If 2020 taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. In 2020 Covid-19 took the entire world by storm. Life and business as we knew them were completely changed (and in some areas lost forever). The "out-of-nowhere" nature of the pandemic left everybody scrambling to simply survive. While we have made significant strides in terms of understanding the virus and taking the necessary safety precautions, there is still so much unknown about the virus and life as a whole.

Take the last week of July for instance. The CDC estimated that there was nearly a 44% increase in daily COVID cases reported. This in combination with the new variant makes the potential for another lockdown not just a possibility, but reality.

As an apartment marketing professional or property manager, you understand how vital in-person interactions with future renters are. Whether your specific state, city, or county decides to issue a "lockdown" mandate or not future renters will ultimately make their own decisions. So, The question becomes, "If people are on lockdown how will they be able to see what our community and units have to offer?" Virtual tours and photorealistic renderings are both great ways to continue connecting with renters when face-to-face interactions are extremely limited or not possible.

Here are a few ways virtual tours and renderings can help your community withstand another potential lockdown.

Don't Leave Anything to Chance

With the total weekly number of cases rising at a rate we haven't seen since the middle of the pandemic in 2020, the thought of another potential lockdown should be front of mind for all businesses. The fact of the matter is we don't know if there will be another lockdown, mask mandate, or any other federally issued precautionary measures. What we do know is that people make their own decisions, whether it's deciding to buy a car, sign a lease, or stay inside, the individual's decision will be based on what they feel is best for them.

As marketers, we understand that our job is to meet people where they are, not where we expect or want them to be. Providing future renters with the option to interact with your property from the convenience of their own homes, offices, etc. widens your net of potential leads and opportunities to fill your units.

Use Virtual Tours & Renderings

Think of 3D modeling as a digital form of construction. The same resources, such as CAD files, elevations, finish selections, etc., that your constructions team uses to physically create your spaces are what are used by modeling firms to digitally recreate them in the form of photorealistic tours and renderings. The only difference being one party uses hammers and the other uses a computer.

While there isn't anything that can fully compare to the personalized experience of an in-person tour, virtual tours and photorealistic renders can get you pretty close. Since these assets use realistic lighting, texture, and dimensional techniques you can accurately and effectively replicate what your units will look like. This in combination with the ability to stage your units with custom furnishings, finishes, and materials can also create a sense of connection and trust between your apartment community's overall mood and the interested parties.

 

When Should I Start?

2020 taught us to expect the unexpected so, being proactive in situations like this is a must. Fully customized virtual tours and photorealistic renderings can take anywhere from 30 - 45 days to fully produce, depending on the size and amount of unique spaces at your property. The sooner you begin the process of creating these assets the earlier your team will be able to utilize them to increase pre-leasing and lease-up marketing efforts.

Additionally, once these assets are created your team will have them forever, lockdown aside. This provides an opportunity to repurpose these assets for other content marketing strategies such as brochures, social media, ILS (Internet Listing Services), and more.

Summary

In short virtual tours and renderings are great ways to take a proactive approach and continue connecting with future renters during these uncertain times. These digital assets are able to accurately represent your spaces and effectively connect with your intended audiences.