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Live Video Open Houses

For decades, open houses have been a key tool for buyers and sellers alike, providing a simple way to show a property or to begin your house hunt. However, situations can arise when it becomes impractical or impossible for buyers to make it to open houses in person. And in today’s digital and fast-paced world, where virtual real estate is on the rise, more and more buyers and sellers are simply looking for convenience. That’s why Redfin is now offering live video open houses - so buyers can still see homes without being there in person and sellers can continue to hold open houses regardless of the circumstances.

Whether you’re a buyer searching for your next home, or a seller looking to showcase your property, this guide will help you understand the ins and outs of live video open houses.

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What is a live video open house.

A live video open house is an open house in which all prospective buyers tour the home virtually via a live video conference through Zoom. The local Redfin agent will physically be in the home, walking potential buyers though every detail of property while also answering any questions you may have.

How to attend a virtual open house

If a home has an upcoming live video open house, it will be listed on the property’s details page on Redfin.com. Step 1: To sign up for a live video open house, click the “sign up here” button below the home you’re interested in seeing.

before the open house

Step 2: Once you click the “sign up here” button, you will be brought to a registration form. Complete the registration form and click register.

Step: 3 You will then receive a confirmation email noting the date and time of the event. The email will also include a link that you can easily click to join the Zoom meeting the day of the open house. You will also receive a reminder email with the Zoom meeting details one hour before the open house begins.

Confirmation email

Step 4: If you are unable to sign up for the open house in advance, don’t worry, you can join at any time while the open house is happening. Simply click the “click here to join” button on the home’s listing page and you will quickly be added into the live-streamed Zoom meeting.

During the open house

What to expect at a live-video open house

A traditional open house is typically held over a few hours and potential buyers can come and go as they wish. With a live video open house, attendees will be asked to join at a specific start time and the open house will typically last an hour. Additionally, instead of being able to wander around at their own pace, a Redfin agent will guide prospective buyers through the home via video-chat.

Here’s a sample schedule for what you’ll experience during a live video open house:

Introduction: The Redfin agent will introduce themselves and the home you’re about to see.

Tour: The agent will walk slowly through the home, pointing out features as they go. They will show each room and all additional spaces like the yard, garage, and immediate outside area to give an idea of the neighborhood. They will highlight the layout, flooring, windows, fixtures, and more. The agent will carefully explain things that buyers aren’t able to experience through virtual tours, like the sounds, smells, and general ambiance of the home.

Time for Questions: The agent will pause at the end of every room to take questions, either via video or through chat messages.

Recap Tour: If time allows, the agent may go through the home a second time, based on what attendees are interested in.

Live video open house do's and don'ts

There are plenty of do’s and don’ts that come with seeing a home in person. However, with live video open houses, things are a bit different. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow: Do:

  • Wait until the agent has finished showing a room before asking questions.
  • Take notes on your likes, dislikes, and follow-up questions.
  • If you have family members present with you, invite them to join the Zoom conference so they can also see the home.
  • Don’t take screenshots or recordings. Remember that you’re viewing someone else’s property. Unless the owner has granted permission, you may be violating state laws.
  • Reveal information that would compromise your negotiating power, like your level of interest in the home or your budget.

Questions to ask at a virtual open house

An open house is your best opportunity to ask the listing agent your questions — don’t be shy. There are plenty of recommended questions you should consider when touring homes in person, but what about when you’re taking virtual house tours? Here are some critical questions to consider asking during a live video open house:

  • Have there been any recent renovations or repairs?
  • What are the noise levels like inside and outside the home?
  • Can you open any curtains or blinds so I can see all the possible views?
  • How old are the kitchen appliances?
  • Can you test functions such as opening cabinets, doors, and drawers; run the faucets; check the water pressure?
  • What direction is natural light coming from?
  • If touring a single-family home, how close by are neighbors’ homes?
  • If touring a condo, can you show me any common areas, like the hallways or amenities of the building?

It’s also important to be aware that there will likely be other potential buyers on the live video open house with you, so you will likely not have one-on-one time with the listing agent. If you want to spend additional time noting detailed measurements and scrutinizing every square inch, book a private live-video chat tour or in-person tour with your Redfin agent.

How to prepare your home for a live video open house as a seller

As a seller, an open house is one of the best opportunities to attract potential buyers - and a virtual open house isn’t any different. While there won’t be the formalities of a sign in sheet, and hours spent away from your home, many potential homebuyers will still see your home thoroughly. Be sure to take time and prepare your home for this virtual setting just as you would with an in-person open house.

Check out our open house checklist for sellers to make sure you’re prepared.

Live video open houses benefits for buyers

Increased convenience. Imagine a prospective buyer sitting at home, yet virtually touring another home’s kitchen and living room before heading upstairs to check out the new master suite. They then step outside to view the pool in the backyard and the surrounding neighborhood - all from the comfort of their own couch.

Ability to see more homes. Because of the convenience of video open houses, you can see more properties, in more locations, whether looking for a home in your area or in another state.

In-depth viewing. Unlike traditional real estate videos of homes, with live virtual tours, you’ll be able to ask questions in real time, such as if a room has crown moulding or how much natural light comes in through a window.

Live video open house benefits for sellers

Reach a wide audience. Unlike traditional real estate videos of homes, with live virtual tours, you’ll be able to ask questions in real time, such as if a room has crown moulding or how much natural light comes in through a window.

Attract out-of-town buyers. If you're selling your house , holding a virtual open house is an efficient way to attract homebuyers moving to a new city, who would otherwise have to drive for hours or take a flight to see a home.

More serious buyers. Traditional open houses often attract neighbors and anyone who may be passing by - these viewers are likely not interested in buying your home, but instead just want to see inside. However, because viewers can’t just stumble into a virtual open house while driving by, those attending are likely more serious about finding a home and making an offer.

A more comfortable way to display your home. You won’t have to leave your home for hours anymore, compared to a traditional open house. It also provides you with an increased sense of privacy and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can i conduct or attend a live video open house.

Redfin currently offers live video open houses in many markets and more every day. If buying, follow the steps listed above to see a live video open house in your area. If selling, check with your Redfin agent to see how to get your house featured in a live video open house.

How do I ask questions during the live video open house?

There will be plenty of opportunities for questions during the house tour. The agent will pause at the end of every room and at the end of the tour to take questions, either via video or through Zoom chat messages.

Is there a limit to the number of people who can join a live video open house?

Up to 100 attendees can join each live video open house.

How is a live video open house different from a live video-chat tour?

A live video open house is a virtual home tour attended by multiple prospective buyers and hosted by the listing agent; while a live video-chat tour is virtual one-on-one viewing for a single prospective buyer, hosted by the buyer’s agent.

Learn More About Buying and Selling Virtually

How to Buy and Sell with a Virtual Brokerage

What is a 3D Walkthrough Home Tour?

Live Video Chat Tours

How Do eClosings Work?

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How To Show Your Home During the Pandemic: The Definitive Seller’s Guide to Virtual Tours and More

For home sellers in the era of the novel coronavirus , showing off your home to potential buyers may seem like an impossible task. As people practice social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19, most open houses are on hold, and in-person home showings are limited across the country.

But there are still ways to  reach potential buyers and show your home in the best light—through virtual tours.

In the third part of our series, “ Home Selling in the Age of the Coronavirus ,” we highlight all the ways home sellers can give buyers an in-depth look at their property without actually opening their doors and risking the buyers’ health (or their own).

How virtual tours work

Virtual tours offer home buyers a remote, video-enabled walk-through of a property that will give them the sensation that they’re actually there—or at least darn close.

Real estate agents used virtual tours before COVID-19 as a unique marketing tool. Now, online tours are more important than ever, since they’re often the only easy way for buyers to check out a home without physically entering the property.

Virtual tours are recommended by the National Association of Realtors® as a way to avoid face-to-face contact while marketing homes during the coronavirus crisis.

“With the current shutdown, more and more home sellers are requesting that we offer buyers a virtual tour to help expedite the sale,” says Peggy Zabakolas , a real estate broker at Nest Seekers International in Bridgehampton, NY.

Real estate listing sites like realtor.com are featuring virtual tours on more and more listings. (Look for the virtual tour icon  on the bottom of the listing page.)

Types of virtual tours

Virtual tours can be conducted in a variety of different ways, depending on time, technology, and budget.

Probably the least complicated is where sellers or real estate agents use their smartphone camera to record a video as they walk through the home, showing off each room.

A more interactive option is to livestream a one-on-one showing with the buyers. This will give them more control over where you are pointing the camera, via FaceTime or another video streaming app (“Could you take a peek inside that closet/outside that window?”).

Yet another option home sellers might consider is a virtual open house.

With gatherings of more than 10 people prohibited across most of the United States, real estate agents have been forced to cancel open houses. But many are using tools like FaceTime or Zoom to host live virtual open houses so they can show potential buyers around a home.

Buyers often enjoy seeing the “raw footage” that a virtual open house or showing can offer, as opposed to a professionally produced video, says Angela Hornburg , team leader at the Hornburg Real Estate Group in Dallas.

Buyers can also ask questions, which may help them to feel more secure that they can be fully informed about the property—or perhaps even allow them to make an offer on the spot.

A more high-tech option for showing a home is setting up a fully fledged 3D tour. This is where a home seller, real estate agent, or a professional photographer uses a special 3D camera to capture images of the home.

These photos are uploaded into a proprietary software program that renders the visuals in three dimensions, creating a tour that can be uploaded onto a real estate listing.

Adding a 3D tour is a little more involved than taking a video on your phone, however—and it can also be pricey.

For example, the 3D visual platform Matterport offers packages ranging from $9.99 to $309 per month. Immoviewer’s prices range from $69 per month to $799 per year. Typically, a listing agent will pay for this as part of the marketing material.

While 3D tours are still rare, some people insist that they’re worth the cost, especially for higher-end properties. Homes can be viewed in several different ways, such as in dollhouse view, which shows how rooms are laid out in the house (see images below).

(Matterport/Realtor.com)

Virtual staging

Traditional staging—where furniture and artwork are arranged in a house to present the space in the best light—is a great selling tool, but it may be difficult to pull off at a time when sellers are reluctant to let outsiders into their house.

There’s a workaround here, too: virtual staging, which provides simulated images of a property laid out with alternative furnishings.

“Virtual staging, like physical home staging, is aimed at enticing home buyers and helping them connect emotionally with a property,” says Ilaria Barion , a luxury home stager , who offers both in-person and virtual staging.

Virtual home staging uses software to reimagine new decor in a property, in order to enhance the appearance of the space.

Unlike on-site staging, virtual staging comes with unlimited options, for example, paring down homes that are filled with furniture and ornament and displaying them with a simplified, cleaner design.

