Best AI Tools for Real Estate

Zillow 3D Home is a free app that lets real estate agents create virtual tours and interactive floor plans using a smartphone or 360-degree camera, making listings more engaging. Available on iOS and Android, it simplifies the process of capturing room panoramas and automatically stitches them into a cohesive tour. These tours can be uploaded to Zillow and syndicated to major real estate platforms via the MLS. According to Zillow’s 2024 data, listings with 3D Home tours receive 42% more views and 50% more saves compared to similar listings without them. The app’s interactive floor plan feature, which ties photos to specific areas of the home, helps 77% of buyers better assess a property, according to the 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report. It’s a tool designed to boost visibility and buyer interest without breaking the bank.

The app’s biggest strength is its cost: it’s free, unlike competitors like Matterport or Ricoh 360 Tours, which often require paid subscriptions for advanced features. You can create unlimited tours, making it accessible for agents at any scale. It supports devices as basic as an iPhone 7 or Android 7, though 360-degree cameras like the Ricoh Theta or Insta360 produce smoother results. The process is straightforward: capture panoramas, let the app stitch them, and upload. The “3DH Treatment” on Zillow’s platform gives listings extra exposure, driving more clicks and shares. It’s a practical way to make listings stand out in a competitive market.

Creating a tour is user-friendly but requires care. Poor lighting or unsteady hands can lead to blurry or unappealing results, which won’t impress buyers. The app lacks the advanced editing tools found in Matterport, so professionals seeking high-end visuals might find it limited. Device compatibility is another hurdle – agents with older phones may need to upgrade or invest in a 360-degree camera. Some users on forums like X report that certain MLS systems don’t automatically syndicate tours, requiring manual uploads, which adds time.

The interactive floor plan is a standout feature. It allows buyers to see exactly where each photo was taken within the home’s layout, adding clarity that static images often lack. This is especially valuable for remote buyers who rely on virtual tools to make decisions. The app’s syndication feature ensures that tours reach platforms beyond Zillow, such as Redfin or Realtor.com, when MLS integration works smoothly. For agents, this means a broader reach without extra effort.

Compared to competitors, Zillow 3D Home prioritizes simplicity and cost over advanced functionality. Matterport offers richer editing and higher-resolution outputs, but its paid model can be a barrier. Ricoh 360 Tours provides similar 360-degree capabilities but often requires additional hardware or subscriptions. Zillow’s app shines for agents who want a free, no-frills tool to boost listing engagement. Its integration with Zillow’s massive platform is a unique advantage, giving listings a visibility boost competitors can’t match.

Start with a single listing to get the hang of it. For optimal results, use a newer smartphone or a 360-degree camera, and focus on well-lit rooms. Check your local MLS for syndication compatibility to avoid manual uploads. Share the tour link widely, on social media, email, and your website, to maximize exposure. It’s a simple, effective way to elevate your listings.