FAQ

Ordering a virtual tour

How do I order a virtual tour from Virtual Tours Portland?
For realtors, you can request a tour shoot online via our contact form or call us at 207.221.7600. We'll get back in touch promptly to schedule an appointment for the shoot. For businesses, for-sale-by-owner sellers, and others, please call with your needs and we'll provide a quotation on your custom virtual tour project.

What region does Virtual Tours Portland serve?
Virtual Tours Portland coverage areas includes greater Portland, Maine. With adequate notice we can schedule virtual tour shoots elsewhere in Maine. We do retain and serve select clients in Vermont. We also welcome special requests for other locations throughout New England.

Do I need to have my own website?
No you don't. Virtual tours that we create can be posted to a variety of websites including Realtor.com. The virtual tour can easily be linked to other websites. In some instances... such as For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO)... some clients have engaged us to create a custom 2 or 3 page website including the virtual tour, a gallery of still photos, and property description for a more comprehensive presentation of their home.

Do I need to be present for the virtual tour shoot?
We do prefer that a realtor or agent's representative be present for the tour shoot. There may be special circumstances that need to be addressed such as preferred interior or exterior shot perspectives, comfort of the owner, etc. If the realtor cannot be present, he/she should ensure that the owner will be present and is aware of the schedule and necessary preparation.

How should a property be prepared for the photographer?
Owners do not need to obsess over dusting every nook and cranny, but the property should be clean and as clutter free as possible... as it should be for any showing. Room preparation should be completed before the appointment time. Generally we ask that all interior lighting is turned on for the shoot, that shades and blinds are open, and windows closed.

How long will it take the photographer to complete the session?
It will take approximately 40 - 60 minutes to shoot a residential property. This depends upon how many scenes and stills are taken. The home should be ready to shoot as soon as the photographer arrives. Unique properties may require additional time.

What is your cancellation policy?
There is no charge if an appointment is cancelled more than 24 hours in advance. If an appointment is cancelled within 24 hours, a $30.00 cancellation fee will apply. Of course allowances will be made in the event of poor weather when exterior shoots are scheduled.

What if the realtor or photographer is running late or misses an appointment?
The photographer will wait up to 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment time. If you miss the appointment there will be $30 cancellation fee. We ask that if the photographer is late, that you also wait 15 minutes. We will do our best to notify you if we are running late.

What is the timeframe before my virtual tour is online?
Virtual Tours Portland will process the images within 2-3 business days following the shoot. Your virtual tour link (along with optional high quality stills) will be sent to you via email.

Why do some virtual/visual tours have limited horizontal views, display as a simple slideshow, or seem to bounce back and forth... while yours tours allow viewing in all directions?
Panoramic-only (horizontal) virtual tours and slideshows represent older, less sophisticated technology. Many photographers have not switched to the "spherical" type of photographic equipment and software used by Virtual Tours Portland because it is more expensive, the images are more labor-intensive to develop, and there is a steep learning curve when it comes to producing professional high resolution, warp-free, fully immersive 360° scenes.

Can anyone view a virtual tour?
Yes, nearly everyone with a computer connected to the internet can view our tours with a simple mouse click. Then use the buttons or 'mouse drag' over the tour scene to virtually move about the scene. The tour can be viewed with most web browsers on multiple computer platforms, such as Windows, Linux and Mac. In rare cases, if the tour cannot be viewed, we provide links to a free, safe, secure 'plug-in' that easily downloads to and works with your web browser.

Where can you post my virtual tour?
Residential virtual tours for realtors can be posted to your website, to Realtor.com (MLS# required), your agency's national site, the local MLS service, and your brokerage/office site.

How long will my virtual tour be on the web?
When the listing is sells, or up to 1 year. If necessary, you can notify Realtor.com and they will remove it and/or you can take if off through your MLS software.

What do I do if my listing needs to be re-listed under a new MLS#?
Contact us. We can re-post the tour with the new # for a minimal charge. If the tour is being re-listed after a year has passed, we can re-create the tour from our archive for a modest fee.

Can virtual tours be viewed offline?
Virtual Tours Portland custom tours can be made available for offline viewing utilizing several popular marketing formats. We can create custom CD’s or custom tours that can be launched from your computer desktop once downloaded.