(Ilaria Barion Design)

(Ilaria Barion Design )

(Ilaria Barion Flow)

Just as with virtual tours, virtual staging was available before the coronavirus outbreak, but is especially important now. Even small, simple changes can make a big difference.

For instance: Does your property have an accent wall painted in a bright color that might turn off buyers? Virtual staging can wipe that away. Sellers should aim for “a neutral palette, so the new buyer can envision themselves living in it,” Zabakolas says.

Also, adding a few trendy accents can make a lasting impression on buyers.

“Small accents to dress up the home, such as flowers or centerpieces, help in any virtual or in-person tour,” says Tomer Fridman , a luxury and celebrity real estate expert at Compass in Los Angeles.

Staging a home virtually is cheaper than on-site staging, Barion says. Virtual staging costs a few hundred dollars and is usually paid for by agents, unlike traditional staging, which costs thousands. Virtual staging can also be completed in a matter of days.

“Virtual staging allows for many more options that would be cost-prohibitive in real life, like stripping down wallpaper, changing window treatment, adding a pool table, or replacing old furniture and fixtures,” Barion says.

How home sellers can use virtual tours to find the right buyer

Virtual tours and open houses can help buyers get to know a home, but the fact is that some may insist that they see a place in person before they feel confident about making an offer.

Although some areas, like the state of New York , are prohibiting in-person home showings at present, they are still happening in other places.

While it may be off-putting for sellers to allow buyers to enter their home, that may be necessary if they want to get an offer.

Virtual tours and showings nevertheless serve an important purpose: They help buyers get to know a property well enough to become serious contenders for a purchase.

In turn, virtual tours help sellers lower their risk of exposure to the coronavirus, by helping them whittle down the number of buyers who enter their house.

So how else can home sellers know a buyer is serious?  Maggie Wells ,  real estate agent  at Keller Williams Realty Greater Lexington in Kentucky, requires that buyers have a mortgage pre-approval and have taken a look at the virtual tour beforehand.

Agents also make sure to keep hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and shoe coverings available for buyers to use during their in-person tour.

Selling a home during the coronavirus crisis presents many unique challenges. Being adaptable will help sellers to reach buyers and to make sure that the home is sold.

Erica Sweeney is a writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Parade, HuffPost, Business Insider, Money, and other publications.

Twitter Follow @ericapsweeney

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It’s pretty hard to have an open house at a time when it’s not safe for groups of people to congregate indoors.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made virtual open houses and video showings more popular than ever. They’re a great tool for both buyers and sellers, especially in second home-heavy markets and locales with stringent restrictions about in-person gatherings.

But, they are a little different than seeing a property in real life, so it’s a good idea to be familiar with how they work if you’re looking to see a property virtually, or want to have your home listed that way.

What is a virtual open house?

In some ways, it’s similar to an in-person one. It happens at a scheduled time, and is meant to give prospective buyers an overview of the property.

Sue “Pinky” Benson, a Realtor and video marketing specialist with RE/MAX based in Naples, Florida, said these kinds of tours are usually less highly produced than a traditional marketing video.

“It’s not the prettiest video in the world. It’s not a well-edited video per se, but you’re showing them the property in real time,” she said.

Watching one of her virtual tours , she takes care to point out all the key features of a property, focusing on what makes it unique. She also notifies people throughout the stream about how to ask questions or get more information.

Benson hosts her virtual open houses live on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and also sometimes uploads copies of the videos to YouTube after the livestream ends. 

Posting the streams on multiple platforms means more eyes on a listing, and also allows prospective buyers to see the video even after the live portion ends, she said.

Another benefit to a live stream is that viewers can ask questions in real time by posting comments on the video. But, Benson said, just like in real life, interested buyers don’t always want to tip their hand by asking questions in a public forum. Many buyers prefer to send private messages instead.

“They’re worried, what if someone else sees that I’m interested in this property?”

Can I get a private virtual tour?

Yes. Many agents are going beyond just offering virtual open houses. Interested buyers should work with their agents to arrange private video viewings of properties if they can’t go out to see it themselves — or are uncomfortable doing so during a global health crisis.

These kinds of tours allow prospective buyers to see properties in detail, even if they can’t be there on-site. 

“When it comes to a buyer who is interested in that individual property, they want you to walk the property, they want to see what it looks like outside,” Benson said. These kinds of one-on-one virtual tours allow prospective buyers to examine a property as if they were there in real life.

Many of her recent sales started by video, “whether a virtual open house or a private video with my client to show them the property in real time,” Benson said. 

“We have had a huge uptick in the amount of clients, many have purchased straight from the video without seeing the property until they’re in the inspection period, or we’ve narrowed down the properties based on the video.”

What should buyers and sellers know?

Now more than ever, it’s important to make sure you find an agent who is equipped to show your property virtually if you’re selling, or show you properties over video if you’re buying.

“The pandemic has pushed the technology side of things,” Benson said. When finding an agent to work with, “you’ve got to ask them the technology questions. Are you doing videos?”

It could limit your prospective pool of buyers, or the number of properties you’ll be able to see, if you work with an agent who isn’t as comfortable with the tech.

Bottom line

Even before the pandemic, video tours and virtual open houses were on the rise. But they’ve become much more popular in the last few months. It’s important to be familiar with them yourself and find an agent who is comfortable with them as well if you’re about to enter the real estate market.

It’s very likely that real estate shopping will have a growing virtual component even after the pandemic subsides.

If you ever find yourself attending an open house, don’t be afraid to speak up. If the video is on a live streaming platform, use the comments section to ask the agent questions, or request things you want to see more of, or hear more about. Similarly, don’t be worried about asking for your own private video tour if your interest in a property is piqued. A one-on-one virtual showing can give you more control over what you’re seeing, and will allow you to ask questions and give feedback more freely, without the worry that other prospective buyers will be thinking of ways to outmaneuver you based on what you have to say.

Learn more:

  • What’s it like to buy during a pandemic? These buyers know
  • Inventory shortage intensifies, and California leads the way
  • Bidding wars erupt as home inventory shrinks 

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The best virtual tours to explore the world from home

Oct 8, 2020 • 5 min read

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The Sistine Chapel is just one wonder offering a virtual museum tour ©Rajesh Gathwala/500px

We live in an age of unprecedented access to digital technology – and with it, brand new ways of exploring the world around us.

While it's not quite the same as seeing, say, the Mona Lisa or Christ the Redeemer in person, some of the world’s most popular and remote destinations have created libraries of online images and video, as well as 360 degree virtual tours that let you virtually explore museums, galleries, world wonders and even national parks.

Here a just a few of the best digital tours that let you wander the world from wherever you may be social distancing.

A woma nin a pink technical fabric top and matching pants and a black cap with a brim walks past the orange buildings and clay roofs of the Choijin Lama Museum in Ulan Bator with a green camera sphere from Google Street View strapped to her back

See the seven wonders of the world

If there’s anything capable of whetting your appetite for world travel, it is the new seven wonders of the world:  the Great Wall of China , the ancient city of Petra , the Taj Mahal , the Colosseum , Machu Picchu , Christ the Redeemer , and Chichen Itza . Thankfully there are impressive virtual tours of each from The New York Times , AirPano , Google , and Panoramas .

With modern technology, you can even see the last standing wonder of the ancient world— The Pyramids of Giza . There are a few other wonders that might not make it into to the top seven but are still worth a digital peek, like the Alhambra , Seville's La Giralda , and even Easter Island.

The Egyptian Antiquities room in the Lovure Museum is empty except for several statues of various sizes from Tanis, Karnak, and Thebes

Best virtual museum tours

In recent years, Google has partnered with over 2,5000 art museums to upload high-resolution versions of millions of pieces of art. Highlights include New York’s MoMA , DC’s National Gallery of Art , Chicago’s Art Institute , the Casa Battl ó, and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum to name a few.

In addition, The Louvre offers a virtual tour , as do The Vatican Museums , many of the Smithsonian Museums , the Russian Museum , the top-rated British Museum , the Minneapolis  Museum of Russian Art , and the Palace Museum in Beijing.

You may not be able to kiss the Blarney Stone right now, but you can tour the Blarney Castle from afar. You can also visit the Museum of Flight,  the Museum of Science, the Museum of Natural History,  the National Women's History Museum  and Boston's History of Science Museum .

While museums are often an inherently visual experience, there's a lot to be learned from archives of past lectures and tours like the ones preserved online by Nashville's Frist Museum , the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Smithsonian American Art Museum,  the Frick , and others.

You might also like:  Broadway might be closed, but here’s how to stream the best performances from your home

Turquoise Pool in Yellowstone National Park surrounded by a contrasting blanket of fresh white snow

Explore national parks

While travel to National Parks is best avoided for the time being, you don't need to miss out on the scenery. Virtual Yosemite is absolutely stunning and one of the best, replete with audio. Both Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore offer virtual tours as well. 

Google has similar 360 degree audio-visual tours of five select national parks, including Kenai Fjords, Hawai'i Volcanos , Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon , and Dry Tortugas, as well as 31 more on Google Earth . You can also get an up-close look at almost 4,000 pieces of artwork, artifacts, and other treasures related to the history and culture of the national parks, and view online exhibits .

A penguin looks at the viewer through the glass walls of a habitat at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Digital safaris

Wildlife is a big draw for travelers, whether it's sighting some of the Big Five in Africa, glimpsing whales in North America, or introducing your children to new animals in person on a family safari . But if you're forays into the bush are grounded for now, many zoos and aquariums have created digital access to their habitats.

You can easily watch several live webcams of some of the nation’s greatest zoos and aquariums, including the  San Diego Zoo , Houston Zoo , Zoo Atlanta , the Tennessee Aquarium , and the Georgia Aquarium . Additionally you can see Canadian farm animals doing their thing , or you could watch Stella the Dog jump endlessly into huge piles of Maine leaves.

You may also like:  These nine wildlife web cams offer access to your favorite animals

A view overlooking the Wotans Throne feature at the Grand Canyon

Virtual hiking

Thanks to panoramic video, you can get a really good idea of what a hike looks like well before you arrive at the trailhead. For example, you can experience all of the following top-rated hikes right now from your computer or tablet:  Bryce Canyon , Grand Canyon , GR20 , Inca Trail , and the death-defying Angel's Landing . For even more great hikes, simply YouTube one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 treks or any other hike that suits your fancy. Bonus points if you follow along during a workout to enhance the realism.

