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Design & Stage 3D Real Estate Model Creations | DesignBlendz

Written by Designblendz Team | 3/18/19 4:00 PM




95% of home buyers will turn to the internet first when looking to find a home. Which is why knowing how to design and stage 3D model creations is a major benefit for any realtor.

Here we will be taking a closer look at what 3D models are and how to begin making your own to boost your sales. Read on to learn more about your newest selling tool. 

What is a 3D Model?

Thanks to advancements in technology you can now give prospective homeowners their own virtually guided tours through a detailed 3D model of the home. While it may sound complex, 3D models are actually just a mathematical representation of the house used to make it seem three dimensional.

Now, with developing software programs, real estate agents can mock up these 3D representations themselves to help increase the chance of a sale.

The Benefits of a 3D Model

There are a number of benefits that come from creating a 3D mockup of the home you're selling. Some of these benefits include:

  • Showing a home from anywhere in the world. Buyers don't need to be physically present to check out the house.
  • Not having to worry about inconveniencing the owners to do a showing if they are still living there.
  • Not having to re-stage a home every time you're going to show it.
  • Freeing up your schedule by not needing to be present for the initial tour.
  • Showing to a number of interested parties at once.

How to Stage 3D Model Creations

Now that you know some of the reasons to make your own 3D home model, it's time to get into creating your own. There are a number of software programs available to help you create a 3D home. The kind you use will depend on your skill level and how realistic you want the home to look.

For the purpose of this tutorial, we will be looking at how to stage a 3D model using 3D horse software.

Pay Attention to the Blue Prints

If you were creating a 3D body you would want to pay attention to the skeleton and the anatomy of the human body. In this case, it pays to know the blueprints and structural skeleton of the home.

If you have experience in architecture this will be much easier to complete, either way, there's a chance you have access to the original blueprints from the owner.

Utilize Squads

Squads are the slightly irregularly shaped triangle that helps you add dimension to your 3D graphic. These shapes will ultimately create a subdivision between one object in your 3D design and another.

Later on, when it's time to thin down shapes and add texturing, squads will also come in handy. However try to avoid using Ngons, as this can create the reverse effect in your final design.

Know When to Use the Text Tool

The text tools is an often underutilized tool in 3D model development, however, it could be the perfect choice for creating intriguing shapes or curves. Try placing curves in front of simpler shapes and then project them onto multiple angles.

The text tool can be used to duplicate this effect and even trim the edges to fit the exact look and feel of the actual house. If you need to lift some curves or surfaces the same tool can be utilized.

Always Choose Orthographically

Typically creating a 3D model starts with a camera that can capture in 3D. To get the most out of this method, it helps to leave your camera in orthographic view.

Doing this can help create perspective and will let you choose where you think the focal point should be, giving you more flexibility around how you build your model. Be sure to take multiple angles to give yourself some more wiggle room as to how each area of the home is translated into 3D.

The More Complicated the Home the More Pieces

How do you eat an elephant? The same way you make a 3D model of a home you're selling. When creating your 3D model what you're really doing is bringing together different 3D pieces that have been created.

How many pieces will depend on the size of the home, the larger and more complex the home is, the more pieces there should be. In the end, it would look like one large development.

Try Out Animation Snapshot

You'll want to see how your 3D model is coming as you go along to avoid spending time on an area that isn't working or making mistakes. To do this, it is recommended that you use the animation snapshot button.

If you are using the 3D Horse software this can be done by locating the command in the animate menu section. This is also a great tool to duplicate your model onto multiple frames without the extra work.

Don't Forget About Texture

What makes a great 3D model is a texture that's added to it. The texture is what creates the illusion that the person is actually standing in the home.

If you're looking to add texture to your model, we suggest using the geometry tool. From here you will be able to quickly define the level of texture you're looking for as well as adding on any extra shadowing that may be needed.

Don't be Afraid to Adjust

One of the keys to creating an impressive 3D home model is knowing when to go back and adjust. Since creating your 3D model is a learning experience, you may find that you discovered a look or structure later on in the development process that you would like to add on to the rest of the model.

Being able to play with the shape of your design is what will land you that realistic look you're going for.

Try Backface Culling

Backface culling is another method that is essential to creating your 3D model. This method will help you add different shading effect that will determine the viewpoint of the person seeing the model. Think about how a shadow in a room will look different depending on where in the room you're standing.

The concept is the same in a 3D model. The shadow should change depending on how the viewer "moves" through the mode

Using Design to Enhance Your Sales

Knowing how to stage 3D model creations is just one of the many ways technology and design can help boost your sales. By playing with different methods, you'll quickly find the effect that best suits your audience.