, lower utility costs, less maintenance expense, and lower property insurance. If you are selling your old home, you can use the profits to buy your new place in cash, eliminating your mortgage payment entirely.
Another financial benefit is the increased cash flow downsizing offers. No longer will the equity of your home be tied up in maintenance and furnishings, but instead, you can invest it, put it in the bank to build up your savings, and use the extra money to fund your more exciting pursuits, like hobbies and traveling.
Benefit 2: Reduced Effort on Upkeep
Not only are you downsizing your home to save money, but you are also saving time and energy you usually invest in maintaining your large home. No longer will you spend hours cleaning rooms you barely use and doing tedious yard work. You can now use that time for the fun things you’ve always wanted to do.
Less maintenance is probably the most significant reason downsizing your home for retirement is such an appealing idea. If you’ve already spent enough time and energy working hard, why not reduce the time it now takes to maintain your lifestyle and do the things that bring you the most joy? You’ll be thrilled to find fewer responsibilities and a lower workload that grants you the flexibility to pursue dreams and reduce your stress.
Benefit 3: Better Use of Space
You might be surprised to learn some of the recent statistics on how much stuff we own. For example, on average, American houses contain 300,000 items, and despite these houses having tripled in size over the past 50 years, one out of 10 families continues to rent offsite storage space for additional keepsakes or furniture. Additionally, the average home is nearly 2,700 square feet, 80 percent of which is space we rarely, if ever, use.
Not only is this a waste of real estate, but the cost of maintaining so many belongings can be astronomical, both financially and upkeep-related. Why continue spending so much time, energy, and money on things we don’t use and space we don’t need? Downsizing can lead to a fuller life of less excess, which makes people much happier overall, research shows.
The main disadvantage downsizing could pose is discontent if the timing is not right. Heavy emotional attachment to things, stressful life events, financial burdens, and other factors may indicate right now is not the best time to be thinking about making a lifestyle overhaul. It can feel overwhelming. Here are a few downsides to downsizing for you to consider.
Less storage space: While this may surprise you, it can be easy to forget giving up space means less room for all the furniture and belongings we are so used to enjoying. The china cabinet that has been in the family for generations may need to find a new home, the boxes of children’s elementary school artwork in the garage, and all the dusty memories in the attic may not all fit in the new place.
Less living space: More intimate living situations may turn out to be challenging for some. Having to share or not having room for guests could make space constraints problematic. With this, you’ll also need to consider: If you had a family crisis that necessitated a relative staying with you, would you be able to share spaces, like the single bathroom?
Decluttering difficulties: It can be challenging to let go of family heirlooms that no longer fit or get rid of a closet full of clothing you used to love wearing. It can be heart-wrenching to finally sell that collection you acquired from years of travelling., or throw out the small knickknacks you or a loved one has grown accustomed to hoarding.
Hidden costs: Despite the fact that downsizing your home will save money in the long run, there is a good chance there will be other costs during the relocation process. These include HOA fees, transactional costs of buying and selling homes, a change in taxes, investing in smaller furniture and storage items to fit inside the new home, and the costs of hiring professionals to help you move.
To minimize the amount of time and money it will cost you to get rid of the things you can’t or don’t want to keep, consider the benefits of auctioning your home as a selling alternative that can get you the exposure you need to find the right buyer. You might be surprised to find eliminating some of the legwork helps relieve some of the stress and burden downsizing can cause, while also getting you maximum value.
Since it is primarily a lifestyle decision, determining when you should downsize your home is all about evaluating how your space complements the lifestyle you desire for yourself.
It may be time to downsize if your house is filled with “just-in-case” furniture items, duplicate kitchen appliances, multiple bedrooms that remain empty for extended periods of time, spaces that take too much time to clean or renovation projects that sap all your energy. If you hire help for tasks you used to do yourself, it may be a sign a change would be welcome.
