By: PR Team Cloud Realty
In today’s real estate market, where virtual tours and drone photography are more than perks, Kim Niles gives homebuyers a way to explore properties from the inside out—and the top down. For Niles, it’s all about making a property come alive for clients, whether they’re just across town or the country. “These tools let clients feel a property before they ever set foot in it,” she says. “Drone shots show the landscape, the neighborhood, even the lot size, so buyers get a sense of the home’s place in the world.”
But what about clients who might not be comfortable with all this tech? Niles has ensured that accessing these virtual features is as easy as possible. “If clients can navigate the internet, they’re set,” she says. “Just a few clicks, and they’re right in the home, looking at detailed photos, videos, and aerial shots. And as these platforms become more user-friendly, more buyers can explore properties remotely without any hassle.”
Niles has seen firsthand how digital tools have changed how people buy homes, especially in the last few years. During the pandemic, she helped many out-of-state clients shop from afar, some even buying sight unseen. Although a lot of clients today prefer to see a home in person before committing, Niles says the remote viewing tools still play a major role. “I had a client from New York, and we narrowed down options through online tours. They flew in for two days, and because we’d done so much virtual prep, we only looked at the top contenders,” she recalls. By the end of the visit, they’d made an offer.
Yet Niles acknowledges that, at some point, nothing quite replaces stepping through the front door. “Many people want to feel a home’s energy,” she says. “There’s a certain connection you only get in person, and for most clients, that’s what seals the deal.”
In the long run, Niles believes these digital tools will remain a powerful part of real estate, providing a bridge between the online and in-person experience. “As agents, embracing these marketing tools helps us reach more people and present properties in their best light,” she says. “But it’s also about giving clients more control over the process, letting them explore at their own pace before they’re ready to make the trip in person.”
This perspective reflects a broader shift in how the real estate industry is adapting to the demands of modern consumers. By leveraging tools like virtual tours, digital floor plans, and online property walkthroughs, agents can offer a comprehensive preview of a property’s key features, ultimately enhancing client engagement. For prospective buyers, this level of access provides convenience and helps them make more informed decisions, significantly reducing the uncertainties of home buying.
For Kim Niles, the future of real estate lies in blending the convenience of digital tools with the irreplaceable feel of an in-person visit—creating a house-hunting journey that’s both innovative and grounded in personal connection.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