Famous landmarks

You can visit many wonders of nature, including the Amazon Rainforest , Iguazu Falls , the Komodo Islands , or Table Mountain , using virtual tours. Or you can explore the Statue of Liberty , the Sahara Desert , Niagara Falls , or even a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower . For even more virtual tours, search your bucket list of adventures with  AirPano , Google Earth , or YouTube .

Astronatur Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. looks at the Lunar Module Pilot during the 1969 moon landing

Travel to outer space

The moon hasn't made it to Lonely Planet's Best In Travel list (yet!), and even without self-isolation and shelter-in-place measures for COVID-19, many of us may never travel to space. But thanks to technology, now is as good of a time as any to do so virtually. Before blasting off, considering touring some of NASA’s offices first. Then relive the last lunar missions and moon walks in stunning HD. Or take a virtual tour of Mars with the help of Google. 

You might also like:

Listen to the sounds of forests around the world Cook your way around the world with these travel-inspired kitchen essentials Rome watchlist: films to see before your trip

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is now a global pandemic. Find out what this  means for travelers . 

This article was originally published March 2020 and was last updated October 2020.

This article was first published Mar 18, 2020 and updated Oct 8, 2020.

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Top 10 virtual tours: see museums and the world without leaving home

Stuck at home? You can still enjoy amazing sights and experiences

Machu Picchu virtual tour

Many of the world’s most iconic locations now offer virtual tours, meaning you can visit museums, world heritage sites and other attractions from the comfort of your couch. You don’t need a VR headset , either, although some attractions do support virtual reality for a more immersive experience.

So if you’re looking for things to do at home, and in need of a change of scenery, simply grab your laptop, tablet or phone, and join us on a world tour filled with history, nature and – of course – technology.

1. Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains, Peru

Machu Picchu

A simply stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu is a visual wonder that just has to be seen. You no longer need to fly all the way to Peru to see it in all its glory, however, as the virtual tour is comprehensive, immersive, and filled with fascinating insights.

With 360-degree views of the ruins of Inca settlements and lush green landscapes, you can visit every popular vantage point and learn more about the history of the famous site thanks to a helpful voice narrator. OK, you can’t feel the warm breeze around you, but if you turn on the heat and have a handy desk fan set to low, it’s almost as good as the real thing. Almost.

Behold the marvel : Machu Picchu

2. The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Lourve virtual tour

An attraction visited by millions of tourists in person every year, the Louvre Museum has also created a selection of virtual tours based on its permanent collections. Explore Egyptian antiquities, the Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and the decorative arts of the Galerie d’Apollon. 

The tour is easy to navigate, with an expandable minimap that lets you highlight exhibits to view with just a couple of clicks. You can also find out more about each room in The Louvre, with detailed descriptions that will probably make the room you’re actually sitting in feel frightfully dull in comparison. 

Take a trip: Louvre Museum

3. The National Museum of Computing, Milton Keynes, UK

National Museum of Computing virtual tour

The National Museum of Computing contains the world’s largest collection of working historic computers. That means one of them probably runs Microsoft Vista and is still working...

The museum features a fantastic, intuitive, virtual 3D tour. You can zoom in on each exhibit’s details, and find out more about every aspect of computing history, such as the world’s oldest working digital computer. Impressive stuff.

Discover a digital treasure trove: The National Museum of Computing

4. Georgia Aquarium, Georgia, USA

Georgia Aquarium virtual tours

Nothing beats the beauty of nature, so it’s good to know you can still get your daily dose of “aww” from the safety of your sofa. The Georgia Aquarium has over 50 species ranging from sea lions to underwater puffins, with many available to view via webcam. There’s also a daily and weekly livestream that’s aimed at piquing children’s interest in animals, and a great at-home educational tool if you want to entertain the little ones. 

Ever wondered what a Beluga Whale gets up to in its spare time? Just click on the link below and find out. Water-way to have a good time. 

Sea more: Georgia Aquarium

5. A 3-Minute Tour, Tokyo

What if we told you that you could ride in a Tuk Tuk, walk across the famous Shibuya crossing, win a Pikachu from a claw machine, and make friends with a robot… all in under three minutes. That might be physically impossible, but with VR it’s a breeze.

If you’ve ever wanted to take a whistle-stop tour of Japan, the Japan National Tourism Organization has created a 360-degree virtual reality video that lets you do all of the above, and lots more. 

Simply put on a VR headset to experience a surreal thrill ride, where you’ll go from feeding a deer to facing off against a sumo wrestler in a matter of seconds. The video is also viewable in 2D, and well worth a look. 

Check it out below.

6. The British Museum, London

British Museum virtual tour

Home to a remarkable collection that spans over two million years of human history and culture, The British Museum has nearly 50 online exhibits to view. From Bonaparte and the Battle of Waterloo to exploring the history of LGBTQ, there’s plenty of informative content to delve into.

For a more interactive experience, check out the Museum of the World tour . You can browse through a large selection of exhibits that are dated by century, continent and category – such as trade and conflict or art and design. Each exhibit offers a detailed description as well as accompanying audio, which helps provide a fascinating backstory to each piece. 

Browse the exhibits: The British Museum

7. The Vatican, Rome

The Vatican virtual tour

Filled with spectacular architecture and historic monuments, The Vatican is within your virtual reach, with a host of museums providing online tours. Step into the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms, which are adorned with simply sensational artwork. 

The tour is compatible with WebVR, so you can pop on a VR headset to get an even closer look at some of mankind’s most memorable creations. It’s truly breathtaking, even when viewed through a screen.  

When in Rome, visit: The Vatican

 8. Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Musee d'Orsey virtual tour

Located in the center of Paris, this historic museum was installed in the former Orsay railway station. It was originally built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, and displays collections of art from the period 1848 to 1914.

Take a leisurely virtual stroll through the opulent hallways and witness works from dozens of famous French artists, including Monet, Gauguin and Van Gogh. With no other visitors to contend with, you can soak up all the culture on display to your heart’s content – and there’s a lot to soak up. 

Take the tour: Musée d’Orsay

9. Athens Acropolis, Athens

Acropolis virtual tour

A must-visit destination for history buffs, the Athens Acropolis includes the world-famous Parthenon, and is a cultural hotspot for tourists. Choose between popular sites such as the Theatre of Dionysus and enjoy in-depth videos that provide a fascinating and educational insight into ancient Greece. 

There are plenty of photographs to view and engrossing facts to learn, so don’t be surprised if you become an armchair expert in no time. Now, where’d you put that amphora of wine? 

Get to the Greek: Athens Acropolis

10. The Royal Academy of Arts, London

Royal Academy of Arts virtual tour

If you’re amazed by architecture, the Royal Academy of Arts has a virtual tour that will make you go “ooo” and “ahh” for hours. The Sensing Spaces exhibition uses high-quality 360-degree photography to give visitors a taste of its structures and remarkable exhibitions – it really does feel as if you’re actually there. 

Each exhibition is complemented by further information for users to read through, but you’re encouraged to come to your own conclusions, and think about what each space means to you.

Visit the exhibition: Sensing Spaces

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Adam was formerly TRG's Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.

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360° virtual tours.

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To create your first 360º virtual tour click below:

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Create And Display Virtual Tours In 360 and VR

CloudPano 360° virtual tour software empowers you to create 360° virtual tours. Quickly create interactive virtual tours hassle-free. With a few clicks, you can upload, connect and publish a 360° immersive experience. No coding required. Get started today, its free. Click here.

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Create a 360° virtual tour with our easy three-step process.

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What is a 360 virtual tour.

A 360 virtual tour on CloudPano is a real estate marketing tool to view and share a space in an immersive 360 environment. With a smartphone, the CloudPano viewer responds to your movement. This creates a responsive and immersive view of the property. Create your first 360 virtual tour in 5 minutes or less.

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When you publish a 360 virtual tour on CloudPano.com, you will automatically receive a code based link. You can embed your tour right onto your website. We host the tour, you show it off to the world.

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Cloudpano 360 virtual tour examples.

Explore some of our featured 360 tours from the CloudPano community

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Florida Luxury 360 Virtual Tour Click to view this demo

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New York VR Nursing Home Click to view this demo

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Auto Dealership Click to view this demo

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Luxury Residential Click to view this demo

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AirBnB Rental Click to view this demo

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Commercial Construction Click to view this demo

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Remove all references of CloudPano.com. Use your own logo and keep your website domain. Easily use your own URL. Add 360 virtual tours into your business and keep our name hidden.

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CloudPano.com is a Virtual Tour Software built for entrepreneurs, photographers and real estate brokers. You will be empowered to create world class 360/VR virtual tours quickly, market real estate at a high level AND keep your brand on the front of tour. If you are looking for a 360 virtual tour software built for the business owner - you are in the right place.

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CloudPano Pro User Testimonials

The technology is pretty amazing and the finished 3d tour is high definition. the tours played well on everything from a desktop to a cellphone. highly recommended., i just pitched a $2.5 million dollar fsbo with the vr headset and cloudpano software. i impressed the client, built rapport and added value with the vr presentation. it's marketing like that this that makes you stick out amongst your competition... and ultimately this moves property at a high level., this technology changes the game. my customers are very excited about it. and i know when my customers are excited about it, i am going to make some more money., 360 tours are an easy way to upsell my clients on location. plus, it only takes a few minutes to create a virtual tour on cloudpano.com., cloudpano has a crisp and clean design. plus the platform hosts the 360 virtual tours for me, so i can create tours quickly and get back to shooting., being able to have a full 360 tour of my listings and show sellers how i can take marketing of their home to the next level is huge i appreciate you and your team helping me out along the way answering any and all questions that i have had so far and i am excited to continue to implement and grow my business with the help of you and your team., common questions.

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Virtual House Plan & Home Tour Videos

Country-style ranch home with wide front porch and VR video

Featured House Plan with VR Video

This charming country farmhouse house plan ...

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An increasingly popular request from our clients is videos of our house plans. These can include:

  • 360 degrees of the exterior using a drone flyover
  • Video walk-through of the interior
  • Even a photo-inspired video showing the home's layout from room to room.

More recently, we've begun to offer virtual reality house plan videos (VR) of select houses on an exclusive basis. These VR videos provide a truly enhanced walk-through experience like no other!

An Interactive Experience

By utilizing interactive tours of both the inside and outside of your future home, you get to experience the layout before you move in. You can feel the livability of your house, discover the flow from room to room, and feel comfortable with your decision without ever breaking ground. We're happy to be at the interactive forefront of home building and strive to offer the best customer experience possible.

We will continue adding house plan videos to this collection as we receive them . If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us . We appreciate your input and suggestions.

  • {{attributeValue.inventoryAttributeName}} X
  • {{attributeValue.inventoryAttributeName}} ({{attributeValue.count}})

+ Basic Options

House features, + - {{attribute.inventoryattributetype}}, + - foundation type, room features, construction features, purchase options, + - purchase options.

