Preparing Your Home for a Successful 3D Tour
Booking a 3D Matterport Tour is one of the smartest ways to market a listing—it gives potential buyers the chance to explore a home virtually and interactively from anywhere. But to make the most of this immersive experience, the home must be properly prepared before the shoot begins. Unlike traditional photography, 3D cameras capture every angle of every room, so presentation is everything.
Why Preparation Matters
3D tours are designed to create a virtual walkthrough experience, allowing viewers to navigate each room at their own pace. But because the camera captures 360 degrees, there’s no hiding behind the lens. This means clutter, personal items, or even pets in other rooms could be caught in the final scan—so careful staging is essential. Remember, the camera picks up everything!
What to Do Before the Photographer Arrives
- Make the Home “Show-Ready”: Treat the 3D tour like an open house or showing. Clean every room thoroughly, declutter surfaces, and remove personal items such as photos, shoes, toiletries, or laundry.
- Avoid Hiding Items in Sightlines: You can’t just slide clutter under the table, behind the couch, or move it into another room—because all angles are captured. Everything must be clean and seamless throughout the entire space.
- Turn On All Lights: Bright spaces photograph better, and lighting makes a big difference in the overall experience. Open blinds, turn on every light (including lamps), and replace any burnt-out bulbs before the session starts.
Keep People and Pets Out of the Frame
One key difference between traditional photography and 3D scanning is that the photographer must hide during each scan to stay out of frame. If pets, kids, or homeowners are walking around during the shoot, it can interrupt the process and affect the final result. For best results, make sure the home is completely empty during the shoot—this allows for a smooth, clean scan with no unexpected distractions.
Final Tips for an Impressive 3D Tour
- Secure or remove pets from the property during the shoot.
- Fluff pillows, fold towels, and make the beds neatly.
- Ensure every room is accessible and fully staged—if it’s part of the tour, it will be visible!
A perfectly prepared home equals a flawless 3D tour, which helps listings stand out, keeps buyers engaged longer, and leads to more serious inquiries. If you’re unsure what to do before your scheduled shoot, reach out to our team—we’re happy to send you a 3D Tour checklist to make sure you’re set up for success.
👉 Learn more about our 3D Tour services and how they can transform your listing today!