With the explosion of social distancing, real estate took a more drastic turn towards automated showings. Virtual showings have grown throughout the year and it is no surprise that 100% of people looking for real estate start online. According to a study done by the National Association of Realtors, real estate related searches on Google.com have grown 253% over the past 4 years and 70% of users utilize virtual tours with YouTube as the top place to look for virtual tours. Incorporating online document signing for leases and business can continue regardless of what is happening around the world. This is exactly how Del Val managed to stay relevant with extraordinarily little interruption during the pandemic.
In unoccupied properties that qualify, Del Val can allow access remotely for showings. Utilizing the Zillow 3D Home App and a 360 camera, tours can be done anywhere. This has been useful when the country has been shut down due to the pandemic. No need for social distancing if one has a door open from the couch.
A major perk of virtual showings is that the rental listing is optimized to its full potential. Videos are three times more likely to be seen then just photos. Video and virtual showings are an effective time management tool. Prospective tenants will know right away whether the house is something that would be of interest. The amount of information that is “cached” allows Del Val to find tenants other properties as well thereby increasing leads. Essentially there is more “bang” for every click (the new word for buck!).
Integrating Zillow 3D with Del Val’s scheduling software Showmojo allows unique codes to be given to prospective tenants should they want to physically go to the property. These codes can also be used for maintenance issues. Once a tenant applies (which is done online) and is approved, Del Val’s lease signing is also done electronically. No need for a “wet signature” and electronic signatures has been supported through courts, so they are legally binding.
The pandemic may almost be over but the course of how real estate business is being done has certainly changed to a more safer, effective way of doing business and that is always a great place to be.
Elisha Heebner is the Assistant Director of Rental Services and property manager of Del Val Realty and Property Management. Elisha specializes in property management as many homeowners today need a competent, caring person to handle these affairs for them. Professionally, it is her duty to provide services to her clients with integrity, competence, and confidentiality.