2-Bedroom, 1448 Sq Ft Small House - Plan #142-1265 - Front Exterior

Plan: #142-1265

4-Bedroom, 2373 Sq Ft European Home - Plan #142-1204 - Main Exterior

Plan: #142-1204

3-Bedroom, 2454 Sq Ft Ranch Home - Plan #142-1242 - Main Exterior

Plan: #142-1242

5-Bedroom, 7587 Sq Ft Mediterranean House - Plan #195-1216 - Front Exterior

Plan: #195-1216

7-Bedroom, 8628 Sq Ft Luxury House - Plan #106-1325 - Front Exterior

Plan: #106-1325

3-Bedroom, 1751 Sq Ft Ranch House Plan - 141-1166 - Front Exterior

Plan: #141-1166

3-Bedroom, 2597 Sq Ft Country Home - Plan #142-1168 - Main Exterior

Plan: #142-1168

3-Bedroom, 1320 Sq Ft Ranch House - Plan #123-1102 - Front Exterior

Plan: #123-1102

2-Bedroom, 800 Sq Ft Country House - Plan #141-1078 - Front Exterior

Plan: #141-1078

4-Bedroom, 2686 Sq Ft Country Home - Plan #142-1169 - Main Exterior

Plan: #142-1169

5-Bedroom, 3217 Sq Ft Contemporary Home - Plan #202-1021 - Main Exterior

Plan: #202-1021

3-Bedroom, 2589 Sq Ft Farmhouse Home - Plan #142-1238 - Main Exterior

Plan: #142-1238

3-Bedroom, 2781 Sq Ft Contemporary Home Plan - 142-1411 - Main Exterior

Plan: #142-1411

3-Bedroom, 1640 Sq Ft Country Home Plan - 141-1243 - Main Exterior

Plan: #141-1243

3-Bedroom, 1817 Sq Ft Ranch Home - Plan #141-1320 - Main Exterior

Plan: #141-1320

5-Bedroom, 6780 Sq Ft Mediterranean Home Plan - 175-1073 - Main Exterior

Plan: #175-1073

2-Bedroom, 1064 Sq Ft Country Home Plan - 142-1417 - Main Exterior

Plan: #142-1417

3-Bedroom, 1450 Sq Ft Cottage House Plan - 142-1123 - Front Exterior

Plan: #142-1123

3-Bedroom, 2077 Sq Ft Modern Farmhouse Plan - 142-1184 - Main Exterior

Plan: #142-1184

3-Bedroom, 2748 Sq Ft Country Home Plan - 117-1127 - Main Exterior

Plan: #117-1127

2-Bedroom, 988 Sq Ft Cottage House Plan - 177-1058 - Front Exterior

Plan: #177-1058

Watch the video introduction.

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From the design book

Breakthroughs in vr technology make it affordable and accessible for house plans.

TPC author Brian Toolan

Imagine Walking Through Your Future Home – Before Its Built – Right Now!   Perhaps you first saw it in a sci-fi movie like The Matrix – and were blown away by the concept. While much of it may be far-fetched, the idea of plugging into a virtual environment and having a rich and almost lifelike experience is getting closer thanks to advances in virtual reality headsets and software. Unfortunately, the most technologically advanced commercial VR systems can cost thousands of dollars, and even the highest end on the

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We invite you to watch a recorded prospective student information session, as well as info sessions for any of our colleges that interest you! Learn more about life as a Husky, including academics, student life, and more:

Prospective Student Information Session

Interactive Virtual Tour

Take a stroll through our Boston campus with our interactive virtual tour. Explore our academic facilities, student housing, and award-winning green spaces, guided by a Husky Ambassador.

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Additional Virtual Visits

We will be hosting virtual and in-person programming for high schools, cities, and regions across the country. Join your fellow classmates to connect directly with the admissions counselor for your school and get your questions answered. Sign up for our mailing list to ensure you know when we're connecting with students from your area.

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Experience a tour of the Boston campus hosted by two of Northeastern’s Husky Ambassadors. Learn about academic, research, and co-op opportunities available to our students. Hear about student experiences such as joining one of our 500+ student clubs and organizations in Boston, capturing photos of everyday life in Cuba, or living in Australia. During our residence hall tour, you will see an example of a student’s room, hear about our Living Learning Communities, and learn more about the various dining options on and off campus.

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Learn more about why our students chose NU when you visit our YouTube Channel. Hear about global opportunities, student & community involvement, co-op, and life on campus. The stories highlighted here are just the beginning of what your experience at Northeastern could look like.

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Virtual Tour

We invite you to explore Penn's home in West Philadelphia through a virtual tour of our historic campus. Get a glimpse inside our state-of-the-art classrooms, hear from current students and faculty, and catch live performances by members of our community as you stroll down Locust Walk.

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Interested in learning more about Penn? Check out more online events and resources  here .

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UCF is calling . And the best way to get to know us is to visit. Take a tour of our campus — in-person, livestreamed or self-guided — to get a sense of all there is to love about UCF. From our state-of-the-art classrooms to our recreational facilities, 80-acre nature preserve and sporting venues, you’ll discover how much there is to see and do here.

However you choose to experience UCF, we’re ready to make an unforgettable first impression. We can’t wait to meet you and give you a big, warm welcome.

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Explore Campus

In-person campus tours.

  • Main Campus
  • Rosen College

UCF Downtown

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Weekday campus tours begin at the Duke Energy UCF Welcome Center with a 15-minute information session, followed by a 90-minute walking tour of the campus led by a UCF student ambassador. Campus tours fill up quickly, so sign up today.

Tours of select UCF housing communities are offered by the Department of Housing and Residence Life. Please visit their website to view available dates and times and book a Housing Tour.

Guided group tours of Main Campus are limited to high school groups of 50 or fewer students. If you are a school or a tour provider and would like to bring a group of students to campus, please email us at [email protected] .

Rosen College of Hospitality entrance

Tours of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management campus begin with a 15-minute information session, followed by a 45-minute walking tour of the campus led by a Rosen College student ambassador. You may preview the Rosen College Apartments during your tour. Campus tours are limited in size, so sign up early; walk-ins will be accommodated only on a space-available basis.

UnionWest and surrounding area

UCF Downtown campus tours begin at UnionWest in Creative Village with a 30-minute information session, followed by a 90-minute walking tour of the campus led by a UCF Downtown student ambassador. Campus tours are limited in size, so sign up early.

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Self-guided Campus Tour

Want to explore campus on your own? This tour begins in front of Millican Hall at the Reflecting Pond, and it concludes at the Recreation and Wellness Center. There are 10 stops on the self-guided tour.

Open Houses

Knight for a day open houses.

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Join the students, faculty and staff of UCF for a daylong open house event. This is your opportunity to learn first-hand about our campus, academic programs, student life, financial aid and much more. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and activities are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. View a sample agenda and check our our FAQs for more information. Registration is required and space is limited, so we encourage you to sign up early.

NOTE: If you are viewing this page in Safari, please switch to Chrome, Edge or Firefox to register for an open house.

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Take a Virtual Tour of Campus

There’s a lot to see and do at UCF. And being familiar with our campuses — whether you’re taking classes at the main campus, Rosen College of Hospitality Management or UCF Downtown — helps you take advantage of everything we offer. Find out what it’s like to be a Knight.

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Starting Points

Become familiar with the places you’ll immediately need to know.

Heart of Campus

Hang with friends, access resources or grab a bite in these spaces.

Recreation and Academics

Connect with others at our recreation area, Greek housing and academic buildings.

Athletics Village

Here are the spots where our biggest and most exciting gatherings happen.

Health and Wellness Resources

Access help and stay healthy through dedicated departments.

Housing, Fitness and Safety

Get a look at housing options, our expansive gym and police department.

View the campus, classrooms and services offered at UCF Downtown.

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Tour the facilities and services offered at our Hospitality Management campus.

UCF Campus Tour Playlist

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Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Take part in a virtual info session and learn why UCF is the best choice for you. Whether you want to cover the application process with an admissions counselor or talk with current Knights about what campus is really like, we’ve got something just for you.

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Explore Orlando’s Hometown University

Top 10 Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

Micah Phillips

Initially, I was hoping to purchase a house. The visual descriptions of the property were something I was concerned about because I was staying somewhere else at that time. A lot of my curiosity was piqued by the builder’s description of the apartment’s features and services.

When I inquired about the flat, the agent surprised me by scheduling a virtual tour for me. In this way, I was able to grasp the layout and other features of the property quickly. Thanks to technology, due to which people now experience and virtualize from any location. Some of the best Virtual Tour Software solutions have been embraced by a variety of industries to give clients a unique and unforgettable experience.

What is Virtual Tour Software?

Virtual tour software may provide a panoramic and 360-degree perspective of a given site. This technology allows users to visit a location without physically being there.

Who uses Virtual Tour Software?

Lots of businesses use this software to promote their business in a unique way to attract customers. Often use in these areas like of travel, real estate, classrooms, and marketing sectors.

Features of Virtual Tour Software

  • Drag and Drop
  • Viewer Traffic Statistics
  • Enlarge and Email Button
  • File Recovery
  • Different Views
  • Professional Photography
  • Auto Responsive
  • Google Street View Style
  • Instant Publishing

Let’s have a look at the top 10 Virtual Tour Software.

Table of Contents

Top Free & Open Source Virtual Tour Software Solutions

My360 tours.

My360 Tours

For a virtual tour program that’s easy to use, affordable, and specifically built for the real estate market, My360 by Plush Global Media is a good option. As a result of this software’s time-saving, user-friendly design, it has a wide range of built-in capabilities. Real estate brokers and car dealerships can utilize My360. Architects, photographers, and interior designers can also use this program to show their work to prospective clients. Each group of professionals can tailor their features to their needs.

Website: https://my360tours.com/

Klapty-Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

You may not be aware that Klapty, is one of the best web-based tool for creating and distributing virtual tours. With more than 35,000 members from across the world, it is also the world’s popular social network for virtual tour enthusiasts. Present days, Real estate brokers, photographers, drone videographers, resort owners, and anyone with a creative bent using this free, easy-to-use application.

Real estate agents, photographers, and other professionals frequently use this type of tour since it provides a comprehensive view of an area or event. Virtual tours are not only a time- and money-saving option for the real estate business, but also for hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and different sorts of businesses. An immersive presentation that lets visitors wander through the premises of your location is an excellent way to attract visitors to your website.