You may also think about whether your current home is close enough to the things you enjoy most, whether it’s family members or just the part of town you love. Why continue living in the suburbs if you’re an empty-nester who’d rather be closer to work or downtown? Retirees often downsize to be closer to services they depend on.
Assuming your current home no longer fits the lifestyle you want or the income and energy you have, you should look for something more suitable, and your search for a new home should definitely reflect that.
First and foremost, prepare as best as you can by starting the process early. Begin asking questions and decluttering gradually, well before the need to move arises. Streamlining the process will help minimize the pain of releasing the stuff you’ve accumulated, and maybe you’ll even find yourself enjoying paring it down. Start by taking a look at the big picture.
1. Determine Your Needs: Ask Big-Picture Questions
Asking the right questions to figure out your needs and goals is the perfect first step to preparing for the huge life event downsizing can become. Follow these tips to keep you on track as you determine functional, worthwhile goals.
After you do some preliminary brainstorming, it’s time to figure out when to begin sorting your stuff and selling and buying properties. Remember to start preparing early to prevent any pitfalls from catching you off-guard.
2. Pinpoint Your Destination: Figure Out Where You’re Moving
Explore numerous options before deciding where downsizing is going to take you. You’ll want to find a community or facility that meets your financial and emotional needs, which is low-maintenance, conveniently located, and accentuates the part of the house you will spend the most time in. Determine the amenities and services that are important to you. A real estate agent or downsizing specialist can help you shuffle through the various options in your city to find the best pick.
After you find the right place, even if it has limited storage amenities, only consider renting an additional storage unit as an absolute last resort. The moving process should help you declutter and purge enough to prevent you from having to invest in extra space for your belongings.
3. Selling Your Home: Put a Price on the Memories
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when looking to downsize is overvaluing their current home’s worth. While you see all the memories associated with your home, most onlookers are only looking to determine its true market value. Get a local real estate agent to help you understand the current local market for your home, and mentally prepare yourself to hear a number lower than you previously expected.
It’s worth getting a professional involved to help you get the best value for the home and belongings with the least amount of effort. At Cates Auction, we receive glowing testimonials of the benefits of having someone else handle the trickier aspects of marketing and getting the best return.
Moving in and of itself requires an organized process, but when the space you’re moving into is more confined than you’re used to, you will face additional challenges. To be as prepared as possible, pay close attention to these tips on downsizing to a smaller home.
As more and more baby boomers begin to reach age 65 and plan for retirement, housing preferences and needs may change. Assisting a loved one to downsize their home and transition to a retirement community can be a challenging process for everyone involved — seniors and their adult children.
If the decision to transition to a retirement community comes after the death of a spouse or the onset of a serious health condition, you’ll want to make the transition as seamless and painless as possible. Deciding what to do with the current house and all the belongings that will not fit in the new place can be emotionally overwhelming and stressful. Below are some steps to implement when downsizing to a retirement community:
The transition process can be especially tough for adult children who live far away with limited resources, time, and energy. Utilizing the services of a reputable auction for home downsizing services can provide a solution that fits your needs.
A personal property auction offers a custom, quick and simple way to sell belongings in addition to real estate. The services an auction provides allow you to spend time with your loved ones during the transitional stage without worrying about dealing with a variety of individuals to file the necessary paperwork. You can leave your worries at the doorstep.
Cates Auction Real Estate Company has been assisting adult children and their elderly parents in downsizing for over 70 years. Our comprehensive and qualified senior transition services are comprised of the marketing of the home as well as ensuring the highest return on investment is attained. The goals of both you and your elderly parents are our main priority to create a personalized solution that’s catered to your specific needs and circumstances, providing a seamless and successful transition.
For more information and helpful tips on downsizing elderly parents to a retirement community, contact Cates Auction.
