Virtual Tours vs. In-Person Showings: Home Buyers Really Want
Recent data from the National Association of REALTORS®, 43% of buyers indicate that their first step is to look for a new home online. Other data shows upwards of 97% of potential buyers looking up property listings from the comfort of their own home prior to contacting a real estate professional. In either situation, one thing is clear: virtual showings are far more popular than they once were. But are they good enough to replace the benefits of in-person viewings? Here, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of professional virtual tours and in-person viewings, and provide some insight as to which option buyers prefer.
In this article, you’ll learn:
✓ What virtual home tours are and why they’ve become so popular among modern buyers
✓ The key benefits and drawbacks of virtual property tours
✓ What happens during an in-person showing, and why it remains an integral part of the buying process
✓ The advantages and downsides of touring homes in person
✓ How today’s buyers are combining both virtual and in-person showings for a smarter, more efficient home search
✓ Tips on choosing the best approach for your next home purchase with guidance from First Star Realty
What Are Virtual Home Tours?
A virtual tour is a digital, interactive walkthrough that allows potential buyers to explore a property online without physically visiting it. Using high-quality photos, 360° panoramic views, and sometimes even video or virtual reality (VR) technology, these tours create a realistic, immersive experience that helps buyers visualize a home from anywhere.
Virtual tours may be offered in several formats, including:
3D Tours: Built with platforms like Matterport or Zillow 3D Home, these let viewers “walk through” rooms at their own pace by clicking through a series of connected panoramic images.
Video Walkthroughs: Guided video tours recorded by real estate agents that show the property’s features, upgrades, and overall atmosphere. This can also be done using a comprehensive photo gallery for a less immersive experience.
Live Virtual Tours: Real-time showings conducted over video chat (like Zoom or FaceTime), allowing buyers to ask questions and request closer looks at specific details.
They save time, help buyers narrow down their options, and offer a convenient first impression of a property before scheduling an in-person visit.
Why Virtual Tours Became So Popular
During the pandemic, the rise in virtual property showings was astronomical. Many people needed to relocate, but wanted to do so while social distancing and reducing their risk of exposure. This led to the reliance on things like virtual tours to view multiple properties and narrow down their options without having to visit a high number of walk-throughs or open houses.
Today, thanks to technological advancements, virtual tours have remained an essential part of modern real estate marketing, especially for long-distance buyers or those with busy schedules. In fact, both buyers and sellers enjoy virtual vs. in-person showings due to the increased convenience and flexibility they offer.
Benefits of Virtual Home Tours
✓ Since virtual tours provide potential homeowners with the opportunity to see the property without being physically present, they carry several benefits. Some of the most notable include:
✓ Save time by viewing multiple properties online before visiting in person
✓ Explore homes from anywhere, ideal for out-of-town or busy buyers
✓ Access tours anytime, allowing flexible, on-demand viewing
✓ Compare listings easily and revisit favorites as needed
✓ Get a realistic sense of space, layout, and flow through 3D modeling and visuals
✓ Narrow down options quickly and focus only on serious contenders
✓ Enjoy a low-pressure experience by touring at your own pace
✓ Reduce the number of unnecessary in-person visits
✓ Increase accessibility for buyers who may have mobility or scheduling challenges
✓ Make more informed decisions early in the home-buying process
Drawbacks and Limitations of Virtual Tours
✗ Of course, there are some disadvantages to virtual house tours as well. Some cons of virtual tours include:
✗ Lack of sensory experience; you can’t feel textures, lighting, or overall atmosphere
✗ Harder to gauge the neighborhood, noise levels, and surrounding environment
✗ Some tours may use wide-angle lenses or editing that make rooms appear larger than they are
✗ Outdated or low-quality visuals can create a misleading impression of the property’s condition
✗ Limited ability to ask questions or get real-time feedback unless the tour is live
✗ Technical issues like slow loading, poor image resolution, or incompatible devices can affect the experience
✗ Can’t reveal hidden problems such as odors, uneven floors, or maintenance issues
✗ May lead to disappointment if the in-person visit doesn’t match expectations
The Importance of In-Person Showings
In-person viewings remain the standard, as they include face-to-face home viewings and the ability for prospective buyers to visit a property and to assess its features, layout, and overall feel. During these showings, buyers can walk through each room, experience the space firsthand, and get a sense of the home’s lighting, flow, and atmosphere.
