COVID-19 is changing the way we live and work in our daily lives, including in the real estate industry. Case in point: New technology is needed to safely develop new neighborhoods, show houses to clients and move house buyers into their new homes.
JBG Smith, a developer of high-quality, mixed-use properties in the DC metro region, is currently working with DC-based tech company OfficeTour to launch a new web tool that allows JBG Smith leasing professionals to virtually and interactively guide tenants and brokers through commercial spaces.
The broker-guided web application features a fully integrated virtual tour of available spaces, led by a leasing agent. Potential tenants don’t sign in or download additional software to experience the tool, and are able to speak with the leasing agent through video chat while they are being guided through the Matterport visual experience.
“Innovation, creativity, market leadership and customer experience are essential to office leasing in all market conditions” said David Ritchey, executive vice president of JBG Smith, in a recent press release. “The COVID-19 crisis made it clear that our virtual experience needed to reflect the same best-in-class approach. Through our collaboration with OfficeTour, we can couple a dynamic visual experience with the enhanced ability to communicate with our clients by responding to questions and pointing out key features that might go unnoticed during a self-guided virtual tour. Open communication and relationship building are important aspects of leasing, and we want to ensure that remains feasible, even virtually.”
Originally, the platform was designed to give commercial developers and leasing agents the ability to market and lease office spaces during the pandemic, but the software’s intent has now evolved into a convenient tool to be used long after the current crisis subsides, allowing landlords and developers to conduct viewings and follow-up tours with prospective tenants across the country.
JBG Smith is the first real estate company to use OfficeTour’s new application, and the firm is currently using it to show about 30 properties, including a significant portion of its National Landing portfolio ahead of Amazon’s HQ2 opening. For more information, visit jbgsmith.com.
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