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Virtual Tours vs. Traditional Property Showings: Why Virtual is Here to Stay

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Ocean City’s real estate market is hotter than ever, but it’s not just the demand that’s rising. The way homes are being shown is changing, too. Instead of weekend open houses and back-to-back showings, many sellers are turning to 3D virtual tours to showcase their properties by letting buyers walk through homes anytime, from anywhere. And it’s working. In coastal markets like ours, listings that include virtual tours are selling faster and with more qualified interest. The future of real estate isn’t coming. It’s already here.


Why Traditional Showings Don't Always Work?

In a fast-moving coastal market like Ocean City, traditional property showings often fall short. The table below breaks down the most common challenges and why they can slow down or even derail a sale.

Challenge

Why It’s a Problem

Seasonal Accessibility

Many homes are winterized or booked as rentals in the off-season, making them unavailable for regular walk-throughs

Out-of-State Buyers

Buyers from NY, PA, etc., can’t always make multiple trips for in-person tours.

Weather-Dependent Scheduling

Rain, wind, or storms can cancel or delay planned showings with little notice.

Peak Tourist Season Conflicts

Traffic, parking issues, and tight rental schedules make showings harder to arrange.

Time Constraints

Agents and buyers often have packed schedules, causing missed or delayed showings.



What’s the Magic Behind Those Stunning 3D Virtual Walkthroughs?

3D virtual tours might look like digital magic, but behind the scenes, it’s cutting-edge technology doing the heavy lifting. Here’s how it works:


1. LiDAR Camera Technology

At the heart of these virtual experiences is the LiDAR camera, which uses laser light to scan and map a space with incredible accuracy. It captures real-time depth data to build a precise 3D model of the property. 



2. Automatically Generated Visuals 

The system doesn’t just stitch photos together—it automatically creates:

  • Interactive floor plans
  • Dollhouse views (a full 3D layout of the entire home)
  • Point clouds, which form the digital “skeleton” of the space using millions of data points


3. High-Quality Imaging Standards

Quality matters when buyers are viewing homes online. These virtual tours feature:

  • 134MP panoramic images that allow viewers to zoom in without losing clarity
  • Precision measurements so buyers can accurately size furniture, windows, and walkways


4. Mobile & 360° Camera Integration

Many platforms now work directly with mobile devices and 360-degree cameras, making it easier than ever for agents and sellers to capture a full virtual tour—no big crew or complicated equipment required. 


But I Need to See It in Person!” (And Other Myths Debunked)

3D virtual tours are still met with some hesitation, but many of the common concerns are based on outdated assumptions. Here’s what the reality looks like today.

Myth 1: “Nothing Replaces Seeing a Property in Person”

Physical showings definitely have value, especially when making final decisions. But 3D virtual tours aren’t meant to replace in-person visits—they aim to make the process more efficient. Buyers can explore the layout, verify room sizes, and even take measurements, all before stepping inside. The result? More serious buyers are coming for in-person tours—and agents are experiencing fewer wasted showings.

Myth 2: “Older Buyers Don’t Use Virtual Tours”

Virtual technology isn’t just for younger buyers. Today, buyers across all age groups, from retirees relocating to the coast to busy parents searching for a vacation home, are relying on virtual tours. The simplicity of navigating a property from a phone or tablet appeals to anyone who wants flexibility and speed.

Myth 3: “It’s Too Expensive for Sellers or Agents”

High-quality virtual tours do involve upfront costs, but the return is often immediate. Listings with 3D virtual tours attract more online views, spend less time on the market, and draw better-qualified buyers. For agents, it means less time coordinating showings and more time closing deals. In markets like Ocean City, where timing and competition matter, the ROI is hard to ignore.


Final Thoughts 

Ocean City’s real estate market is evolving—and now’s the time to evolve with it. If you're a local agent, broker, or property owner, exploring 3D virtual tours isn’t just a smart move—it’s becoming essential. Platforms like Realsee make it easy to get started, offering powerful LiDAR camera solutions that deliver stunning, accurate virtual walkthroughs.

Want to see the difference for yourself? Reach out today to schedule a local demonstration or consultation and take the first step toward future-ready property marketing.

author

Chris Bates

"All content within the News from our Partners section is provided by an outside company and may not reflect the views of Fideri News Network. Interested in placing an article on our network? Reach out to [email protected] for more information and opportunities."

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