Why REALTORS® Should Embrace Virtual Tours in 2025

Virtual tours have rapidly evolved from “nice-to-have” to essential for real estate professionals. Buyers crave convenience, and virtual tours offer them the chance to experience a property anytime, anywhere.

The numbers show just how powerful virtual tours can be for your business.

The Stats: Virtual Tours Drive Engagement and Sales

• Homes with virtual tours get 87% more views than those without.

• 54% of buyers say virtual tours are the most useful online feature in a listing, second only to photos.
• 77% of buyers say they’ve taken a virtual tour during their home search.
• Properties with virtual tours close 31% faster than those without.
• Listings with 3D tours sell for up to 9% more on average.
• Tech-savvy Gen Z buyers are 130% more likely to schedule a showing if the property has a virtual tour.

These statistics underscore a simple truth: if your listings don’t include a virtual tour, you may be leaving money — and leads — on the table.

How to Create a Compelling Virtual Experience 

A virtual tour should do more than just walk buyers through a space — it should tell a story. Here are some best practices for a winning tour:

Plan Ahead

• Clean and stage the place.
• Map out a logical flow for the tour, ensuring viewers experience the home as they would in person.

Invest in Quality Equipment

• Use a high-resolution camera or a 360-degree camera for sharp, immersive images.
• A tripod and proper lighting are essential for professional results.

Use Natural Lighting

• Schedule shoots during daylight to take advantage of natural light, which enhances warmth and depth.

Tell a Story

• Structure your tour with a clear narrative, guiding viewers through the home’s highlights.
• Use transitions and music to create momentum and maintain engagement.

Make It Interactive

• Add hotspots for viewers to click on, offering more information, photos, or videos about special features.
• Consider including floor plans and measurement tools, which buyers find extremely helpful.

Add Audio and Narration

• Incorporate background music, narration, or even commentary from the listing agent to personalize the experience.

Keep It Short

• Aim for 3–5 minutes in length. Buyers want to explore but not get overwhelmed.

Optimize for Mobile

Ensure your virtual tour loads quickly and displays well on smartphones and tablets.

Best Tools for Creating Virtual Tours

You don’t need a Hollywood budget to produce a stellar virtual tour. These tools are trusted, user-friendly, and REALTOR^®-approved:friendly, support high-quality images, and offer interactive features. This includes: 

Platform	Key Features	Best For
Matterport	3D tours, dollhouse view, floor plans, VR	High-quality, immersive experiences
CloudPano	Unlimited 360° tours, live video chat, integrations	High-volume agents, live guided tours
EyeSpy360	Live guided tours, virtual staging, CRM integration	Remote buyers, agencies needing branding
Zillow 3D Home	360° tours via smartphone, direct Zillow integration	Agents listing on Zillow
Ricoh360 Tours	Custom branding, lead forms, flexible cameras	Small to mid-size businesses
Kuula	Cross-linking tours, easy sharing	Customizable, interactive tours
My360	Wide camera compatibility	Agents with varied equipment
TourWizard	Lead generation, marketing solutions	Agents focused on lead capture

Many of these platforms offer free trials or affordable subscription models, making it easy to experiment and find the best fit for your business.

Bottom Line on Virtual Tours

Virtual tours are no longer optional — they’re essential for standing out in a digital-first housing market. They increase engagement, speed up sales, and attract more buyers.

By leveraging the latest technology and following best practices, you can give your clients the 24/7 open house they expect. Your listings — and your bottom line — will thank you.

FAQ on Virtual Tours

Why are virtual tours so important for real estate listings today?

Virtual tours attract more views, keep buyers engaged longer, and can help homes sell faster and for more money in a competitive market.

What equipment do I need to create a high-quality virtual tour?

A high-resolution camera (or 360° camera), tripod, and good lighting are essential. Many agents also use affordable platforms like Matterport or CloudPano.

How long should a virtual tour be to keep buyers interested?

Aim for a tour that’s about 3–5 minutes long. This gives buyers a thorough look without overwhelming them.

What features make a virtual tour more engaging for potential buyers?

Interactive elements like hotspots, floor plans, measurement tools, and audio narration can make tours more informative and memorable.

Can virtual tours really help me close deals faster?

Yes — stats show listings with virtual tours close 31% faster on average, and buyers are significantly more likely to schedule an in-person showing.