Prospective buyers who visit select listings on Zillow can now easily access online 3-D models that let them virtually explore properties without ever visiting them in person.
Zillow’s hosting of the 3-D models marks a pivotal step for the growth of 3-D technology in real estate.
A small but growing number of real estate agents have been producing immersive 3-D visualizations for listings.
But now that the leading U.S. listing portal can put the representations in front of prospective buyers, adoption of 3-D technology in the industry could accelerate.
Screen shot showing graphic on Zillow listing page that links to a Matterport 3-D model
The 3-D models available on some listing pages on Zillow are powered by Matterport, which provides the camera and software needed to generate the representations.
Zillow users who visit listing pages with 3-D models can access the models by clicking a tab that says “Launch 3-D Tour” that sits just beneath listing photos, or by clicking an image showing an image of a 3-D model that appears under a listing’s property details.
The models are available on Zillow property detail pages for listings in markets across the country. The listing portal sent to Inman 3-D model-equipped property detail pages for listings in Chicago, New Canaan, Connecticut, and Old Tappan, New Jersey.
Screen shot showing tab (lower left-hand corner) that appears on a Zillow listing page and links to a Matterport 3-D model.
Matterport and Zillow did not immediately respond to Inman when asked how real estate agents can get Matterport models to appear on Zillow.
But Matterport has integrated with at least one multiple listing service to allow members to add Matterport models to MLS listings for syndication to listing portals.
Matterport announced in late April that it had partnered with the San Francisco Association of Realtors (SFAR) to add a field to the association’s MLS system that lets members add Matterport models to their listings.
The field enables listing portals like Zillow and Homes.com “to identify and properly display” Matterport’s models, opening the door for buyers to access Matterport’s interactive visualizations through the most popular real estate search sites, Matterport said.
Contact Burton Fowles (803) 600-6479