Every so often, a shift happens in an industry that redefines its very landscape. In real estate, that shift is the real estate 3D tour. It’s easy to dismiss a new technology as just another tool, but to do so is to miss the fundamental change in how buyers experience properties—and how agents close deals. The Zillow 3D tour offered by Snaply is a perfect example.
Consider this: the vast majority of homebuyers today begin their search online. In fact, over 80% of buyers begin scrolling through listings before they even think about scheduling a visit*. And in a sea of photos and descriptions, real estate 3D tours provide something photos never can: immersion. You’re not just looking at a room—you’re stepping inside it, virtually navigating its hallways, and mapping out your future.
This isn’t just a leap forward in real estate technology; it’s a shift in psychology. As humans, we crave experience over description. We’re not satisfied with simply knowing the facts; we want to feel the space, to know how the light falls in the kitchen, to imagine where the couch might go in the living room. In this context, a real estate 3D tour isn’t just a fancy addition—it’s the evolution of how homes are bought and sold.
Here’s a stat that may surprise you: Zillow receives 1.9 billion visits every month*. Think about that for a moment. This isn’t just a website—it’s where America goes to look for homes. And it’s not just a question of passive browsing. Listings that feature Zillow 3D tours get 2x more views than those that don’t*.
With the increased views on Zillow, Buyers now know exactly what they’re getting into. They’ve already explored the home virtually, meaning fewer surprises when they finally step through the door. And for agents, that translates into fewer wasted showings, fewer tire-kickers, and more serious buyers from the outset.
Now, let’s talk about visibility. Getting your listing noticed isn’t just about having the best property—it’s about having the most visible property. And this is where Zillow’s 3D tour badges come in. Listings with these badges rise to the top of search results, and it’s no small thing: properties with 3D tours get 50% more saves on Zillow*.
Think of it as a real estate merit badge. Your listing doesn’t just appear in a feed—it stands out in it. Buyers filter for properties with 3D tours, and the algorithm pushes your listing to the forefront. As a result, your home isn’t one of hundreds—it’s one of the chosen few that buyers are paying attention to.
This all ties back to the evolving role of the real estate photographer. In the old model, a photographer was hired to make a home look beautiful—capturing light, color, and space in a way that sells. But in today’s market, photography alone is no longer enough. The real estate photographer must now capture not just moments, but movements. They must craft virtual experiences that allow buyers to walk through a home without ever leaving their chair.
The combination of still photography and 3D tours represents a more complete picture—a narrative. The photographer captures the emotion, and the 3D tour provides the context. Together, they form a holistic view of the property—one that buyers increasingly expect.
The data doesn’t lie. Zillow 3D tours increase engagement, shorten listing times, and, most importantly, make agents look good. When an agent offers a 3D tour, they’re not just using a new tool—they’re signaling to sellers that they understand the future of real estate. They’re using the latest technology to get their listings seen, saved, and sold faster.
At the end of the day, technology is only as good as the results it delivers. And when you look at the numbers, the verdict is clear: Zillow 3D tours aren’t just changing how we see homes—they’re changing how homes get sold.
*https://www.sparkmediachicago.com/blog/key-benefits-of-using-zillow-3d-tours
*https://www.planomatic.com/blog/the-impact-of-zillow-3d-tours-and-floor-plans