Website Funda starts virtual reality tours of real estate listings

Realtors working with Dutch real estate listings website Funda can now give virtual 3D property tours to home seekers, the site said Wednesday. The concept is built around Oculus Rift virtual reality goggles, which brokers may use to guide potential buyers through a home without actually visiting the property. The company expects the device to save time and travel expenses to its clients in search of a house. They also believe that this virtual viewing option can raise the number of customers interested in a purchase. “People on house hunt now have a better reason to visit a broker,” Funda’s software developer, Samir Boulema, said. “By showing more homes in a short time, a broker gets a better understanding of needs and desires of their customers.” Firms selling locations still under construction are expected to benefit greatly from the service. A virtual visit to the future home creates a stronger impression than looking through plans and architectural drawings, the website claimed. Funda is one of the largest online real estate platforms in the Netherlands. It is visited on average 28 million times per month.