Virtual & Augmented Reality Home Tours: Best Practices

Home buyers today are time poor. They don’t have the freedom to visit every property that looks interesting, which is why they expect more than photos and floor plans. Before they step into a property physically, they want to step into it virtually with virtual home tours. According to the National Association of Realtors 2024 Housing Market Report, more than 70 percent of buyers say that 3D tours improve their confidence in the buying process.

Since 2020, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have moved from cutting-edge extras to standard marketing tools in many markets. These technologies are especially powerful in competitive environments where buyers are relocating, searching remotely, or comparing a high number of listings.

For agents, VR and AR offer a chance to capture attention, shorten the sales cycle, and provide a better experience for clients. This article explores the most effective tools, strategies, and success stories to help agents stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.

Top VR/AR Tools for Agents

VR and AR tools are no longer experimental. They have become valuable parts of the real estate marketing toolkit, making it possible to hold virtual open houses and reach more buyers, offering immersive experiences that help buyers connect with a property before stepping inside. The options range from full-scale VR tours to simple mobile-friendly walkthroughs, giving agents flexibility based on budget and audience.

Virtual Reality Tours

VR tours allow potential buyers to move through a property at their own pace. They get an open walkthrough that captures details far better than photos alone, without having to be at the property in person. This format is particularly powerful for remote clients who cannot attend an in-person showing.

VR tours can be shared as an online recording or conducted live for a more personalized experience. In a live virtual home tour, agents are at the property with their phone, walking their client through the details.

Here are some technology solutions that agents are using to host virtual open houses:

• Matterport: The gold standard for virtual tours, offering crisp, detailed 3D scans and intuitive navigation. Matterport cameras range from entry-level devices around $300 to advanced models over $3,000. Hosting fees start at about $10 per property. Many brokerages invest in Matterport for listings where immersive presentation makes a competitive difference. If they don’t own the equipment themselves, they will often engage a professional photographer to create the virtual home tours.
• Zillow 3D Home: A budget-friendly option that integrates seamlessly with Zillow listings. Agents can create a video walkthrough with their Apple or Android smartphone or a 360-degree camera. Basic tour creation is free, with optional hosting upgrades. This tool works well for agents who want to encourage potential buyers to engage longer with their online listings and give more details than still photography.
• iStaging: A flexible, affordable platform for creating open house walkthrough experiences. Its drag-and-drop editor makes it accessible for agents without technical backgrounds. Pricing starts as low as $5 per tour, making it one of the most cost-effective VR solutions on the market.

Augmented Reality: Home Staging

Digital or AR staging is being increasingly used because it helps buyers imagine how a space might look when furnished or renovated. This approach can transform empty or outdated properties into visually compelling listings.

• Houzz Pro: Widely recognized for interior design inspiration, Houzz allows users to place furniture and décor into a room using AR. Agents can use it to help buyers see how an empty room could function as a stylish living space. Basic use is free, while premium tools come at a cost.
• roOomy: A real estate–focused AR staging platform. roOomy specializes in helping buyers view furniture placement directly in the listing photos or a VR tour. Costs range from $25 to $150 per room, depending on project size.

While AR staging can be a great feature, agents need to recognize that it can breed skepticism among potential buyers. Agents should make sure that their AR staging accurately portrays how real furniture will fit in a room.

3D Floor Plan Creators

Floor plans remain one of the most requested resources from buyers. Many buyers want to see a floor plan before they go to a virtual or in-person open house. Fortunately, new tools make it easy to generate both 2D and 3D layouts that enhance virtual open house presentations and provide context during an open walkthrough.

• CubiCasa: A smartphone-based tool that generates detailed floor plans in minutes. Pricing starts at $29 per scan, with optional GLA (gross living area) reports that can be especially valuable for appraisals and other purposes.
• RoomSketcher: Offers both 2D and 3D floor plans, ideal for agents who want interactive visualizations. Pricing begins at $49 per project, with subscription options for higher-volume users.

VR Headsets and Hardware

While most buyers access virtual tours on their phones or laptops, VR headsets create the most immersive experience. However, to create these experiences, you need different equipment and software than what is available with a smartphone or even a high-end camera. For this reason, footage for VR headsets is usually obtained through a professional photographer. However, brokerages and agents may still need to have access to VR headsets.

Agents and brokerages that invest in this hardware can offer clients a memorable open walkthrough inside the office or at a virtual open house event. Here are some options:

• Meta Quest 3: The most widely used consumer headset, priced around $499. Compatible with Matterport and many other 3D tour platforms.
• HTC Vive: A premium option favored by brokerages that specialize in luxury listings or showroom experiences. Pricing begins at $699, with additional costs for setup.

Not every client owns a VR headset, so mobile-ready tours are critical. Most leading platforms now provide seamless experiences on smartphones and tablets. Agents who prioritize mobile optimization ensure that potential buyers can view a listing anytime, anywhere.

Costs vs ROI – Is It Worth It?

Investing in virtual reality and augmented reality tools can feel daunting at first glance. Cameras, software subscriptions, and hardware all carry price tags, and agents often wonder whether the returns justify the expense. The answer depends on how these tools are implemented and the market you operate in. Still, in many cases, the impact on buyer engagement and sales timelines makes the investment worthwhile.

The Upfront Costs

VR and AR adoption typically starts with equipment and software. A Matterport camera can cost anywhere from $300 for entry-level models to more than $3,000 for high-end imaging. Hosting fees average $10 to $20 per tour. AR staging apps like roOomy or Modsy range from $25 to $200 per room, depending on the level of customization. For real estate agents or brokerages investing in hardware, a Meta Quest 3 headset costs about $499, while premium setups like the HTC Vive can exceed $700.

Even with these expenses, it’s worth comparing VR and AR costs to traditional marketing. Professional photography packages often start at $200 per listing, while physical staging for a medium-sized home can range from $1,500 to $5,000 per month. Virtual staging and immersive tours can often deliver a somewhat similar impact at a fraction of the long-term cost.

The Return on Investment

Agents using VR and AR consistently report faster sales and broader reach. According to a report titled, “Does Virtual Reality Help Property Sales? Empirical Evidence from a Real Estate Platform,” VR Tour reduces the selling timeframe by 28%–49%, however, it doesn’t affect the selling price. A virtual open house or 3D walkthrough can attract interest from buyers outside the local market, giving sellers access to a wider audience. Remote clients are more likely to make confident offers after viewing a property virtually, which reduces the need for multiple in-person showings.

While the investment may not directly yield higher commissions, it can reduce workload and increase client satisfaction, both of which can lead to more sales. While VR and AR tools require an initial outlay, the combination of lower staging costs, faster sales, and stronger buyer engagement makes them a compelling investment for many agents.

Best Practices for Implementing VR/AR in 2025

VR and AR tools can deliver impressive virtual open house results, but only when used correctly. Bad lighting or a cluttered user interface can frustrate and deter buyers, instead of attracting them. If agents want to go down this route, they need to be detail-oriented. Follow best practices to ensure that their digital materials highlight the home at its best and encourage buyers to book in-person viewings.

Make Mobile a Priority

Most potential buyers will access a virtual tour for the first time on a smartphone or tablet. Tours should load quickly, adapt to different screen sizes, and provide intuitive navigation. If a tour feels clunky on mobile, many viewers will leave before seeing the full property. For this reason, make sure you choose a hosting service that meets your needs.

Use Professional Lighting and High-Resolution Imaging

High-quality visuals make the difference between an underwhelming walkthrough and a compelling one. While you may be able to take videos yourself, working with professional photographers will make sure you capture bright, clear images. However, if you want to take on this job yourself, make sure you invest in professional lighting and high-quality equipment. Consider the expense at the start of your investment, as you will also need to learn how to use the equipment, which will take time and practice.

Keep the Virtual Tour Experience Simple

The most effective virtual tours are easy to navigate. Too many features, pop-ups, or complex controls can distract from the property itself. A clean, intuitive layout helps buyers focus on the home rather than the technology. If you’re interested in a new platform, make sure you test out the interface or even ask your friends to test it out to make sure it meets your usability requirements.

Provide Multiple Formats

Not all clients want the same experience. Offering both an immersive VR tour, a traditional photo slideshow, and a video ensures that every buyer can access the listing in the way that suits them best. Flexibility helps broaden the appeal. You’ll likely find that interested buyers will consume all forms of marketing materials made available to them before they schedule an inspection.

Consider Accessibility

Not every buyer is tech-savvy. Clear instructions sent via email, which include easy-to-use links and optional guided sessions, make virtual tours approachable for all clients. Be prepared to make yourself available to host a quick demo during a consultation, as this can help buyers feel comfortable with the technology.

Success Stories and Market Differentiation

Agents across the country are discovering that VR and AR tools do more than create impressive marketing materials. The following examples highlight how immersive technology is making a measurable difference.

Closing Sight-Unseen Deals

An agent in the Southeast began offering Matterport 3D tours on every listing in 2023. Within the first year, nearly 40 percent of their transactions involved buyers who indicated that they wanted to submit offers without ever setting foot inside the property. While the offers still came in after the buyers had completed an in-person viewing, they had already connected to the property and formed a strong purchasing intent.

Reducing Days on Market with AR Staging

A mid-sized urban brokerage tested AR staging on a group of condos that had been sitting unsold for more than 60 days. Using an app to virtually furnish the units, they relaunched the listings with updated visuals and 3D tours. The staged versions drew significantly more online traffic and reduced average days on market by 10 days compared to the office’s unstaged listings during the same period.

Expanding Reach for Luxury Listings

A luxury-focused agent in California began pairing VR tours with headset demonstrations during virtual open house events. Out-of-state and international clients were able to experience properties in detail without having to travel. As a result, several listings attracted national traffic, including buyers from New York and overseas who ultimately submitted offers. The agent reported higher engagement and increased inquiries from high-net-worth clients specifically because of the immersive presentation.

What’s Next for Virtual Home Tours?

The technology behind VR and AR is advancing quickly, and the real estate industry is set to benefit from the next wave of innovation. What once felt futuristic is becoming practical, giving agents new ways to connect with clients and present properties in engaging formats.

AI-Powered Interactivity

Artificial intelligence is creeping into nearly every corner of the technology industry, and virtual tours are not the exception. AI models are being developed to answer buyer questions in real time while they are in virtual tours. With these systems, buyers who are in the middle of self-guided virtual home tours can ask about square footage, utility costs, or neighborhood details, and receive instant responses. This creates a more interactive experience that closely mirrors an in-person showing.

Real-Time AR Overlays

Augmented reality tools are evolving to display improvement options directly within a property. Buyers may soon be able to point their phone at a kitchen and instantly view potential cabinet styles, countertops, or appliance upgrades. Alternatively, they may be able to visualize their own furniture in a property. This type of visualization can make renovation decisions easier and improve buyer confidence.

Remote Collaboration

VR platforms are being designed for shared experiences, allowing buyers, agents, and even designers to explore a property together from different locations. This collaborative approach could make the home search process faster for relocating families or investors purchasing from afar. Agents will still have the ability to guide their clients through properties; however, it will be done virtually instead of in person.

Virtual Open Houses

Virtual open houses are already on the rise, but they have the potential of becoming more standardized. Instead of limiting open houses to a single afternoon, agents will be able to host immersive events during more convenient times, such as weekday evenings. Prospective buyers could log in with a headset or mobile device, tour the property, and even interact with an agent’s avatar in real time.

While most buyers will still want to see a property in person, this will give them the ability to familiarize themselves with the home before taking the next steps. This model has the potential to increase reach and reduce scheduling challenges for busy clients. The truth (or uncomfortable reality) is that the coming years will bring more integration, accessibility, and creativity in how homes are marketed virtually, and this could dramatically alter how people shop for homes.

FastExpert Tip for Agents

The use of virtual and augmented reality technology is becoming increasingly expected by sellers. If these technologies haven’t already taken over your market, it’s just a matter of time. They are becoming core marketing tools that help agents reach a broader buyer audience. Agents who use VR walk-throughs, AR staging, and interactive 3D tours gain a clear edge, especially in markets where remote buyers and relocating families make up a large share of demand.

FastExpert agents can stand out by showcasing these capabilities directly on their profiles. Highlighting VR and AR expertise signals innovation, builds trust, and helps attract clients who are actively searching for agents with modern solutions. Showcasing skills positions agents as forward-thinking professionals who are ready to guide buyers and sellers in a technology-driven marketplace.