FAQs

Ordering

How far in advance should I place my order?

Generally you should attempt to place your order 2 days in advance. If it's last minute, we'll do our best to fit your order in one way or the other.

How long will the entire process from ordering to final product take?

Average processing time for your tour is between 3 to 4 business days. Depending on the size of your tour, the processing time may be shorter or longer than average.

Do I get a CD/DVD when the virtual tour is finished?

When your virtual tour is finished, you will receive a "ready e-mail" telling you that your tour is ready. Included in this same e-mail is a link to your virtual tour and a link to download your photos directly. There is an additional charge if you would like your tour on a DVD / CD.

How long will my virtual tour be active? Does it expire?

There is no expiration date. Your virtual tour will stay active as long as you like.

Can I upload my Virtual Tour / pictures to the MLS? How?

Yes. You can upload the URL link and your still photos to the MLS. However, since we do not have access to the MLS, we cannot help you if an issue arises. In the case there is a problem with the MLS, please seek assistance from your local board.

The ready e-mail gives me a limited time to download my pictures. What do I do in case, e.g., my computer crashes?

Don't worry - If you need your tour again, let us know and we will resend the ready e-mail for your virtual tour.

What are the terms of payment? How and when do I pay?

We accept Visa or MasterCard, cash, or check. Payment is due at the time of the photoshoot, but we can set up special payment arrangements if you prefer.

Virtual Tours

What is a virtual tour?

A virtual tour is any set of panoramic, seamless pictures, "360 scenes" as well as inanimate "still" pictures - in which the viewer is virtually shown to view businesses, real estate, vacation spots or other various places.

What if I don't have a website? Do you also provide website services?

Yes, we do and we can make a website for you! Whatever your requirements are, SWFL360 / Pawlik Corp can design and build a quality website, maintain it, and even host it for you. We are not only designers, but developers as well! From start to finish we can handle any project to include all photography, logo and theme designs, programming, hosting and marketing.

Are your services limited to certain counties? What if I have a property elsewhere and would like to enlist your services?

We typically cover the Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties within Southwest Florida. We are willing to travel outside of said areas, including out of state and worldwide. If you are interested in our services but are not available locally, please call us and we can discuss minimal compensation for travel expenses!

Are there any stipulations regarding copyrights and tours?

The copyright is owned by SWFL360. You have the right to use the tour for marketing purposes, but you are not authorized to resell any photos or virtual scenes.

Is there a charge to post tours on Realtor.com?

SWFL360 is an approved PicturePath Provider. This means that we are authorized to upload virtual tours to www.realtor.com. There will be a charge of $25 for each tour uploaded to Realtor.com. This fee is waved by PicturePath is the agent's listing is an Enhanced Showcase listing.

Can I download the virtual tour scenes and/or the photos?

We will provide you a download link for the photos. However, we don't provide a tour scene download, but you can use the link where ever you like online.

I've received my virtual tour! How do I showcase it?

Our virtual tours and still photos, which are provided to you as a link, can be easily uploaded by you to the MLS. The tour can also be easily embedded on to your existing webpage without hassle.

Do I have to be present during the photoshoot?

No - However, in the case you are unable to be there personally, you must provide us with access to the property and let us know in advance which rooms / views you want photographed. (For example: 360 scenes of the pool, master bedroom; still photos of the front, pool, living room, etc.)

Is there a fee if the Property is not ready when the photographer arrives?

In the event a customer requests an appointment, and it is determined that customer location is not ready or accessible to take photos we will either charge a "False Service Call Charge" of $70 - if we can't take the photos. Or if we are able to wait for it to be finished - we bill the waiting time on hourly base $65/hour.

How long does the entire photoshoot take once the photographer arrives?

It usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes for a photographer to shoot a virtual tour of 4 scenes, provided that you have the property ready to go at your scheduled appointment time.

What about boats? The property I would like photographed also has a boat which I would like included. Or I might need just photographs of a boat in the future. Is there anything I can do to ensure a great photo?

