By: Natalie Johnson
The traditional real estate playbook is becoming obsolete faster than most developers realize. While some firms still rely on physical model units and weekend open houses, forward-thinking developers have discovered something more powerful: selling entire buildings through virtual experiences before construction crews arrive on site.
This shift represents more than just adopting new technology. It’s a fundamental rethinking of how real estate gets marketed, sold, and financed. Major developers across the country are discovering that virtual tours can achieve what traditional methods struggle with: weekend sell-outs, faster closing times, and pre-sales that secure project financing months ahead of schedule.
Brian Corcodilos saw this transformation coming before the industry recognized it was possible. “I built a company doing renderings before it was a thing,” explains the CEO of Designblendz, now ranked #579 on the INC 5000 list. “I was helping real estate agents sell properties before they were built before anyone else was.”
What started as an innovative marketing approach has evolved into standard practice for developers who want competitive advantages. The results speak for themselves: projects that traditionally required months of marketing to reach capacity are now achieving full pre-sales over weekends through immersive virtual experiences.
The economics make perfect sense once developers understand the model. Traditional marketing requires significant upfront investment in model units, staging, and ongoing maintenance costs. Virtual tours eliminate these expenses while providing experiences that buyers often find more informative than physical walk-throughs. Potential buyers can explore properties at any time, from anywhere, without coordinating schedules or dealing with construction site limitations.
But the benefits extend beyond marketing efficiency. Corcodilos has built comprehensive solutions that address project development from conception through completion. “I like reducing change orders related to construction costs and wasted materials,” he notes. “We utilize BIM to make this happen. We design every aspect of the building prior to submission of permit docs. Reduce errors substantially.”
This integration of Building Information Modeling with virtual marketing creates compound advantages. When every detail is modeled digitally before permits are submitted, developers avoid costly mid-project changes while simultaneously creating the assets needed for sophisticated virtual tours. The same digital models that prevent construction errors become the foundation for sales experiences that generate early commitments.
The market response has been dramatic. Developers who initially questioned whether buyers would commit to properties they couldn’t physically tour have become advocates after experiencing weekend sell-outs. The virtual experiences have become so sophisticated that buyers often feel more confident in their decisions than they would after traditional showings.
Case studies from Designblendz clients demonstrate the practical impact. Projects that historically required 12-18 months to reach full occupancy are now achieving pre-sales that secure financing and generate cash flow before construction completion. Philadelphia’s most expensive penthouse sold entirely through virtual experience, proving that luxury buyers are ready for digital-first purchasing when the technology delivers sufficient detail and realism.
The transformation extends beyond current capabilities into territory that sounds futuristic but reflects active development priorities. Corcodilos envisions fully integrated virtual and physical experiences: “I would describe a time when we are walking down the street, you look through a store front, see people inside drinking and having a good time, when you walk through the front door, the business is empty, but a ping on your mobile headset says, the first app is on us! This time is coming and a company like Designblendz is helping integrate the built and virtual world.”
Smart developers are recognizing that virtual-first marketing isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about gaining fundamental competitive advantages in project economics. Faster sales cycles, reduced marketing costs, and earlier cash flow generation create compound benefits that traditional marketing approaches can’t match.
The question isn’t whether virtual tours will replace traditional open houses. For developers who want to compete effectively, that transition is already happening. The question is how quickly they’ll adapt to capitalize on these advantages.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek professional advice where necessary before making any business or investment decisions.
