Real Estate News

How Virtual Tours Influence Buyer Decisions in Suburban Markets

Virtual tours are transforming how buyers evaluate suburban properties, offering immersive experiences that build confidence and accelerate decision-making in competitive markets

flareAI Services

10 Sep 2025 — 6 min read

Picture yourself wandering through a sunlit suburban home, peering into spacious closets and admiring backyard views, all from the comfort of your living room. In 2025, virtual tours have transformed this scenario from a futuristic fantasy into a daily reality for homebuyers. Amid the seismic shifts brought by the National Association of Realtor's (NAR) settlement, which has reshaped how commissions are negotiated, these digital walkthroughs are redefining how buyers make decisions, particularly in suburban markets. With sprawling properties and buyers often relocating from afar, virtual tours are not just a convenience they're a powerful tool driving faster, smarter choices in a rapidly evolving real estate landscape.

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The Rise of Virtual Tours in a New Era

Virtual tours, interactive 3D renderings that let buyers explore homes online, have surged in popularity, especially in suburban areas where distance and logistics complicate in-person viewings. Operated by Move, Inc., a News Corp subsidiary based in Austin, Texas, Realtor.com ranks as the second most visited real estate listings platform in the U.S., boasting over 100 million monthly active users as of 2021. Launched in 1995 as the Realtor Information Network for NAR members, it became a public-facing site in 1996 and now claims to be the largest real estate website in the country, valued at $2.5 billion by Morgan Stanley in 2016. This platform, among others, has made virtual tours a cornerstone of modern homebuying, embedding them directly into listings to capture attention.

The NAR settlement, finalized in 2024, has intensified this trend by making commission structures more flexible, pushing agents to leverage technology to justify their value. Suburban markets, with their expansive homes and appeal to urban transplants, are uniquely suited to this shift. Buyers relocating to places like Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, or the outskirts of Denver can virtually tour multiple properties in a single sitting, assessing layouts and neighborhood vibes without stepping foot on a plane. This technology aligns with a cost-conscious market where buyers scrutinize every expense, and agents use digital tools to stand out in a competitive, negotiable-fee environment.

Why Suburbia Embraces Virtual Tours

The numbers tell a compelling story. A 2024 NAR report found that suburban listings with virtual tours saw a 22% boost in buyer engagement compared to those with only photos. Platforms like Realtor.com have noted that listings featuring 3D walkthroughs attract up to 45% more views in suburban markets, where buyers prioritize space and amenities. Advanced features, such as drone footage capturing sweeping lot views or VR-compatible tours for immersive experiences, are elevating the standard. In a market reshaped by the NAR settlement, where traditional 5-6% commissions are no longer a given, agents are investing in these tools to demonstrate expertise and attract discerning buyers.

Integration with Multiple Listing Services (MLS) has streamlined this process, making virtual tours a seamless part of the homebuying journey. In suburban Phoenix, for example, listings marked with “virtual tour available” often see faster inquiries, as buyers perceive them as premium offerings. As one Texas broker explained, “A virtual tour isn't just a feature it's a signal that the seller and agent are serious about transparency.” This tech-forward approach also helps agents navigate the post-NAR landscape, where buyers are more likely to negotiate fees but still expect high-value services. By offering robust digital marketing, agents can differentiate themselves and justify their rates.

Success Stories from the Field

Consider a five-bedroom home in a Charlotte, North Carolina, suburb that sold in just six days last summer. Its listing on Realtor.com featured a 3D tour showcasing a gourmet kitchen and a sprawling backyard, allowing a relocating family from Boston to make a confident offer without an in-person visit. “The tour was so detailed, we felt like we'd lived there already,” the buyers shared. A 2024 Redfin study corroborates this, noting that suburban homes with virtual tours sold 12 days faster on average than those without, particularly in markets with high relocation rates.

Another example comes from suburban Minneapolis, where a tech professional moving from Chicago used a virtual tour to select a home based on its proximity to green spaces, highlighted by drone footage. The tour's clarity and comprehensive coverage down to the built-in bookshelves sealed the deal. These cases highlight a broader trend: virtual tours are expanding the buyer pool, drawing interest from out-of-state and international buyers who see suburban markets as affordable havens offering space and tranquility. In a post-NAR world, this reach is invaluable, as sellers aim to maximize exposure while keeping costs in check.

