First, photographs that simply "spin" or "rotate" do not truly qualify as virtual tours. While such graphics are cute and clever, their appeal to consumers is primarily as a novelty. Once the "newness" wears off, these technologies do not add as much value as many might think, simply because they are not actually "tours" by any definition of the word.

Unless the images are linked together in a meaningful way that offers the viewer the ability to control the "tour" through the property.

One method that could enable the use of such images to provide a meaningful "tour" experience would be to create a web page that presents such images in a logical, but user controlled, order.

For instance, if the exterior image is presented first, and includes links that allow the consumer to "Enter the Front Door" or to "Enter the Garage" this sense of control would be appealing to viewers. Naturally, once either selection has been made, then additional and logical navigation options must be offered.

This allows the viewer to view otherwise disjointed images in a manner that presents the experience of actually touring the property.

Simply listing links to images of each room or feature on one page does not provide this needed sense of order and virtual presence. While all images may be viewed, without cohesion, the effect of previewing the property is incomplete, and the entire process can become quite uninteresting.

While constructing such a navigational scheme will take a considerable amount of effort, the rewards in creating Web Site "stickiness" are well worth it, and sellers will certainly appreciate this approach when demonstrated as a listing tool, as well.

One of the main key ingredients of a Virtual Tour are the "Hot Spots" allowing the viewer to make navigational choices similar to actually previewing a property in person.

Hot Spot targets may be visibly placed on the front door, the garage door and the bay window. Each Hot Spot controls the next image that will be displayed, truly offering the viewer control over the Virtual Tour. Naturally, each interior room can then present Hot Spot targets that lead to adjoining areas of the home.

Additionally, these Hot Spots can include "pop-up" descriptions so the first time viewer can tell which door leads to the living room and which leads to the master bedroom, prior to actually continuing the tour. A Virtual Tour can even include a floor plan layout of the property with Hot Spots leading directly to each room /section. The ability to zoom in and out, auto-run the tours or allow for manual advance and voice over also provide greater control to the viewer, which is fundamental to consumer acceptance.

The Visual Tour application offers a truly compelling way to present and preview any property, all without physically being present.