Moving away from the home where your children grew up can be a challenge. If you are helping your parent or loved one relocate, remember to be extra patient with them during the transition and allow for storytime as you sort through items. Don’t be too discard-happy, and allow them to bring items of emotional value with them, especially if they’re small. Remember to check in often after the move is complete. They will love hearing from you.
While there is nothing wrong with traditional selling methods, you may decide you’d rather embark on an auctioning journey to get the best return on your property. Our clients love auctions for their ease and simplicity, and we’d love to share that experience with you!
What are the benefits of an auction? Not only is auctioning an excellent way to get more exposure, leading to more and better buyers, but you can eliminate extra weight from the moving process by selling your property and belongings all at the same time! Auction terms simplify the process and eliminate the frustration of negotiating, plus you can perfectly time the sale with your move to ensure a smooth transition!
At Cates Auction, we understand downsizing, especially for seniors, can be a grueling process, and we work hard to simplify it by offering a free analysis of your property and creating a custom marketing strategy just for you. Leave the dirty work to us, and we’ll make way for the results that work for you. Get in touch with us today to begin your smooth transition in the greater Kansas City area.
As seen in the Kansas City Star
Looking back over the past 73 years of his company’s history, Jeff Cates notes that homes on acreage are consistently among the most popular real estate auctions. “From the very early days when my grandfather founded the company, farm auctions and homes on acreages have been a steady part of the business,” he notes.
A look at Cates Auction & Realty Company’s spring and early summer calendar proves it true with several options for buyers who prefer to live on a bit of land rather than a traditional subdivision lot. “These types of auctions are great for bidders and for sellers because each property is unique,” says Cates. He adds, “You can’t just look at a recent sale of a matching property to determine value like you can in a traditional subdivision. It’s based entirely on what buyers decide it’s worth.”
On May 15th, Cates will be selling a home on approximately 43 acres between Kearney and Smithville, Missouri. In this sale the acreage is divided into two tracts allowing buyers to bid on either one or both in combination. Tract 1 consists of 28 acres with a custom-built true ranch home and a 40×84 outbuilding with concrete floor, electricity and heat. Built in 2003, the 2,000 square foot home has three bedrooms, four baths and a walk-out basement. The sellers are moving, so Cates says they chose auction to expedite the process. There is no minimum or reserve on this auction so the home and land will be sold to the highest bidder(s).
For those wanting a little less acreage, on May 29th, Cates will be selling a three bedroom home on 3.3 rolling acres just northeast of Liberty, Missouri. The true ranch home has a large sun/breakfast room addition, an updated kitchen, and three-car garage. The partially-timbered land also has a metal outbuilding. Cates says this is a great way to live close to town but with a peaceful country setting. The real estate, along with the personal property is all being sold at absolute, no reserve auction as an efficient method for settling an estate.
On June 5th, bidders will have the opportunity to compete for a 38-acre country estate complete with wildlife, a 3.5 acre lake, scattered timber, a barn, and a four-bedroom home. (28 of the acres are tillable.) The property even has an 18-hole disc golf course! For those who prefer their golf with clubs and balls, Cates notes that the location is just east of the Tiffany Greens Golf Course which also makes it convenient to shopping, dining and entertainment options. As these sellers are downsizing and selling their lifelong collection of antiques and other personal property as well, they chose auction to simplify the entire process.
Information on all three properties, including photo galleries and open house dates, can be found at CatesAuction.com. The site also provides a complete auction calendar of residential, land, commercial, and personal property auctions taking place in the next 45 days. Owners curious about selling at auction can contact the company at Sold[@]CatesAuction.com or by calling 816-781-1134.
Cates says additional acreage auctions will be announced throughout the summer and fall. While such auctions are certainly part of the legacy of this successful third generation business, when he reflects on similar home and land auctions conducted over the years, Cates is amazed by how much has changed. “My father and grandfather would be thrilled to see the caliber of our professional staff and the leading edge technology we utilize to market properties and extend bidding accessibility. They would certainly be proud of our status as a recognized leader in our industry.”
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