What Happens During an In-Person Tour?
An in-person showing lets buyers physically tour a home with a real estate agent, giving them a firsthand look at the property. Here’s what generally happens:
1. Arrival & Overview: The agent greets buyers and highlights key features.
2. Room-by-Room Walkthrough: Buyers inspect the layout, finishes, and appliances.
3. Assess Flow and Space: Evaluate natural light, room size, and usability.
4. Neighborhood Check: Notice surroundings, noise, and local amenities.
5. Ask Questions: Discuss details, maintenance, or HOA rules with the agent.
6. Next Steps: Decide whether to schedule a second visit or make an offer.
For many looking to purchase, walking through a home is paramount to their final decision. Without being physically present to view a home, many individuals don’t feel comfortable making an offer. Therefore, while there can be many advantages of 3D virtual tours, they may only be considered the first step in the process.
Advantages of Seeing Homes in Person
✓ Walking through a property allows potential buyers to really get a feel for the space and what condition it’s in. Some of the most notable benefits of seeing a home in person include the following:
✓ Allows buyers to experience the home’s layout, lighting, and atmosphere
✓ Provides an authentic feel for space, flow, and comfort that photos can’t capture
✓ Offers the chance to inspect finishes, materials, and overall property condition
✓ Enables buyers to notice details such as neighborhood noise, traffic, and curb appeal
✓ Encourages emotional connection; buyers can envision themselves living in the space
✓ Allows direct interaction with the real estate agent to ask questions or discuss concerns
✓ Builds buyer confidence through firsthand experience and personal observation
✓ Helps identify issues or advantages that may not appear in virtual listings
✓ Supports better decision-making when comparing multiple homes
Downsides of In-Person Showings
✗ There are also a few downsides to viewing the property in person, some of which include:
✗ Requires more time and scheduling coordination for both buyers and agents
✗ Limits flexibility; showings must be arranged within specific hours or days
✗ It can be inconvenient for out-of-town or busy buyers
✗ May involve travel costs, traffic, or logistical challenges
✗ Limits the number of homes a buyer can see in a single day
✗ Can create pressure to make quick decisions during the visit
✗ Some homes may appear different in person than expected from online photos
✗ May be affected by weather, accessibility, or seller availability
Virtual Tours vs. In Person Showing: What Today’s Buyers Really Want
There are pros and cons of both types of viewings, but most people prefer to at least walk through the property once to make informed decisions. This is why a lot of homebuyers are adopting a hybrid model when it comes to purchasing a home.
They may prefer to see a digital representation of a property first, giving them time to evaluate the general layout and space, then set up a physical showing to double-check the condition of the home and overall feel.
In reality, most buyers are looking at multiple properties at the same time. Once they narrow down their choices, they’ll eliminate the need to see them all and stick to properties they’re seriously interested in. This gives buyers the chance to benefit from the advantages of both types of showings without much risk.
How to Choose the Right Option for You
Both virtual tours and in-person showings play an essential role in today’s real estate market. Virtual tours offer unmatched convenience, allowing buyers to explore multiple homes from the comfort of their couch. In-person showings, on the other hand, provide an irreplaceable, sensory experience; the feel of walking through the space and envisioning life there.
Ultimately, the best approach often combines both. Start your search online to narrow down your options, then schedule an in-person visit to confirm that it’s the perfect fit.
At First Star Realty, we believe in giving buyers the best of both worlds. Many of our listings and open houses can be viewed through immersive virtual tours, while our agents offer personalized, hands-on guidance throughout your in-person visits. Whether you’re across town or relocating from another state, our team is here to make your home-buying experience seamless and enjoyable from start to finish. Contact us today to get in touch about showings and property details.
