Antony Thompson launched Blac Property Group after almost a decade in real estate after recognising the need to “try a new approach,” pairing technology and people skills to do things differently. Antony was tired of seeing homeowners put their biggest investment into the hands of agencies that had lost touch and weren’t bringing the same enthusiasm to working with vendors.
Blac has now helped over 1,000 property seekers find their ideal property, and has set numerous street and suburb records along the way. We sat down with Antony to find out more about why he thinks virtual tours are a vital part of the sales process for his agency.
It was then that I realised this isn’t only a ‘just in case’ but an essential piece to the marketing puzzle for every listing!
LH: Why did you decide to add virtual tours to your marketing activity?
AT: “While I had been increasingly seeing people using virtual tours, I have to admit that I was a little dismissive at first. My dad actually sent me an article on Little Hinges, then one of the team, who I had worked with in a previous workplace, called me. One meeting and I was sold. I booked them in for a shoot the very next day. Since then, I have used Little Hinges Virtual Tours for every single listing. I am continually amazed by the service and communication of the Little Hinges team. The relationships I have with each and every one of the team are fantastic and they are all willing to go the extra mile.
LH: What made you choose Little Hinges?
AT: It was a no brainer for me after I’d met with the team. I first started using virtual tours in case there was a snap lockdown, but was pretty quickly sold on the other benefits. I was selling a tenanted property and had some buyers considering making an offer but needed to measure something. I let them know they could do this via the virtual tour instead of waiting until Tuesday. I had their offer on Sunday and the property was sold by Monday. It was then that I realised this isn’t only a ‘just in case’ but an essential piece to the marketing puzzle for every listing!
LH: How have your results changed since adding virtual tours?
AT: Since the addition of the new portal, we have been able to see where potential buyers are viewing the property from. The virtual tours have definitely helped us see an increase in offers from interstate buyers who are now even more confident making sight unseen offers.
LH: What do you say to vendors to get them excited about adding virtual tours to their marketing mix?
AT: I tell them they need the virtual tour as much as they need to be on the right portals. It’s an essential part of opening the property to the whole market and giving people the security that they know what they’re buying and can walk through any time, day or night. They aren’t waiting for an open home or private inspection. This way, when it comes to them wanting to inspect we already know they are hot.
Sellers aren’t waiting for an open home or private inspection. When it comes to them wanting to inspect we already know they are hot.
LH: What has been the feedback from vendors since adding virtual tours to your marketing mix?
AT: The sellers love it, they know that the people coming through already like the home, they’ve already walked through and just want to see the property in the flesh. Especially in the market we’re in with snap lockdowns and people being concerned about opening their homes to strangers, sellers want to know that they’re not working with time wasters.
Ready to add virtual tours to your marketing suite? Book here or reach out to our friendly team on vt@littlehinges.com.au.
