FAQ

What should we do to prepare the home for photography?

Please keep in mind that the photographer's schedule does not allow for him to spend time tidying the house or moving pieces of furniture.  It is up to you or the homeowner to ensure that the home is photo-ready.

IF THERE ARE PETS IN THE HOUSE, ENSURE THAT THE OWNER IS HOME TO KEEP THEM UNDER CONTROL AND OUT OF THE WAY.  IF THE OWNER WILL NOT BE HOME, THE PHOTOGRAPHER WILL NOT ENTER A HOUSE WITH A DOG INSIDE, UNLESS WE KNOW THAT THE DOG IS LOCKED IN A ROOM.  A CANCELLATION FEE WILL APPLY IF THE PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES AT THE SITE, BUT THE HOME CANNOT BE PHOTOGRAPHED DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A DOG.

Cars should be removed from the driveway BEFORE THE PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES .  This will allow him to take the exterior front photos first. 

In order to comply with TREB rules and regulations, it is best to have your tour photographed BEFORE the For Sale sign is installed.    

Avoid having tours shot on garbage day.

Turn on overhead lights and open curtains.  If you do not wish to have family portraits in the pictures, for privacy reasons, please remove them before the photo shoot.  If it is a very bright day, and you prefer to have the curtains drawn, please do so before the photographer arrives.

Remove dish towels hanging on the oven door.

Beds should be made. 

Most importantly, remove clutter. 

PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE HOME IS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER AT THE SCHEDULED TIME. 

I am getting a black screen when I try to view the virtual scenes. What can I do about this?

Go to java.com, click on "Download Now", and download the latest version of Java.

How can I keep the photos for using in my brochures, newspaper ads and other printed material?

You will receive a link which allows you to download the photos in high resolution for maximum print quality.  The photos must be downloaded within 30 days, after which they will be deleted from our server.

How can I load the 9 photos onto my TREB listing myself?

We suggest that before beginning this process, you create a folder in your My Pictures Directory for this property. Then, right-click on each picture you want to use, then click on "Save Picture As", save the picture into your hard drive. You can repeat this to save all 9 pictures.  Then you will go to the Add/Edit module on TREB, where you Edit Your Listing, and Upload the photos.

How can I access the hidden visit counter, to find out how many visitors are viewing my virtual tour?

We will supply you with the tour links.  Copy the link that says "Visit Counter" and paste it into the address bar on your browser. Then press "Enter" on your keyboard. Under the property number on the top right of your screen, you will see the number of viewings.

What if I want to do a virtual tour on a business, not a residential property?

We have done virtual tours in restaurants, retirement & nursing homes, office buildings, retail stores, industrial buildings, entertainment/event venues, tanning salons, hotels, dialysis clinics, etc. Please contact us for pricing for commercial or industrial properties. All tours include hosting for one year.

Can I get a virtual tour from you, if I want to sell my home privately?

No. Our residential virtual tours are limited to real estate brokers and salespeople. You may contact us for names of real estate agents who use our services, and are located in your area.

What if I book a virtual tour and the weather does not cooperate?

Naturally, we cannot guarantee weather conditions. Although everyone wants their pictures done on a sunny day, sometimes overcast weather actually produces better photos, because of more even light levels. Nor does inclement weather prevent us from taking interior photos. If the weather causes problems for outside pictures, we will deal with contingency plans on an individual basis.

I am a real estate agent who just listed a small condo. Is it worth doing a virtual tour on such a small property?

Yes, for many reasons. On television, advertisers seek to capture the 18-49 demographic, because they are the most-likely spenders. When you advertise a property on the internet, you are seeking a similar demographic. The most internet-savvy buyers, the people who are beginning their home search on the internet, are often looking for starter homes, and homes or condos in the lower price ranges. Experience tells us that you are more likely to get direct response from your tours in these lower price ranges.  A true testimonial: One agent did a virtual tour on a $150,000 one-bedroom condo and sold 6 properties to buyers who contacted her as a result of that tour!!! She was certainly happy she did the tour.

What is the best way to order a virtual tour?

Use our easy and convenient online order form. We will reply quickly by phone or email to schedule the appointment. This allows you to order any time of day, and you can just tick off which services you are requesting. You may also request a specific date or give any other special instructions, and there are fewer misunderstandings when your order is in writing.