Maximize New Build Rental Visibility with AppFolio and 3D Virtual Tours

Cloudpano
July 14, 2025
5 min read
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🚀 Maximize New Build Rental Visibility with AppFolio and 3D Virtual Tours

Marketing new build rental properties can be tough. With no tenant history, staged furniture, or word-of-mouth buzz, it's easy for your listing to get overlooked. But what if you could make your new homes stand out and fill vacancies faster?

You can—by combining the power of AppFolio’s property management system with 3D virtual tours. 🏡✨

In this guide, you'll learn how to increase listing visibility, drive more qualified leads, and create a leasing experience that renters remember—all using 3D tours embedded inside AppFolio.

🧱 The Visibility Problem with New Builds

Here’s what makes new build rentals hard to market:

  • ❌ No photos of tenants living happily
  • 🛋️ Staging is expensive and time-consuming
  • 🚧 Construction may not be 100% complete
  • 🧊 Empty rooms lack emotional appeal

Renters scroll past plain listings, unsure of what the home actually feels like.

Solution: Add a 3D virtual tour to your AppFolio listing so renters can explore the property like they’re really there.

📌 Also Read: Using 3D Virtual Tours to Showcase New Construction Rentals on AppFolio

🔥 Why 3D Virtual Tours Make a Massive Difference

Studies show that listings with 3D tours:

  • ⏱️ Keep visitors on the page 5x longer
  • 📈 Increase engagement by up to 49%
  • 📬 Lead to more qualified inquiries and faster leases

Renters love 3D tours because they can:

  • Walk the space remotely 🧭
  • Share the link with roommates or co-signers 🔗
  • Get a real feel for the layout and lighting 💡

🎯 Pro Tip: Pair your 3D tour with a strong CTA in your listing, like:
“📹 Explore our 3D virtual tour today—no appointment needed!”

🧠 Explore More: The Anatomy of a High-Converting Real Estate Video (with AI)

📲 How to Add 3D Tours to AppFolio Listings

Adding a 3D tour to AppFolio is quick and impactful.

Here’s how:

  1. Record your 3D tour using a platform like CloudPano or Matterport
  2. Grab the share link or embed iFrame
  3. Log into AppFolio, edit your unit listing
  4. Paste the tour in the media section or description area
  5. Save and publish! 🔥

🛠️ Step-by-Step Help: Seamless Virtual Tour Integration with AppFolio

🎥 No 3D Camera? Use AI-Generated Video Tours Instead

If you don’t have access to 3D tour equipment, you can still create immersive experiences. Tools like PhotoAIVideo.com let you upload still photos and instantly generate a moving video walkthrough with music, branding, and even voiceovers.

Great for:

  • Homes under construction 🏗️
  • Model units or spec builds 📷
  • Social media campaigns 📲

🎬 Learn How: How to Generate Real Estate Videos From Just Photos in Under 5 Minutes

🧲 Supercharge Visibility with Syndication + Virtual Tours

Once your 3D tour is embedded in AppFolio, don’t stop there! AppFolio can syndicate your listings to top platforms like:

  • Zillow
  • Apartments.com
  • Realtor.com
  • Facebook Marketplace

When those platforms show your listing with a virtual tour badge or thumbnail, you’ll stand out immediately among text-only listings.

🛠️ Also Useful: The Weekly AI Video Content Plan (Template + Tools)

📊 Track What Works with AppFolio Reporting

AppFolio tracks key data across your listings:

  • Listing views 👀
  • Inquiries 💬
  • Tour clicks 🎥
  • Lease conversion rate 📝

Run A/B tests:

  • One unit with a 3D tour 🆚 one without
  • Compare time-on-market
  • Optimize based on actual results

📈 More Stats: AI vs. Traditional Video Editing: Cost, Time, and ROI Breakdown

🏁 Pre-Lease Units While Still Under Construction

You don’t have to wait for a certificate of occupancy to start marketing your rental. Use a 3D tour from a model unit or AI-generated video from renderings to start gathering leads early.

Pre-leasing helps:

  • 🕒 Eliminate downtime between CO and move-in
  • 💵 Start generating cash flow sooner
  • 🔁 Lease faster at scale across multiple properties

🏗️ Related: Turn Construction Projects into Profitable Rentals with AppFolio 3D Tours

🧰 The Ideal Tech Stack for Maximum Rental Visibility

🔧 Builder Tip: Real Estate Tech for Builders: AppFolio and Virtual Tour Integration

📌 Final Thoughts: Visibility = Leases

If no one sees your new build rental listings, they can’t lease them. It’s that simple.

By combining AppFolio’s robust syndication and listing tools with 3D virtual tours or AI video walkthroughs, you’ll:

  • 🚀 Boost listing performance
  • 📬 Attract more qualified renters
  • 🧱 Showcase your new builds beautifully
  • 💸 Maximize return on every property

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Cloudpano

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Property Marketing
Allows potential buyers to explore properties in detail from anywhere, enhancing the real estate marketing process.
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