Navigating the Pitfalls

Yet, virtual tours come with challenges. Shoddy production think blurry videos or incomplete room views can erode trust. A Maryland couple recalled a tour that omitted the garage, prompting concerns about hidden flaws. “It felt like they were cutting corners,” they said. Overreliance is another risk: some buyers, swayed by a slick tour, skip in-person visits only to discover issues like poor insulation or traffic noise later. The NAR settlement has also sparked misconceptions, with some buyers assuming agents now work for free, undervaluing services like virtual tours. As Yahoo Finance notes, the new rules haven't significantly lowered costs, meaning buyers must still weigh the value of tech-driven services carefully.

Agents, too, face hurdles. Creating high-quality tours requires investment, and not all can afford the latest 3D cameras or drone operators. In competitive suburban markets, those who skimp on quality risk losing clients to tech-savvy competitors. Still, the potential rewards outweigh the challenges, as virtual tours align with the industry's shift toward transparency and efficiency.

Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers

Virtual tours offer undeniable benefits. For buyers, they eliminate the need for costly travel, enabling out-of-town prospects to explore homes from anywhere. Sellers, meanwhile, save on staging and cleaning for frequent showings, reducing disruption. In the post-NAR era, these tours also provide a negotiation edge: sellers can showcase their home's value to justify agent fees, while buyers can use the transparency to drive harder bargains. As Clever suggests, buyers can leverage virtual tours to assess properties thoroughly, strengthening their position in commission discussions.

Agents who embrace this technology are carving out a niche. Those who market themselves as digital innovators offering VR tours or AI-enhanced staging can command competitive rates, even in a fee-flexible market. “Buyers notice when you go the extra mile,” a Colorado agent observed. “A great tour can be the difference between a quick sale and a lingering listing.” Looking forward, innovations like AI-generated staging, where buyers can virtually redecorate rooms, promise to deepen engagement, particularly in suburban markets where lifestyle factors like school districts and green spaces are key selling points.

A Future Shaped by Technology

Virtual tours are no longer a novelty they're a cornerstone of suburban real estate, amplified by the NAR settlement's push for transparency and value. They empower buyers to make informed decisions, often from thousands of miles away, while helping sellers reach wider audiences. The technology's reach is vast, but it's not a substitute for due diligence. Buyers must pair virtual explorations with in-person checks to avoid costly surprises. For those navigating 2025's dynamic market, resources like commission calculators some of which, we note transparently, may earn us affiliate fees can clarify costs. Curious about your next step? Connect with a local expert or explore our free buyer's guide to stay ahead in this tech-driven, commission-flexible era.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do virtual tours help buyers make decisions when purchasing suburban homes?

Virtual tours allow buyers to explore suburban properties remotely through interactive 3D renderings, eliminating the need for costly travel to view multiple homes. According to recent data, suburban listings with virtual tours see a 22% boost in buyer engagement and attract up to 45% more views compared to photo-only listings. This technology is particularly valuable for out-of-state relocations, enabling buyers to assess layouts, room sizes, and neighborhood features before making offers.

Do homes with virtual tours sell faster in suburban markets?

Yes, suburban homes featuring virtual tours sell significantly faster than those without. A 2024 Redfin study found that suburban properties with virtual tours sold 12 days faster on average, particularly in markets with high relocation rates. The enhanced buyer engagement from detailed 3D walkthroughs and drone footage helps properties stand out in competitive suburban markets, leading to quicker sales and more confident purchasing decisions.

What are the risks of relying too heavily on virtual tours when buying a suburban home?

While virtual tours are valuable tools, buyers should avoid skipping in-person visits entirely. Poor-quality tours with blurry videos or incomplete room coverage can hide potential issues, and some buyers have discovered problems like poor insulation or traffic noise after relying solely on virtual walkthroughs. Virtual tours work best as a preliminary screening tool, helping narrow down choices before conducting thorough in-person inspections of serious contenders.

Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.

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