Sotheby's International Realty Launches Virtual Staging Augmented Reality App: One of the First Experiences Built with Google's ARCore

MADISON, N.J., March 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the launch of Curate by Sotheby's International Realty^(sm), a mobile augmented reality (AR) app that will bring a home's virtual staging images from 2-D perception into augmented reality; the app was built with ARCore, Google's AR Software platform, and is powered by roOomy, the leading virtual staging technology platform specializing in 3D/AR/VR content creation and application development.  Curate by Sotheby's International Realty allows consumers to visualize a house as their own before purchase, thereby curating the homebuying experience. Working closely with Google in the run up to ARCore's release, the Sotheby's International Realty® brand is the first real estate brand to launch and implement a virtual staging AR app, transforming the homebuying and selling experience for sales associates and consumers.

Curate by Sotheby's International Realty is taking virtually staged images from a flat, 2-D screen into the house itself through the power of AR.  The app also features a curated selection of AR interior designs, ranging from modern living rooms to traditional dining rooms that provides the consumer with the opportunity to immediately swap among these styles, something physical staging could never accomplish.

For video and images of the app in use, as well as quotes, click here.  If you have one of Google's ARCore-enabled mobile devices, download the app here.

Curate by Sotheby's International Realty app features:

• Visualization ? Any property can be transformed through a curated selection of AR furnishings and décor sets. Listing-specific staging options will be available in the near future.
• Recollection ? The app has screenshot capabilities, allowing viewers to capture and store the images of AR furniture sets placed within the visit.
• Shop ? Virtual home furnishings can be clicked for more information about the product, including a link to exit the app and be directed to a retailer's website. All furniture is shown to-scale and provides accurate room dimensions, ensuring furniture viewed in the app will be a fit, making purchasing and moving into a new home easier on new home buyers.

Curate by Sotheby's International Realty app benefits:
Research has shown that an AR experience allows consumers to form more accurate expectations, therefore increasing confidence in purchasing decisions and shortening the sales cycle.¹

• For prospective homebuyers ? Viewing a potential house in AR breaks down visualization barriers that often accompany the homebuying process, allowing prospective homebuyers the unique ability to envision the house in their personal taste and style. Curate by Sotheby's International Realty offers the opportunity for buyers to ultimately see a house as their own home, increasing confidence in any purchasing decisions.
• For home sellers / Sotheby's International Realty clients ? Selling a home with a Sotheby's International Realty sales associate means tapping into the power of AR to sell the home by helping prospective buyers overcome the visualization barriers of touring an empty home or one decorated in style that differs from their taste.
• For the Sotheby's International Realty sales associate ? The benefits for the sales associate are similar to those of the homebuyer and seller; Curate by Sotheby's International Realty empowers the sales associate to present a home in an objective and neutral manner. The app also alleviates the need for sales associates to physically stage homes, allowing them to save money on the costs of either renting or buying and storing furniture.

Curate by Sotheby's International Realty is available now for download in the Google Play Store.  The app was built with Google's ARCore, which can run on 100 million Android devices worldwide.  The Sotheby's International Realty brand will launch Curate by Sotheby's International Realty for iOS this spring through a continued partnership with roOomy.

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has nearly 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in 950 offices in 69 countries and territories worldwide.  Sotheby's International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website.  In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, each brokerage firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby's auction house and worldwide Sotheby's International Realty marketing programs. 

About Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby's International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services.  In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house.  The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.  © 2018 Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby's International Realty^® and the Sotheby's International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

CONTACTS

Lindsey Scharf
Director, PR & Communications
Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC
(973) 407-5596
[email protected]

Natalie Hernandez
Manager, PR & Communications
Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC
(973) 407-6142
[email protected]

¹ Harvard Business Review, A Manager's Guide to Augmented Reality, November-December 2017 issue

SOURCE Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC