JOHANNESBURG - The arrival of digital real estate solutions like LeadHome and PropertyFox does not spell the end of every property agency in South Africa, but rather numbers the days of those agencies that do not offer an exceptional service to their clients, says Charles Vining, Seeff’s MD in Sandton.
“While the launch of Internet Banking certainly changed the way that many clients do their banking, it has not shut the doors of all traditional bank branches and the same can be said about the arrival of online marketplace Airbnb".
" Airbnb has created a digital industry and new possibilities but it has not closed down every hotel or guesthouse in the country".
Start-up tech companies in real estate pride themselves on a stress free and more affordable experience and these are attractive selling points as some people have indeed had previous bad experiences and are looking to test a new method.
"In the case of reputable property agencies, this will only serve as motivation to further up our game.
"It will demonstrate to clients exactly why we earn the commissions that we do and why personal interaction in any property transaction will remain non-negotiable” says Vinning.
Vining continues that technology does not intimidate companies who are willing to learn, grow and adapt.
Vining says that Seeff Sandton has been testing virtual reality engagement for the last 12 months, and will be promoting them shortly.
"We offer an actual virtual walk-through of a property where you can enter a different room at the click of a mouse. You can swivel, look up, look down and ‘walk around' ".
This is especially useful for our overseas clients or those unable to attend viewings.
Virtual reality offers viewers a very accurate image of the home.
For example, if the grass is not very green it will be reflected as such in the video and won’t be enhanced like it would be possible to do in the case of pictures.
The advantage of a virtual reality is that it allows buyers the opportunity to get an actual feel for the property.
Naturally, one cannot forget the convenience of doing this from the comfort of your home or office, or anywhere else, as it is desktop and mobile friendly technology that has been employed”.
“We are excited about our virtual reality and other progressive online solutions that will be launched in the coming months", concludes Vinning.