High-resolution photography and striking high-definition videos, in addition to the written description of a home, enhance the online house-hunting experience. Now luxury home specialists are adding yet another layer to the cyber home search: virtual reality.
The technology is helping real estate professionals guide buyers to the right homes, streamlining the search process and saving clients time and effort.
Virtual reality tours are similar to the online 3-D tours that have become popular home-hunting tools over the past few years. Both are created by using a 360-degree film radius camera, which, unlike a regular video camera, allows the filmmaker to shoot in all directions. Viewers then have the option to see all around the scene, just as if they were looking around the room.
Sotheby’s International Realty’s website, for example, gives VR headset users access to the full walk-through experience of a property through their iPhone, iPad or Android device at their convenience. That’s a particular plus for out-of-state or overseas clients.
VR also provides real estate professionals a way to show clients several properties and the possibility to virtually visit a lot more homes in a lot less time. With job considerations and traffic, high-end buyers typically don’t have the time to see five or 10 homes in an afternoon. With VR, clients can tour homes from the comfort of the agent’s office.
While VR is a relatively new tool in the real estate industry’s marketing arsenal, it may prove to be one of the most effective.
Island Home in CDM
The home at 2724 Ocean Blvd. in Corona del Mar, known as the Island House, sold on Feb. 9 for $13 million. Its October list price was $14.7 million.
The landmark six-bedroom, 10-bath home is situated on three continuous lots totaling 6,540 square feet. The structure and property offer views of the ocean, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island and the Wedge.
Designed by Brion Jeanette and built by Finton Construction, the home features 7,000 square feet of living space. The main level includes a formal dining room, living room, kitchen and a sun room with a large saltwater aquarium.
The master retreat and two secondary bedrooms share a large balcony overlooking the harbor.
There’s a one-bedroom suite on the third level with a private patio and kitchenette. The basement level includes a bonus room and a 650-bottle wine cellar.
Robert Pfeif and Chris Valli of Surterre Properties Inc. represented the seller, and Paul Dolkas of the McMonigle Group represented the buyer.
New Masterpiece
A buyer paid $6.75 million for 226 Poinsettia Ave. in Corona del Mar on Feb. 13. It was listed in November for $7 million.
The Eric Olsen-designed contemporary farmhouse-style home was competed late last year. The 4,650-square-foot property, which is on a 5,310-square-foot lot one block from the beach, features a rooftop deck with outside bar and elevator access, three-car garage and an additional covered parking spot, indoor/outdoor living with two courtyards, and an outside hot tub.
Adrienne Brandes of Surterre Properties was the seller’s agent, and Kevin Kanda, also of Surterre Properties, was the buyer’s.
Diamond in the Rough
For the first time in nearly 50 years, the home at 1350 E. Oceanfront in Newport Beach has new owners. The transaction took place on Jan. 27, the sale closing for $5.25 million after being listed in October for $5.7 million.Â
The six-bedroom, four-bath home is 3,248 square feet on a 3,830-square-foot lot on the sand that offers views of Newport Bay and Catalina Island.
The nearly original home offers a unique chance to remodel an existing structure to start fresh with the land and build a dream home.
Sean Stanfield and Ariana Gaffoglio of HOM Sotheby’s International represented the seller. Stanfield also represented the buyer.