Please keep in mind that an unblocked view of the boat - meaning boat covers, lift covers or canopies for example - will usually provide the best picture. However, in some cases, the best shot for your boat would be with it in the water and not docked / on a lift. An additional fee may apply if we need to prepare the boat for you.

So I've made an appointment. How do I prepare for real estate photography before the photographer arrives?

We ask that you please be sure to check that all light fixtures work and are easily turned on. All fans should be able to be shut off when the lights are on. There should be no moving objects when the 360 panorama is being shot. Staging is also extremely important; particularly for rental properties we recommend that you have towels ready in bathrooms, set main dining tables, etc. Please take the time to consider any particular features you would like to showcase as well.

May I decide which shots I want in my virtual tour?

Absolutely! It's your property, it's your say. You may choose any room or location to be showcased in the virtual tour of each property. Exterior shots are included as well, weather permitting. Other options available to you are: If you find yourself uncertain, we are more than happy to give you recommendations. If you're on a budget, we can help choose what we think works best for the property within your budget.

How do I order a virtual tour?

Please visit the "Order/Pricing" page on www.swfl360.com and fill out the order form, or call us at 239-541-3030. We will set up an appointment with you for your photoshoot.

What exactly do you mean by "touch ups" / "enhancing"?

All tours and photos are enhanced for lighting, sharpness, and clarity in order to make your property look nice. Small changes such as removing power lines, removing real estate signs, spots in the lawn, etc, are included in the virtual tour price.

Where is the virtual tour hosted?

Our virtual tours are hosted on our server and stay active as long as you like without an additional charge. Most companies charge a yearly hosting fee after one year.

Why should I have a virtual tour for my property?

It's in your best interest to have a virtual tour in order to advertise your property or business to a greater audience and allow a potential client to have a viewing experience as realistically as possible from the comfort of their own home. Market research has demonstrated that increasingly Internet savvy users now expect virtual tours while researching businesses, real estate and vacation destinations. Virtual tours are proven to engage your Internet visitors for longer, meaning more time to view your products and facilities.

Who uses virtual tours?

Virtual tours have traditionally been used for the housing market or travel industry. Hotels and restaurants in particular have benefited from virtual tours in recent years due to being able to visually showcase their facility in a more accessible format, particularly for those who are incapable of seeing said business in person (e.g., vacationers from out of town). This enables potential patrons to have a firm picture of what to expect and leads to an increase in business. And due to the popularity of the internet, the true benefits of virtual tours are being realized from photojournalism to construction before and after virtual tours.

What do you charge for reshoots?

Just front (reshoot without appointment) $30

Reshoots

  • "Setup" per property ..... $20
  • plus each Tour ..... $25
  • plus each Picture ..... $10

Please note:

  • For reshoots we have a minimum charge of is $60
    (if minimum is not reached we still would charge the $60 minimum!)
  • Addl. travel charge of $20 might apply if the invoice amount for a trip does not add up to the following:
    • $240 on Sanibel Island
    • $120 outside of Cape Coral
  • Addl. charge of $20 for YouTube update

How to Add Virtual Tours

How can I add Virtual Tours to my website?

To integrate one of our Virtual Tours to your website we recommend one of the following:

  • With an iFrame
    CODE SAMPLE:
    <iframe src="http://www.in360.com/tours/tour.php?MLS=ms4412&enlarge=0" seamless="" frameborder="0" style="background-color: #E3CD9E;" scrolling="no" width="880" height="500"></iframe>

  • OR as a "link" with "Open Link in new Window"
    CODE SAMPLE:
    <a href="http://www.in360.com/tours/tour.php?MLS=ms4412&enlarge=0" seamless="" target="_blank" >See Our Tour!</a>

How can I add Virtual Tours to the Matrix/MLS system?

Please download Matrix instructions on how add virtual tours to the Matrix/MLS. [Download]