Customers (both current and prospective) are increasingly seeking out both unique and value-based experiences from brands. When you hear “experience,” the first things that come to mind are travel and, of course, experiences of the “once-in-a-lifetime” variety.
But today’s customers don’t expect to be showered in jewels—at least, most of the ones that I’ve spoken with don’t. They’re just looking for something memorable, something different, something unique from brands. They want something that they can tell a friend about over coffee or post about on social media.
AEDAS Homes, a developer in the residential real estate market in Spain, has created one such experience in the digital realm with the launch of Live, a real-time virtual tour of new-build homes on the internet. Live is a project which was designed to make it easier for customers, especially those who reside in other countries, to view their future home and clear up any uncertainties they may have in a way that is convenient and comfortable.
“This means our clients can avoid having to travel, we can build trust, and we speed up the decision-making process,” says Jose Luis Leiros, the Director of Innovation at AEDAS Homes.
The company has managed to take Live from the drawing board to reality in just a few months by combining what were three previously separate universes in the new-build real estate sector: 3D modelling, virtual TV, and the internet.
The first development featured on this tour is Vanian Gardens in Estepona, near Malaga on the Costa del Sol. Phase I of Vanian Gardens will be finished by the end of 2019, and any customers who are interested can go to live.aedashomes.com and book their visit on the online calendar. They will then receive a confirmation email and a link to a free video call service to connect. All they must do then is click on the link and, without installing any software, the browser does the rest to connect with the sales adviser.
Once connected, the sales adviser receives the client on a television set equipped with screens that show the location and the residential development in detail. Then, in a way that is perfectly integrated into the 3D model, the sales consultant walks through the common areas and the different rooms of the house. In addition, home buyers can see for themselves the real views.
“Live is not a monologue,” says Javier Sanchez, Chief Innovation and Marketing Officer. “The key is that a conversation is established so that the client can ask questions in real time.” In this regard, AEDAS is participating in the growing trend of innovating with, instead of for, consumers.
After the soft launch of this innovative experience a few weeks ago, feedback from the first customers has been positive. For example, Nils, who is house hunting on the Costa del Sol from his home country Norway, says, “Live helped me to understand the layout of the development much better, to see what the homes will really be like, just as if I had gone and visited in person in Spain.”
AEDAS has a promotional video that is viewable here.