With physical distancing measures in place, this spring real estate market is proving to be as much about modern technology as the housing market itself. The challenges that physical distancing have imposed onto homebuyers, sellers and their real estate agents have given rise to virtual real estate tours and touch-less transactions – and RE/MAX expects that this trend is here to stay.

“While the technology that makes virtual deals possible has been part of the real estate industry for many years, we’ve seen a massive uptick in its usage over the past few weeks,” says Christopher Alexander, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, RE/MAX on Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Given that people may still need to proceed with buying and selling for a host of different reasons, technology makes it possible and safe – and we’re ensuring RE/MAX agents have the tools.”

To ensure RE/MAX agents have the tools to conduct business safely and efficiently, RE/MAX has launched “RE/MAX 360 Tours powered by EyeSpy360,” a best-in-class virtual real estate platform that allows agents to create true 360-degree virtual tours and provides exceptional lead-generation capabilities.

What Does the Virtual Real Estate Experience Look Like?

This impressive new tool allows agents to upload 360° photos from a smartphone or 360° camera to create professional-quality, 360-degree virtual tours, 3D models and floor plans with measurements and still pictures. What differentiates this tool from others is the ability to host virtual walkthroughs using embedded live video chat with up to eight consumers on any device in real time. Homebuyers have the opportunity to navigate their way through the home, exploring different areas at their own pace, and ask questions along the way. It’s like being there in person, without the risk.

This platform truly gives rise to the virtual real estate showing, providing agents the opportunity to not just showcase the property but engage in real-time with the customer, in the same way they might during an in-person open house.