Website: https://www.klapty.com/

Lapentor-Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

It is another virtual tour software that will make your business’s virtual tour dynamic and educational. You may use this program to enhance your photos and hide the imperfections in your presentations. It has a wide variety of styles and themes to choose from. In a cloud-based platform, it has an intuitive UI. Using this software, you’ll be able to personalize and present your 360-degree footage with ease. Virtual tours may be created quickly and easily with this program.

Get Free: https://lapentor.com/

Marzipano-Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

Marzipano is compatible with all major browsers and mobile devices on the desktop and the go. A virtual tour of your company may be created from a collection of panoramas. The user has complete control over this tool’s output. Simple tour demos can be found here. This program is lightweight, so you’ll get the most out of it. You may export this app as a web application for more complex applications.

Website: https://www.marzipano.net/

iStaging-Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

You may use this software program if you want to make any home or commercial real estate location into a 30 rendering. iStaging uses augmented or virtual reality (VR) technology to build immersive digital architecture. A smartphone or tablet may be used to capture 360-degree views of a property for sale using this program. Additional things can be inserted within the 30 pictures for your clients to see. Augmented reality has made this possible. It’s possible to create 30 presentations from floor layouts using iStaging. In addition, you may turn any of your building’s features into 30 models for better marketing. Subscriptions are required to use this real estate virtual tour program.

Website: https://www.istaging.com/en/

Kuula-Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

Virtual tour systems like this one are among the most popular of all time. For pros, it provides various options for creating immersive virtual tours of the property. Drag and drop and social media integration make it simple for real estate enterprises to communicate with their customers. There are a variety of platforms that Kuula may be used on, including mobile devices. A panoramic virtual tour is created by combining photographs taken with a DSLR camera or a 360-degree camera. It is simple to use and has a wide range of possibilities for customization.

Website: https://kuula.co/

Pano2VR-Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

It is one of the most used virtual tour tools for creating immersive virtual reality experiences. A single gigapixel panorama or a virtual tour with hundreds of scenes may be made immersive with Pano2VR, regardless of the project’s complexity. When a project is completed, it can be easily incorporated into existing websites and watched on computers, tablets, and VR headsets.

Website: https://ggnome.com/pano2vr/

easypano

Your 360 virtual tour program is available. Due to its exceptional features, the virtual tour program Tourweaver is a popular pick among enterprises. Contract management, email marketing, catalogue printing, and more tools are available. In addition, tourweaver is the best, robust, appealing, and responsive to mobile devices.

Website: https://www.easypano.com/virtual-tour-software.html

RTV’s Fusion

RTV's Fusion-Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

Fusion is a virtual tour system built for businesses to demonstrate their products and services in virtual reality. Fusion’s ideal client is a professional photographer, especially if they want to sell their skills to real estate firms. Professional photographers may use RTV’s private-label VR tour hosting service to provide their clients with high-quality virtual tours. At least 1080 HD movies, 360-degree panoramas, and stills must be uploaded to the system if you want to make high-quality virtual tours on your own.

Website: https://www.realtourvision.com/

Tourwizard-Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

Self-service software, this digital application allows you to provide 30 tours of homes to potential customers. Virtual tours may be created using Tourwizard’s panoramic camera. A full-screen version of the tours may be created. They may also be seen on desktops and mobile devices since they are automatically optimized for search engine results pages (SERPs). You may also include as much information about the property into the 360-degree tours. Maps and logos may also be included in the virtual tour program for real estate agents.

Website: http://tourwizard.net/

Other recommened names: OpenSpace3D, Makevt, Vtility, Paneek, Panoroo, eyespy360,  Matterport 3D Showcase, 3DVista Virtual Tour Pro, oogle Tour Creator, My360, RoundMe, Matterport, GoThru, Veer Experience, Cupix, Metareal, Panoskin, Pano2VR, Kuula, 3DVista, KRPANO, Cloudpano, Marzipano, Orbix360, Concept 3D, Real Tour Vision, My360 Virtual Tour Software, Pano2VR, DiveIn Studio, Klapty, SeekBeak, Shapespark, 3DVista Virtual Tour Pro, Matterport 3D Showcase.

In Conclusion

As I said earlier, I purchased the house after taking virtual tours. This is one of the best tools to see what your broker offers you. If you people also live far away from a property you want to buy, then there is no need to take tension. You can simply take a virtual tour and make a purchase.

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Micah Philips is a well-known writer and we can understand how fantastic writer he is. His extreme and overwhelming writing style have touched the mind of many as he always writes factual matter that is informational and is capable of sharing with others as well. His words are meaningful, and the readers really enjoy reading his written articles & blogs.

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Learn why Binghamton should be at the top of your list! Attend an information session, tour campus, learn all about the undergraduate admissions process and what it’s like to be a Binghamton Bearcat!

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Last Updated: 3/28/24

  • Learning Hub

Top 1 Free & Premium Virtual Tour software

The most simple and intuitive virtual tour platform which supports Self-Hosting on your own domain

The only platform that offers free to use & only pay when you need advanced features

Surprisingly simple with an instant update that helps you design your Virtual Tour interface & add information in minutes without any line of code

Display high-resolution Panos & improve load speed on multiple devices

UI work great on PC, Mobile & VR

Put your virtual tour private, publish or password-limited access

No limit on the number of Projects or time to use with premium plan

Customizable meta title, description & social media thumbnail

Track your virtual tours with your own Google Analytics code or our Analytics dashboard

With an innovative mindset in customization, Lapentor provides 8 types of hotspots, 21+ plugins & lots of templates

Thousands of people over the world use Lapentor. Here are some unique examples of Virtual Tour 360 created by Lapentor’s clients

we will answer all of your questions as soon as possible

We would love to hear your feedback or wishlist. So talk to us whenever you have ideas or problems

Message us whenever you need. We will answer you as soon as we can

We will update FAQs regularly to cover all your frequently asked questions

In this article, we’ll explore how to create free virtual tours on iPhone using the built-in Panorama feature. Virtual tours have become a popular tool across many industries, including real estate, tourism, and education. They provide a unique and immersive experience for viewers and allow...

Virtual tours have revolutionized the way we experience various locations, from museums and landmarks to businesses and real estate properties. These immersive experiences allow users to explore and interact with virtual environments as if they were physically present. One way to enhance virtual...

There are several reasons why exporting virtual tours using Lapentor’s export feature can be highly useful for businesses. One of the most compelling benefits is the ability to back up your virtual tours or use them offline (with the help of some local web server). This feature is...

Apple has officially introduced its new virtual reality (VR) eyewear at the WWDC 2023 event. The product is called Apple Vision Pro and is designed to provide users with a premium and versatile virtual reality experience. “With Vision Pro, you are no longer limited by the screen,” said...

Virtual tours have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing an immersive experience for viewers to explore space without physically being there. They are especially useful for real estate, hospitality, and tourism industries, but can also be used for personal projects and creative...

Learn how to add Virtual Tour on WordPress website in a few easy steps. Elevate property value and get numerous benefits as we provide step-by-step instructions on embedding a virtual tour with ease. WordPress is a widely popular and powerful content management system (CMS) that empowers...

Learning how to embed a virtual tour on your website. Embedding Virtual Tour offers a wide range of benefits, from improved user experience and engagement to increased conversions and competitive advantage. It allows you to showcase your space or products effectively, providing a unique and...

Virtual tours are really taking off these days and it’s no surprise why – they provide a totally immersive experience for viewers! Let’s take a look at the top 3 use cases for virtual tours in the real world. Top 1 use cases for virtual tours: Real Estate Real estate is one of the...

Your panorama photo appears upside down or rotated when you uploaded it to Lapentor but it’s normal when viewing it on your computer or mobile device. This is a common issue that can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as using the wrong camera orientation or transferring the image...

Are you a real estate agent looking for a new way to showcase your properties? Then creating a virtual tour for real estate may be the perfect solution! Virtual tours offer potential buyers an easy and engaging way to view a home from the comfort and safety of their own space. In this blog post,...

For 360-degree photographers, Virtual Tour Software is an indispensable tool to publish a complete Virtual Tour with the full support of interface, features & hotspots. Apart from the Offline Virtual Tour Software, there is a new trend of new Cloud-based solutions, catching up with the trend...

The real estate market nowadays requires playing hard to get more than ever. Theta S is an awesome 360 real estate virtual tour gadget to capture your client’s attention. The number of sellers and brokers always outweighs the number of buyers. So, standing out from the crowd plays a key role in...

In the digital age, more and more real estate agents are utilizing virtual tours to help them market their properties. But what exactly is a virtual tour and why should you start using them now? In this article, we will discuss the many reasons of using virtual tours can help you sell more homes,...

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Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News

Real Estate

The rise of virtual home tours.

Adapting to changing consumer preferences in spring real estate

open virtual tour

In today’s dynamic real estate market, the spring season brings not only blooming flowers but also a surge of activity as buyers and sellers alike prepare to make their moves. However, in recent years, there’s been a notable shift in how consumers prefer to explore potential homes: the rise of virtual tours. 

For the LGBTQ community, these virtual experiences offer more than just convenience; they provide accessibility, safety, and inclusivity in the home buying process. 

Gone are the days of spending weekends driving from one open house to another – unless that’s your thing of course, only to find that the property doesn’t quite match expectations. With virtual tours, you can explore every corner of a home from the comfort of your own space – find something interesting? Schedule a showing with any LGBTQ Realtor at GayRealEstate.com.

This is particularly significant for LGBTQ individuals, who may face unique challenges or concerns when attending in-person showings. Whether it’s the ability to discreetly view properties without fear of discrimination or the convenience of touring homes located in LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods across the country, virtual tours offer a sense of empowerment and control in the home buying process.

Moreover, virtual tours cater to the diverse needs of the LGBTQ community. For couples or families with busy schedules or those living in different cities or states, these digital walkthroughs provide a convenient way to view properties together without the need for extensive travel. Additionally, for individuals who may be exploring their gender identity or transitioning, virtual tours offer a low-pressure environment to explore potential living spaces without the added stress of in-person interactions.

At GayRealEstate.com , we understand the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences and leveraging technology to better serve our community. That’s why our agents offer an extensive selection of virtual tours for LGBTQ individuals and allies alike – visit our website, choose an agent and within minutes you’ll have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) via their website.

From cozy condominiums in bustling urban centers to sprawling estates in picturesque suburbs, virtual tours showcase a wide range of properties tailored to diverse tastes and lifestyles.

In addition to virtual tours, GayRealEstate.com provides comprehensive resources and support to guide LGBTQ buyers and sellers through every step of the real estate journey. Our network of LGBTQ-friendly agents is committed to providing personalized service, advocacy, and representation to ensure that all individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered throughout the process. Plus, we are happy to provide a free relocation kit to any city in the USA or Canada if you are a home buyer.

