Types of tours
Each format shows your home in a different way, and many listings use more than one.
- Video walkthrough: a guided video that moves through the home like a showing
- 3D virtual tour: an interactive model buyers can click through at their own pace, often with a floor plan
- Drone video: aerial footage that shows land, views, the neighborhood or a large lot
Why tours can help
Buyers often narrow their list online before they visit anything. A tour answers early questions about flow and room sizes, so the people who do book a showing are more likely to be interested.
Tours also keep working around the clock. A buyer can walk through your home at night or from another city without a scheduled appointment.
They can also save you time. Fewer casual visitors means fewer hours spent keeping the home showing-ready and leaving for appointments that go nowhere.
When they help most
- Out-of-town and relocating buyers who can't visit easily
- Larger homes, where photos can't show how rooms connect
- Homes with open or unusual layouts
- Properties with land, water or views worth showing from above
Getting the home ready
Treat tour day like photo day. A 3D camera captures the whole room, including corners, closets you leave open and anything on the counters.
Declutter, clean, open the blinds and turn on the lights. Put away valuables, mail, medications and family photos. Close doors to rooms you don't want included, and decide that with your agent first.
Privacy and accuracy
Tours stay online, so keep personal and security details out of view. That includes alarm panels, safes and anything showing your name or address.
Make sure the tour reflects the home as it is. If you use virtual staging in a video or photos, label it so buyers aren't surprised when they visit.
Questions to ask your agent
- Which tour formats are included in the listing, and which cost extra?
- Who shoots the tour, and how long does it take?
- Where will the tour appear online?
- Can we reshoot if the home changes or a room looks off?
