Today’s homebuyers are making big life decisions faster than ever before. According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors, 94 percent of Millennials start their search online (with Baby Boomers following close behind at 84 percent). When they start their search, it takes less than three seconds for a listing to make a substantial first impression.

So how do you make those first three seconds count? Professional real estate photography has transformed into high-tech marketing services, now with new and innovative tools to help capture the best features of a property.

Here are a few high-tech photography and marketing tools to help you win more listings and sell faster.

Be fearless with virtual staging

Shoot now, stage later. Whether a property isn’t photo shoot-ready or you’re looking to neutralize a room’s wall color and/or décor to attract more homebuyers, virtual staging is a professional real estate photography tool that is fast, easy and affordable.

Virtual staging digitally transforms listings by adding furniture in a vacant space, changing wall color, removing clutter and even existing décor with entirely new accessories and decorations. The biggest benefit of this tool is it enhances potential buyers’ imaginations by helping them envision what a space can look like.

Change perspectives with drone technology

“Elevate to accelerate.” In real estate, that’s what drone technology is all about. Drone technology has taken off in the industry as one of the hottest high-tech tools for agents. By using drone-mounted cameras, you’re able to take your listings higher by showcasing high-altitude perspectives of a property. There are two ways to take advantage of drone technology: drone photography and video. Both techniques have the ability to showcase a listing’s true size and full scope of surroundings.

Since the FAA’s drone requirements are now more relaxed than ever, this new technology is making a tremendous impact in the market. But proceed with caution if you’re thinking of trying this new high-tech tool on your own, as it can be costly and dangerous. Be sure to consult with a professional drone photography and video company first, and check out 10 Things to Know About Drone Technology.

Immerse buyers with 3D home tours

Captivate your clients with 3D home tours. This high-tech marketing tool allows buyers to go on a virtual walkthrough of a property without even being on-site. With the click of a mouse, buyers take a self-guided tour with 360-degree views of each room, or they can view the property as a whole with a dollhouse-like visual.

But none of this can be possible without professional real estate photography — your number one tool for winning and selling listings. Shoot for excellence by always shooting professionally, and never be afraid to take it one step further by taking advantage of high-tech marketing tools.

For more information on high-tech marketing tools, be sure to download VHT Studios’ 2017 Guide to High-Tech Trends in Real Estate.