As we embrace the spring season and all the opportunities it brings in the real estate market, let’s also celebrate the power of virtual tours to revolutionize the way we find and experience our future homes. Whether you’re searching for your first apartment, forever home, or investment property, GayRealEstate.com is here to help you navigate the exciting world of real estate with confidence, pride, and inclusivity.

Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at [email protected] .

Boosting your rental property’s curb appeal

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Fact: The next president will be Biden or Trump

Affordable upgrades to attract and keep tenants happy

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In the District of Columbia, the rental market tends to open up significantly during the springtime for several reasons. First, spring brings about a sense of renewal and change, prompting many individuals and families to seek new living arrangements or embark on relocations. Additionally, the warmer weather and longer daylight hours make it more conducive for people to explore housing options, attend viewings, and make decisions about moving. Furthermore, spring often coincides with the end of academic terms, leading to an influx of students and young professionals entering the rental market. 

Landlords and property managers also tend to schedule lease renewals or list new vacancies during this time, capitalizing on the increased demand and ensuring a steady turnover of tenants. In the competitive world of rental properties, attracting and retaining quality tenants can be challenging. However, with some strategic upgrades, property owners can significantly enhance their units’ appeal without breaking the bank. From enhancing curb appeal to interior upgrades, here are some practical and cost-effective ideas to make your rental property stand out in the market.

Curb appeal

First impressions matter, and curb appeal plays a crucial role in attracting potential tenants. Simple enhancements like freshening up the exterior paint, adding potted plants or flowers, and ensuring a well-maintained lawn can instantly elevate the property’s appearance. Installing outdoor lighting not only adds charm but also enhances safety and security.

Interior upgrades

Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom fixtures to modern, energy-efficient options. Consider replacing outdated appliances with newer models, which not only appeal to tenants but also contribute to energy savings. Fresh paint and updated flooring can transform the look of a space without a hefty investment. Additionally, replacing worn-out carpets with hardwood or laminate flooring can make the unit more attractive and easier to maintain.

Enhance storage

Maximize storage options by installing built-in shelves, cabinets, or closet organizers. Tenants appreciate ample storage space to keep their belongings organized, contributing to a clutter-free living environment.

Improve lighting

Brighten up the interiors by adding more lighting fixtures or replacing old bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. Well-lit spaces appear more inviting and spacious, enhancing the overall ambiance of the rental unit.

Upgrade window treatments

Replace outdated curtains or blinds with modern window treatments that allow natural light to filter in while offering privacy. Opt for neutral colors and versatile styles that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Focus on security

Invest in security features such as deadbolts, window locks, and a reliable alarm system to ensure the safety of your tenants. Feeling secure in their home is a top priority for renters, and these upgrades can provide meaningful, genuine peace of mind.

Enhance outdoor spaces

If your rental property includes outdoor areas like a patio or balcony, consider sprucing them up with comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, and potted plants. Creating inviting outdoor spaces expands the living area and adds value to the rental property.

As landlords, investing in the enhancement of your rental properties is not merely about improving aesthetics; it’s about investing in the satisfaction and well-being of your tenants, and ultimately, in the success of your investment. By implementing these practical and affordable upgrades, you’re not only increasing the desirability of your units but also demonstrating your commitment to providing a high-quality living experience. 

These efforts translate into higher tenant retention rates, reduced vacancy periods, and ultimately, a healthier bottom line. Moreover, by prioritizing the comfort, safety, and happiness of your tenants, you’re fostering a sense of community and trust that can lead to long-term relationships and positive referrals. So, let’s embark on this journey of transformation together, turning rental properties into cherished homes and landlords into valued partners in creating exceptional living spaces.

Scott Bloom is owner and Senior Property Manager of Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, visit ColumbiaPM.com .

Real estate agents work hard for that commission

Despite recent headlines, buyers and sellers benefit from our expertise

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With there being a lot of noise in the media lately as I am sure you have read and heard headlines like “Gone are the days of the 6% commission” and “End of the good days of Realtors,” etc., I wanted to re-run a very short article of the long laundry list of things that well versed real estate agents bring to the table to earn that seldom 6% commission. It’s typically split in half and it has always been negotiable).

As a real estate professional you will go on listing appointments and buyer meetings to not only attempt to gain business but in doing so you also educate the general public on what it is that we as real estate professionals do. I know what you’re thinking – and if you’ve seen my photo before you wouldn’t be wrong to assume that I am cast in “Selling DC” as the lead villain. I am just waiting for that phone call! But in all seriousness, when I sit down to come up with a list of things to prove to prospective clients the value in working with me as their real estate professional, I am pretty blown away at the items and qualities that a trusted professional representing you in a real estate transaction is responsible for managing a myriad of tasks, including but not limiting to the following:

• Have a pulse on the marketplace to truly understand exactly what is happening from a buying and selling standpoint while also understanding the economic side of things – not just looking at interest rates. Why are rates where they are? What employers are laying off and could cause an influx of inventory? What are the trends for individuals moving IN or OUT of an area looking like? Forecasting the marketplace of all things that truly affect real estate is vital.

• Soft Skills – these are the skills often considered as customer service skills. The ability to be approachable by all types of people and ensure that you are open to receive information. Also – when telling you bad news – it’s important to ensure that it is done in a manner in which you, the receiver, will be pleasantly receptive.

• Pre-market vendors – not only are real estate professionals expected to market your home for sale or locate a home for you to purchase, we are also expected to have a list of pre-market vendors to which you can use for your lending needs, home inspection, title work, any fluffing and buffing needed pre market for the sale of your home such as a contractor, painter, landscaper etc. We have a book of extremely well vetted vendors that either I personally have used or past clients have used that can assist with your needs. This beats Googling for hours and accidentally choosing the wrong contractor. Section A of the pre-market vendor list includes those in which we real estate professionals use for marketing materials for your property – we will use the best photographers, have floor plans drawn for your property, video, staging, catering for brokers opens and the list goes on. Again – this is a well vetted list that we have worked on for years and done all of the heavy lifting and had those uncomfortable conversations when things are not properly executed – so you don’t have to.

• On Market Tasks – these are the tasks that most clients are unaware that we do. Oftentimes when a listing is on market – folks think that I am just cruising around in my convertible buying nice things. However I am in fact going around checking each listing on market to ensure that they are clean, the booties are replaced, marketing materials are stocked, light bulbs are all working, staging looks crisp and the list truly goes on. That of course, doesn’t include the tasks we do to properly market the property such as weekly email blasts, reaching out several times to follow up with showing agents to get their feedback, check the market to see what our competition looks like, what’s under contract and why, and again…..I could go on. Needless to say the most important and time consuming tasks are those that are done when the property is on market.

• “Contract to close” management – the term contract to close is pretty much what it sounds like – it’s what happens from the time we go under contract until we reach the closing finish line and you have those keys. Once a trusted real estate professional has fiercely negotiated on your behalf as a buyer, the fun starts. Again pops up this vendor list – helping guide you though selection of a home inspector, termite inspector, etc. for the inspections. A title attorney is needed (depending on your jurisdiction) and any other vendors for quotes like renovations, etc., that you might want done to the property. Once the inspection is completed and we go through possible re-negotiations then we must ensure that the lender has the documents needed from you completed in order to have the appraisal done to prove the value of the home you are under contract for. Now we are getting into the weeds – but once we are on the other side of things and the appraisal comes back at value and the loan is clear to close then we are at the finish line to your new home.

A similar story can be told if you are selling your home. The appraisal is a very important part of the checklist as that is the value in which your home is worth. The appraiser is a third party that neither the buyer, seller, lender or myself have any allegiance to. I do, however, have the duty to educate said appraiser on why I chose the listing price and how I came up with that value. 

• Post-market vendors. As mentioned before, a real estate professional should have a book of well vetted vendors from which to choose. Looking at the list of vendors now that we are on the other side of the table – I can provide a cleaning person, HVAC contractor, someone to repair the sprinkler system, a dog walker, the best caterers and bakery in town. Further down the road I am able to provide a wonderful wealth manager who can tell you what to do with that piece of real estate you purchased some time ago and we could go on for days.

While you are fully entitled to not use a real estate agent during your real estate transaction, I do believe that it is well within the realm of possibilities to say that without one there would be loose ends not completely tied up, things mismanaged and possible delays that could cost real cash. All of that aside, it is also such a truly wonderful experience to work alongside a trusted professional that at the end of the transaction becomes a new friend and family member. Real estate professionals love what they do, they love real estate and people and sheepherding you through the home buying or selling process is what it’s all about to us.

Justin Noble is a Realtor with Sotheby’s international Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware Beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin is a well-versed agent, highly regarded, and provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243,  [email protected] or BurnsandNoble.com .

Do you need title insurance?

Facilitating smoother and more efficient real estate transactions

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A title search is an examination of public records to determine the legal ownership of a property and identify any claims or liens against it. This comprehensive investigation delves into deeds, mortgages, court records, tax records, and other documents related to the property’s history. The objective is to verify that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership of the property and that there are no undisclosed issues that could cloud the title.

I would surmise that most buyers have never read their title report or policy and I confess that I was one of them until 2005, when I bought a house in San Diego. While I was “in escrow,” my agent presented me with a title report. My first reaction was, “What do I do with this?” He replied, “review it and sign indicating that it is acceptable.” I had no idea what to look for, since I had always had title companies to rely on for interpreting the results. Thankfully, it was a clean report with no liens on it other than the mortgage the seller would be paying off at settlement. 

Here, only if anything is amiss will the title attorney notify the agents and advise what the parties need to do to satisfy any conditions that could prevent them from closing. Otherwise, you won’t see the report up front.

Why are title searches important?

  • They verify the seller’s legal right to transfer ownership of the property, providing assurance to the buyer that they are purchasing a legitimate asset. 
  • They identify any outstanding liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances that could affect the property’s value or the buyer’s ability to obtain financing. 
  • A title insurance policy provides coverage for losses arising from title defects such as disputes, undisclosed easements, forgery, or fraud, offering peace of mind to both buyers and lenders.

The process starts with the retrieval of documents from various sources, including county clerk offices, tax assessor’s offices, and court records. 

The records are then inspected to trace the chain of ownership and identify any potential issues. The title examiner verifies the accuracy of legal descriptions, checks for inconsistencies or errors, and identifies any red flags that may indicate title defects.

If found, resolution of issues or discrepancies, such as unpaid taxes, outstanding liens, or boundary disputes must be addressed before the transaction can proceed. This may involve negotiating with creditors to satisfy outstanding debts, requesting more information from sellers, and resolving legal disputes.

