Virtual View – Scottish Field

Have you spotted Patrick in the February issue of Scottish Field discussing how 3D software and virtual tours are changing how we both view and sell properties? Full article here:

So much has changed in the last two years as we’ve all adapted to life within a pandemic, and technology has played a significant role in this. Whether it’s a work from home lifestyle reliant on Zoom calls or Microsoft Teams meetings, or simply getting used to shopping online as the new norm, routines have changed – and this is also true for the property market as the evolution in technology will have a lasting impact on how we both sell and view properties.

Patrick Paton, the Co-Director of Paton & Co, has witnessed this change first hand since launching the estate agency with his wife Celia last spring. “In the last year, we sold a number of properties without a physical viewing, and that’s something I haven’t seen in twenty years of working in property. When someone is able to they will travel to see a house, but a lot of our buyers have either been abroad or based down south, so it’s been extremely important to have this option for buyers – and for our clients to be able to showcase their properties in this way.”

While high quality photography remains a key component in any marketing strategy, this is now complemented by video tours and 3D property tours. For Paton & Co, video tours aren’t simply about the specifics of the property itself: drone footage captures the location, giving a sense of the setting and wider context, before guiding viewers through the interior. And unlike real life viewings, where it’s easy to miss details when absorbing so much information at once, video tours allow you to pause and rewind – again and again.

“Two years ago, we weren’t using video tours or utilising 3D technology to give viewers such a comprehensive insight into each property,” Patrick reflects. 3D property tours in particular have transformed the process, allowing viewers to click into a room and explore the details. “This software enables viewers who are genuinely interested in a property to start measuring rooms, whether they’re wondering about ceiling heights or considering how their furniture will fit in. We’ve had such strong feedback on both the video and 3D tours since we launched, and for properties that are in more remote locations, it’s enabling people to make that journey without physically making that journey.”

Embracing this software as an integral part of their marketing approach was always crucial to Celia and Patrick, who launched their business solely online without the need for a bricks and mortar ‘shopfront’. As Patrick says: “Having a high street presence can raise brand awareness to a local and regional market, but it doesn’t help sell houses.” Instead, each property is advertised on a wide range of portals. “This means we can expose a client’s property to more people and use technology to boost a property’s performance and presence within the market.” By offering an immersive property experience from the comfort of your sofa, Paton & Co are simplifying the process for buyers and sellers alike.

For more information call Patrick today on 01896 809 200.

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