3 Key Ways Technology Is Enhancing Niseko and Furano Real Estate
Words by Conor Acutt, Photography by Paul Malandain
We talk with H2 Real Estate Director Paul Butkovich about adapting to the new real estate landscape and using technology to enhance customer experience.
The real estate sector in Hokkaido continues to go from strength to strength. Technology is playing a big role in ensuring would be buyers are able to explore their options without leaving the comfort of home. We discuss these developments with H2 Real Estate Director of Sales, Paul Butkovich.
"The biggest influence on how people are buying and selling real estate these days is technology," says Paul. "We have incorporated new tools into our platform that allow us to safely and responsibly communicate with our customers and share with them pertinent information about their investments or prospective purchases.
The H2 Real Estate team see the benefits of technology in improving the customer buying experience in the long term. "We are meeting our customers where they are. With busier and busier lives our clients are finding less time to invest in researching and looking at properties," Paul explains. "We bring the real estate market to them with interactive online tools that recreate and actually improve on the physical buying experience."
1. Virtual 3D Spaces
H2 Real Estate have incorporated new 3D Spaces into their listings which allows potential buyers to virtually tour the home just as they would if they visited in real life. This new tool provides a navigable, interactive home complete with external views, plus a "dolls-house" view of the entire space (Check out our newest 3D Space below, Penthouse 501 at Kaku Place Furano). Add in features such as virtual reality headset compatibility and measurement tools so you can accurately measure distances within the virtual model and buyers have everything they need to plan their future lives in these beautiful spaces.
Take a virtual tour of the new Kaku Place Furano - 501 Penthouse
2. High Flying Cameras
Another essential tool aiding potential buyers to envision their dream home is the use of Drones. "These nimble cameras are offering buyers a point of view that was never possible before," says Paul. "Even before ground is broken on construction we are able to show buyers the mountain views from their soon-to-be living room or how the sunrise will look from their new master bedroom."
Stunning ski resort views from the new Kaku Place Furano
3. Cultivating Community
Technology has also enhanced how H2 Real Estate connect with and educate their clients. "Through the use of these great visual tools we are able to better demonstrate certain aspects of the Niseko and Furano lifestyles," Paul explains. "Webinars are an especially valuable tool, allowing us to speak frankly with groups of aspiring Hokkaido home owners in discussing new releases and their investment potential. These sessions allow potential buyers an insight into the market and give them a chance to ask questions of the team."
Although technology is providing new and better ways to share the Hokkaido experience with the world Paul says this must be matched with expert local knowledge to ensure clients find the right investment for them.
Looking for more information on Real Estate in Hokkaido? Check out our new periodic column, Between the Bricks and our first article Off-shore Design in Niseko and Furano.