Once complete, the firm will issue a title report on which to base a title policy. The buyers will receive a copy at settlement. The report provides a detailed summary of the property’s ownership history, any encumbrances or defects found during the search, and recommendations for mitigating risks.

Title insurance for the lender is required, but buyers often ask whether they need owner’s title insurance coverage too. I always recommend buying an owner’s policy. If a buyer chooses not to, then only the lender is protected from any claims revealed after the issuance of the title report. For a one-time fee, an owner’s policy protects your interest in the property and that of any heirs from future claims until the house is ultimately sold. 

For example, I attended a settlement with a buyer who was purchasing a rowhouse. A woman who had power of attorney to sign for the seller was also there and, because he was overseas, the actual seller was on speaker phone to address his concerns or ask any questions. 

The closing agent began reading the settlement statement aloud to indicate what was being deducted from the seller’s proceeds. The seller was fine with the amount shown for the remainder of his first mortgage, but when she read out the amount of the second mortgage, the seller, now agitated, asked, “What second mortgage?”

It then became clear that the woman, the owner’s former fiancée, had used her power of attorney to obtain a second mortgage after the title search had been done. Thanks to the title companies’ involvement, the seller was able to post a bond for the missing funds to allow settlement to proceed while he took on a legal battle with his former fiancée. Don’t try this at home, kids.

By uncovering potential issues early in the process, title searches help facilitate smoother and more efficient real estate transactions by resolving issues upfront, ensuring a seamless transfer of property ownership. But nobody knows when great Uncle Bob or your former tenant may show up with a claim to the house. You’ll need your owner’s title policy to have someone on your side.

Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH Real Estate / @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com , or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs .

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Amazing expanded one-of-a-kind remodel nestled within Laguna Woods Village's coveted gates 7 and 8. Meticulously maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath home with attached garage. Welcome home to this spacious, open ambiance home in a quiet location. Featuring an Entertainer's delight kitchen with custom cabinetry with glass inserts, granite counters with custom backsplash, upgraded stainless finish appliances, and breakfast bar. This remodeled home boasts a welcoming living room, added sunlit family room and dining area and an added third bedroom. Many flexible living options with a Primary suite with attached private bathroom plus two generously sized guest rooms. Step outside to the beautifully landscaped front and back garden areas maintained by the HOA. Easy care engineered plank flooring, crown molding and can lighting, upgraded interior doors and fixtures throughout home. The oversized one car garage features a laundry center with sink, cabinetry and side by side washer/dryer. Home may be purchased fully furnished. This home presents an unparalleled opportunity to embrace the coveted Laguna Woods lifestyle, whether as a permanent residence or as a second home retreat. Laguna Woods Village features: 27-holes of golf, Driving Range, Puttung Range, Equestrian center, 10-tennis court complex, pickle ball courts, 5 pools, fitness centers, bridge card room, 7 unique clubhouses, community service building, over 300 clubs and much, much more. Residents can use free shuttle bus transportation. Laguna Woods Village is close to beaches, shopping, restaurants, freeways, toll-roads, and medical facilities. HOA includes: water, trash, basic cable, landscaping, and exterior building maintenance. Located only 6 miles from world class Laguna Beach and a couple miles from Irvine Spectrum, this home and community are truly a special place to live!

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32 Questions to Ask on a College Visit

Students should feel free to ask questions during an information session or on tour.

Questions to Ask on a College Visit

Rear view of two university students walk down campus stairs at sunset

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Prospective students should conduct at least basic research to facilitate questions to ask during the information session or on tour, experts say.

Key Takeaways

  • Before a campus visit, students should do basic research on the school.
  • Students and their families have various opportunities to ask questions.
  • No question is dumb.

College visits, whether in person or virtual, can help give prospective students a better feel of campus life.

Contrary to popular belief, however, students don’t need to have that “a-ha” moment when they eventually find the campus where they belong, says Thyra Briggs, vice president for admission and financial aid at Harvey Mudd College in California.

“I just don't think that happens for most students,” she says. “I don't want students to walk away from a visit where that didn't happen thinking, ‘Oh, this is not the place for me.’ This is a long-term relationship. It's not necessarily love at first sight. … In this age of instant gratification, I think it's an important thing to give a school a chance to affect you in a different way.”

For an in-person visit, families should prepare ahead of time by checking the weather and dressing comfortably as tours are mostly held outside.

"Leave plenty of time at an individual campus and allow yourself to enjoy the experience, be present in the moment and (don't) feel rushed because that could also skew your perception of things," says Bryan Gross, vice president for enrollment management at Hartwick College in New York.

It’s also important, experts say, to conduct at least basic research on the institution – even if it’s just looking at their social media accounts – to help facilitate questions to ask during the information session or on tour.

"We know that for some of you, this may be the first time you are going through this," Briggs says. "For others, it's a different student (going through the process) than the student you had who's older. So there’s no bad questions. ... I would hope that any college would welcome any question a student would ask.”

Here are 32 example questions, collected from college admissions and enrollment professions, that students don't always think to ask on college visits. These questions – edited for length or clarity – were provided by Briggs, Gross and Brian Lindeman, assistant vice president of admissions and financial aid at Macalester College  in Minnesota.

Questions About Admissions

  • Does this school consider demonstrated interest?
  • Is there an opportunity for prospective students to sit in on a class to experience a real lecture?
  • Are there options to receive a lunch or dinner pass at the dining hall to try the food?

Questions About Academics

  • Where do students typically study?
  • How does advising work?
  • What are the academic strengths of this school?
  • What opportunities are there for study abroad and exchange programs?
  • If available, are these global programs directly run by this school – where faculty members travel with students – or are these study abroad programs outsourced to a third-party company?
  • Are these study abroad experiences built into the tuition or are there additional fees to participate?

Questions About Financial Aid

  • What is this school's average financial aid package?
  • What is the average net cost when students enroll?
  • What is the current level of funding with endowed scholarships – how much are donors contributing to scholarships?
  • Do you offer merit aid ? If so, what are you looking for in a candidate?

Questions About Campus Housing and Community

  • What are the housing options?
  • What are the fee structures for these different options?
  • Are students required to live on campus ?
  • How does your campus define diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging?

Questions to Ask Your Tour Guide to Gauge Campus Life

  • What surprised you about this school? What's something you didn't expect?
  • What keeps you coming back to this school each year?
  • Have we seen your favorite place on campus?
  • What event on campus gets the biggest turnout every year?
  • If you were struggling with an issue, would you know who to turn to? Who would that be?

Questions About Work and Research Opportunities

  • What are the opportunities for undergraduate research on campus?
  • How do those research opportunities give students valuable hands-on experiences that enhance their resumes?
  • What are some specific ways this school helps students gain hands-on experience through internships ?

Questions About Student and Career Outcomes

  • What is the retention rate from freshman to sophomore year?
  • What is the five-year graduation rate?
  • What is the job-attainment rate of graduates within six months of graduating?
  • What percent of students are going on to graduate school ?
  • What percent of students are intentionally taking time off post-graduation compared to those who are not able to find jobs?
  • What size is the alumni network?
  • How are alumni actively engaging with recent graduates to help connect them specifically to opportunities in their fields?

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University protests

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April 22, 2024 - Protests at Columbia and other schools escalate

Matt Egan, Alicia Wallace and Chandelis Duster

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology says it is 'determining next steps'

From CNN's Jillian Sykes

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology issued a statement Monday regarding tents on its campus.

"MIT officials are aware of the tents, and are determining next steps with a focus on ensuring campus is physically safe and fully functioning. MIT Police were on scene throughout the night and will continue to be present."

Robert Kraft says he is willing to support The Kraft Center at the university

From CNN's Chandelis Duster

Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of the NFL’s New England Patriots and backer of Columbia University, on Monday said he is still willing to support The Kraft Center at the school that supports Jewish students, calling it “a haven of safety.”

Kraft, an alumnus of the university, told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “The Lead” that he loves the school and “we have to have accountability.”

“There are both professors and students within the university who say things that I think cross the line and there should be accountability. I believe in free speech. Say whatever you want but pay the consequences. And don't have your face covered. I don't think that should be allowed,” he said.  

“I can’t believe in New York City at Columbia University Jewish students are afraid to go to classes in the United States of America in 2024. It’s amazing to me and horrible,” Kraft also said.

Asked where he drew the line at Columbia University regarding both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protests and what he finds objectionable, he said “there is a lack of education on the situation” happening in the Middle East. 

“I’m concerned about America and what’s going on in this country. And to keep it open and free for all people of all backgrounds to do as they wish,” he said.

Asked if he has confidence in Columbia University’s president, Minouche Shafik, he said he thinks she is “very well intentioned” and said “we have to look at what goes on with faculty.”

Columbia faculty stage walk-out in solidarity with students

From CNN's John Towfighi

Hundreds of people gathered on Low Plaza Monday afternoon as Columbia University faculty delivered speeches in support of the student protesters who were suspended and arrested Thursday.

Faculty who spoke denounced university president Minouche Shafik’s decision to authorize the New York Police Department to remove protesters from campus and demanded all legal and disciplinary charges be dismissed and expunged from students' records.

Faculty held signs that read, “Hands off our students,” and “End student suspensions now.” Some faculty donned their academic regalia and wore sashes that read, “We support students.”

Speeches were met with cheers and claps from the crowd, as well as chants for Shafik to resign.

Christopher Brown, a professor of history, said, “I’m here because I am so concerned about what is happening at this university, with where we are now and with where we are going. Thursday April 18, 2024, will be remembered as a shameful day in Columbia history.”

“The president’s decision to send riot police to pick up peaceful protesters on our campus was unprecedented, unjustified, disproportionate, divisive and dangerous,” Brown said.

US Rep. Ilhan Omar, whose daughter Isra Hirsi was among the protesters arrested Thursday , posted on X that while she’s glad to see faculty demonstrate in solidarity with students, she wants the protests to focus on Gaza.

"On Thursday, Columbia arrested and suspended its students who were peacefully protesting and have now ignited a nationwide Gaza Solidarity movement. This is more than the students hoped for and I am glad to see this type of solidarity. But to be clear, this about the genocide in Gaza and the attention has to remain on that," Omar wrote.

NYC Mayor condemns "vile" and "disgusting" rhetoric at college campuses

From CNN's Alicia Wallace

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Monday condemned “vile” and “disgusting” rhetoric being used at campuses such as Columbia University, where students are holding protests over the Israel-Hamas War.

Adams told CNN’s Jake Tapper that he supports First Amendment rights but said law enforcement officials are on the ready if any of that speech goes too far or if there’s an imminent threat to people or property.

