The augmented reality RE apps are coming!

Apps where users can alter an apartment to show their furniture or design preferences as they walk through the space are coming — but they will take some time to get good enough to use seamlessly.

“I think augmented reality will find a large audience when people can’t tell the difference between the real thing and the computer-generated image,” said Matthew Miller, founder of NYC architecture firm StudioLAB, to the New York Times.

“But I’m sure that’s right around the corner, like all things tech,” he added.

So, when augmented reality (AR) becomes the next big thing, here’s why experts say it will make all the difference for real estate brokers.

Warburg Realty’s Clelia Warburg Peters predicts it will speed up buyers’ decisions: “Buying a home can be very emotional. If you can change and personalize things, it can help with the decision-making process.”

AR software developer Pandora Reality is currently working on programs specifically for brokers and developers because they believe these tools will help clients stay interested in properties.

“Home buying is a weeks-long process. You can keep clients engaged with augmented reality much more than a link to a website,” said Alper Guler, the firm’s head of operations.

Michael Schroeder of firm SGA Architecture says that AR tools could even change the design of buildings during construction.

“If I’m able to stand at the site and see the shadow impact a building has on the surrounding area, it might alter the height of the building,” he told the NYT.

[NYT] — E.K. Hudson