"That is one of the fundamental rights we hold dear as Americans: The right to protest," Adams said on CNN's "The Lead." "What we have seen playing out on many of our college campuses, and particularly Columbia University, is hate. We’re seeing vile language being used."

Adams noted that he can feel the "duality of this moment" and how the events of the past six months are weighing heavily on Jewish and Palestinian New Yorkers. He added that the police escorts of Jewish students through campus were reminiscent of the Army soldiers who escorted nine Black students into a high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, nearly 67 years ago.

"There is no place for hate in this city," he said.

New York Police Department officers have a “large presence” surrounding Columbia but have remained off the campus grounds at the request of the school’s administration, NYPD deputy commissioners said earlier on Monday.

Adams told Tapper that the NYPD’s commissioner of legal matter is monitoring the protests for any speech that violates law. Additionally, police officers will take "appropriate action" and go on private property if there’s an "imminent threat."

Protesters gather at The New School in New York City

From CNN's Elisabeth Buchwald

The New School students and pro-Palestinian supporters rally outside The New School University Center building, Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York.

Protesters have gathered at The New School, located near the Chelsea area of the New York City borough of Manhattan.

An encampment of four tents was set up in the lobby of the building that houses auditoriums, a cafeteria and a library. Roughly 75 students, and other people who have The New School IDs, gathered inside the building.

"Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not stop, we will not rest," was repeatedly chanted. 

Outside the building, protesters from the school, as well as outsiders, joined in chants from the sidewalk.

There is a stark difference between the inside and outside of Columbia University's campus

From CNN's Ramishah Maruf

A pro-Palestine rally is held at the steps of Lowe Library on the grounds of Columbia University today in New York City.

There’s a stark difference between the inside of Columbia University's campus and the outside, where there are protesters gathered on the street. 

The encampment is only open to those affiliated with campus. Only those with a Columbia ID can enter the campus gates. Inside the encampment, programs include teach-ins, poetry readings and film screenings. Some students are quietly finishing assignments, while others are painting posters.

Elsewhere around campus, students are eating and completing assignments. Many students take graduation pictures at this time, and some are in graduation gowns walking down Broadway. Risers are set up for an upcoming commencement ceremony.

Other students are holding large American flags underneath Butler Library.

Pro-Palestinian and Pro-israel face off outside of Columbia University which is occupied by Pro-Palestinian protesters in New York on April 22, 2024.

But the students can still hear the tension that is taking place yards away at the university gates. There is a gathering of pro-Palestinian protesters, who in the early afternoon were chanting “I believe that we will win” and “Long Live the Intifada.” There was a smaller group of pro-Israeli protesters, who chanted back “Down with Hamas” and “Victory to Israel.” A line of New York Police officers were monitoring the street.

What it's like inside the Columbia University encampment

Students protest in support of Palestinians on Columbia University campus, as protests continue inside and outside the university in New York City on April 22.

The inside of the encampment is quiet – most of the noise comes from protestors outside the gates of Columbia University's campus, who are chanting “I believe that we will win” and “Long live the Intifada."

It was a sunny day on campus, and in one corner, students were painting posters. One person strummed a stringed instrument, and other students are reading books or on their laptops finishing assignments. Others have donated provisions, ranging from a table of snacks to hygiene products. There was also a pile of blankets.

“We’ve just been trying to keep students mobilized and keep pushing for divestment,” Dalia, a first-year student at Columbia College, told CNN. “We are a very mobilized student body and a very unified student body. Hundreds of people have been in and out of the encampment.”

CNN agreed not to publish her surname due to safety concerns.

She said the students at the campus “refuse to be complicit in the genocide, the apartheid, and the occupation of Palestine.”

There are strict community guidelines for the encampment. One rule says not to share names or details of anyone met in camp, and asking for permission before photographing or taking video.

The encampment is filled with dozens and dozens of tents, from students to neighboring Barnard College staff. Today’s encampment program included an Earth Day performance, poetry reading and a Dabka lesson, a traditional dance from the Arab region. Prior program events included dance performances from different cultures.

Democratic House members tour Columbia campus

Democratic Reps. Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Dan Goldman of New York and Kathy Manning of North Carolina, who are all Jewish, spoke at a news conference Monday after touring Columbia University’s campus. 

"We saw it firsthand as we walked past the encampments on the university's main lawn full of protesters spewing incendiary antisemitic hate and vitriol. Many aren't even Columbia students I've been told. Their campaign of intimidation is sickening and shocking and as the White House said yesterday, ‘echoes the rhetoric of Hamas terrorists,'" Gottheimer said. 

He also criticized Columbia University leadership, saying, “toothless combinations from administrators aren't going to stop the anarchy we’re seeing.”

“The only way to do it is with deeds, not words,” Gottheimer said. “Colleges have a legal obligation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to provide students, including Jews and Muslims, a school environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race color or national origin. Yet just feet from here, Jewish students are being verbally and even physically assaulted.”

Gottheimer continued, “To the administrators of Columbia and beyond, here are our demands: Stop the double talk and start acting now. Discipline harassers, restore civility on this campus, encourage peaceful constructive dialogue.”

He also gave a message for students: “While the leadership of Columbia may be failing you, we will not. We will do everything in our power to keep you safe and do everything in Washington we can to make sure that you feel welcome at this university or any university across the United States of America. And Columbia University, if they don't follow through, will pay the price.”

Goldman said he was "encouraged" the Columbia University president issued guidelines about additional security, calling it a "very important first step" and criticized what is happening on campus.

"That is unacceptable for a university, that is unacceptable for an academic institution. There is no question that everyone has a First Amendment right to speak out in this country and that must be preserved," Goldman said. "But a university and all universities have an obligation to maintain the safety and security of their students from all backgrounds."

Manning said university leadership should "do more to keep Jewish students safe and to re-establish an atmosphere in which all students can learn, study and participate safely in campus life."

"Columbia must also move forward with its promised efforts to teach its students and its faculty about the nature and history and dangers of antisemitism. It must ensure that Columbia professors are not encouraging and spreading antisemitism," Manning said.

"I call on the US Department of Education and the US Department of Justice to work with the White House to ensure that all universities take steps necessary to keep Jewish students and faculty safe. I also call on Congress to enact legislation to implement the steps outlined in the US national strategy to counter antisemitism, to address the scourge of antisemitism which is a threat to the foundations of our democracy," she said.

President Joe Biden condemns antisemitism on campus

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks during a visit to Prince William Forest Park to commemorate Earth Day in Triangle, Virginia, today.

President Joe Biden decried antisemitic protests around college campuses Monday and said his administration was working to combat anti-Jewish hatred.

"I condemn the antisemitic protests, that’s why I’ve set up a program to deal with that," Biden said when questioned about the events at Columbia University in New York.

"I also condemn those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians," he said, without expanding upon what he meant.

Biden was speaking after an Earth Day event in Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia.

When asked whether Columbia's president should resign, Biden appeared to mishear: "I didn’t know that. I'll have to find out more," he said.

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    View hundreds of house plans and home designs with exterior and interior videos - including virtual reality "VR" videos - from the nation's leading architects and house designers.

  16. Virtual Visit Experience

    We will be hosting virtual and in-person programming for high schools, cities, and regions across the country. Join your fellow classmates to connect directly with the admissions counselor for your school and get your questions answered. Sign up for our mailing list to ensure you know when we're connecting with students from your area.

  17. Best 14 Free Virtual Tour Software Picks in 2024

    Market Segment. Best free Virtual Tour Software across 14 Virtual Tour Software products. See reviews of Concept 3D, TeliportMe: Virtual Tour Software, Panoee and compare free or paid products easily. Get the G2 on the right Virtual Tour Software for you.

  18. Virtual Tour

    Virtual Tour. We invite you to explore Penn's home in West Philadelphia through a virtual tour of our historic campus. Get a glimpse inside our state-of-the-art classrooms, hear from current students and faculty, and catch live performances by members of our community as you stroll down Locust Walk.

  19. Visit Campus

    Guided group tours of Main Campus are limited to high school groups of 50 or fewer students. If you are a school or a tour provider and would like to bring a group of students to campus, please email us at [email protected]. When. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays and university breaks) at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EDT.

  20. Top 10 Free and Open-Source Virtual Tour Software

    Top Free & Open Source Virtual Tour Software Solutions My360 Tours. For a virtual tour program that's easy to use, affordable, and specifically built for the real estate market, My360 by Plush Global Media is a good option. As a result of this software's time-saving, user-friendly design, it has a wide range of built-in capabilities.

  21. Visit Us

    Virtual Tours. Video Tour. Watch our student videos about academics, student life and more! Photo Tour. Interact with our 360 virtual tour to take a panoramic photo journey through campus. Self-Guided Tour. Tour campus from the comfort of your own home using our personalized or pre-made tour route options. Webinars. Upcoming Webinars ...

  22. Lapentor: Free Virtual Tour Software

    For 360-degree photographers, Virtual Tour Software is an indispensable tool to publish a complete Virtual Tour with the full support of interface, features & hotspots. Apart from the Offline Virtual Tour Software, there is a new trend of new Cloud-based solutions, catching up with the trend...

  23. NASA Langley Open House

    Virtual Tour. Can't join us in person? Check out our Virtual Tour!

  24. The rise of virtual home tours

    In addition to virtual tours, GayRealEstate.com provides comprehensive resources and support to guide LGBTQ buyers and sellers through every step of the real estate journey.

  25. 3138 Via Vista Unit B, Laguna Woods, CA 92637

    3138 Via Vista Unit B - Laguna Woods, CA 92637 - Amazing expanded one-of-a-kind remodel nestled within Laguna Woods Village's coveted gates 7 and 8. Meticulously maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath home with attached garage. Welcome home to this spacious, open ambiance home in a quiet location. Featuring an Entertainer's delight kitchen with custom cabinetry with glass inserts,

  26. Virtual Tour Market to Reach $17.88 billion, Globally, by 2035 at 27.9%

    The 3D virtual tour segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. By type, the 3D virtual tour segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global virtual tour market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. 3D virtual tours can be ...

  27. Questions to Ask on a College Visit

    Prospective students should conduct at least basic research to facilitate questions to ask during the information session or on tour, experts say. Key Takeaways Before a campus visit, students ...

  28. Pride and Joy: MATC Shines for Wisconsin Technical College System

    The goal of the tour, which kicked off last November, is to recognize and celebrate the technical college students, staff, instructors, alumni and business partners who make each campus unique places of purpose in their communities. Dr. Foy is retiring her post in June after more than 25 years in higher education policy development and leadership.

  29. April 22, 2024

    Heightened tensions around pro-Palestinian protests on the campus of Columbia University have led the school to go all-virtual on Monday. ... And to keep it open and free for all people of all ...