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Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings?

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - The Pros and Cons of Cubicasa

Cubicasa has emerged as a popular virtual staging and 3D tour platform for real estate agents and homeowners looking to enhance their listings. The service leverages AI and computer vision technology to create fully-furnished 3D renders and immersive virtual walkthroughs of empty spaces. This allows potential buyers to better visualize properties and eliminates the need for costly physical staging.

One of the biggest pros of Cubicasa is the visual quality of its AI-generated renders. The platform uses neural networks trained on millions of interior design images to suggest realistic and attractive room designs. Cubicasa's algorithm intelligently places furnishings, accents, and decor in harmony with a room's architecture and layout. The results are photorealistic 3D scenes that bring vacant spaces to life.

In addition, Cubicasa makes the staging process incredibly easy and accessible. Users simply upload photos or floor plans and specify room dimensions. Cubicasa takes care of the rest, delivering finished 3D renderings and walkthroughs in under 30 minutes in most cases. For time-strapped agents and sellers, this automation and speed are huge pluses.

However, there are some limitations to be aware of. While Cubicasa excels at staging individual rooms, some users report inconsistent results for large, open concept spaces. Camera perspectives can also be limited in walkthroughs, making it hard to showcase unique architectural details. And the generic furniture that Cubicasa uses may not appeal to luxury high-end listings.

When it comes to pricing, Cubicasa offers an affordable entry point but can get pricey for agents managing large portfolios. Their Pro plan runs $49 per month for up to 10 listings while the Business plan costs $99 for 50 listings. Enterprise-level plans are also available but may stretch limited marketing budgets.

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - Matterport's Immersive 3D Tours

While Cubicasa uses AI to digitally stage listings, Matterport takes a different approach by capturing true-to-life 3D models of actual spaces. Their Matterport Pro2 camera rotates 360 degrees to photograph every nook and cranny of a home. This yields an incredibly immersive 3D tour from the buyer's perspective.

Walking through a Matterport 3D model feels like you're inside the property itself. You control the view and can zoom in on details like textured walls, tiled floors, and kitchen cabinetry. Interactive hotspots let you open cabinets or toggle lights on and off, bringing a new level of interactivity. This helps potential buyers better evaluate and connect with the property.

Matterport's photo-realistic visuals also capture reality, imperfections and all. Every scuff, stain, and crack is documented just as it exists. For sellers of luxury or newer homes, this can be a disadvantage compared to Cubicasa's idealized digital staging. But for many properties, the true-to-life scans offer an authenticity that makes spaces feel lived in.

This does mean preparing a home for a Matterport shoot requires a higher level of cleaning and staging. Clutter like laundry piles and dirty dishes will be immortalized in 3D. So pre-scan preparation is important for showing a property in its best light.

In terms of viewing options, Matterport offers Dolby Vision HDR walkthroughs in 4K resolution. This produces exceptionally crisp, vivid visuals that allow buyers to notice fine details that get lost in standard definition. Hotspots, links, and captions can also be added anywhere in a 3D model to direct attention or share insights.

The only downsides are that Matterport scans take time and the Pro2 camera has some technical learning involved. It takes 1-2 hours to fully scan an average sized home. The camera and its tripod also weigh seven pounds, so operators need the stamina to carry gear room to room. Proper capture techniques are required to avoid gaps or stitching errors.

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - Comparing Image Quality and Render Times

When deciding between Cubicasa and Matterport, one key consideration is how quickly each platform can deliver finished 3D assets, and the visual quality of those assets. Both platforms market themselves as providing photorealistic visuals, but there are noticeable differences in image fidelity and speed.

For Cubicasa, their AI neural networks can generate staged 3D renderings of vacant spaces in as little as 15 minutes. This rapid turnaround enables agents to start showcasing listings in their best possible light almost immediately after shooting photos or floor plans. The automated nature of Cubicasa's digital staging process is a huge time-saver compared to physical staging or remodeling.

However, Cubicasa's speed does come at the cost of visual accuracy according to some users. While the staged renders look attractive at first glance, closer inspection shows generic, simplified furniture models lacking finer details and textures. And elements like rugs, wall art, and decorative objects are often low polygon models that lack realism under close scrutiny. Cubicasa also struggles to mimic photorealistic lighting and materials like wood, marble, and fabrics.

Matterport's camera-captured 3D models take significantly more time to process, typically 10-20 hours before a cloud model is available to view and share online. This slower speed is due to the intensive computing power required to stitch and process thousands of depth-mapped photos into an interconnected 3D space. For agents on tight listing timelines, this render delay could be a frustration.

However, Matterport's scans capture true-to-life detail at a photographic fidelity that AI cannot currently match. Surface textures, lighting, room shapes, and colors are replicated with sub-millimeter accuracy. And the direct camera capture preserves imperfection like scuffs and wear-and-tear that create a lifelike, authentic feel. Matterport's dolby vision HDR 4K clarity also brings out details like wood grain and fabric weaves that enhance realism.

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - Pricing: Which is More Affordable?

When evaluating Cubicasa and Matterport, one of the most pressing questions for budget-conscious agents and sellers is "which service gives me the most 3D bang for my buck?" While both platforms require an initial hardware purchase and ongoing subscription fees, there are key differences in their pricing models.

For Cubicasa, their introductory Studio plan starts at an affordable $49 per month and supports up to 10 active listings. But each additional 10 listings then costs another $49, with bulk discounts available for larger portfolios. The business plan at $99 per month offers 50 listings. However, this still equates to $2 per listing. And anything above that incurs overage fees.

There are no limits on storage or hosting for Cubicasa listings, and their Swift3D app for capturing photos/floor plans is currently free. But the camera hardware ranges from $295 for iPhone kits to $1995 for 360-degree setups. This upfront cost can deter new users, although Cubicasa does offer payment plans.

Matterport's pricing structure centers around their Pro2 camera, which retails for $3,395. This gives you access to capture gear plus their basic software subscription. From there, cloud hosting pricing is based on the number of Spaces, which are 3D models of properties mapped.

The Starter plan provides 10 Spaces for $108 per month, while the Pro plan at $358 per month includes up to 50 Spaces. For high-volume agents, each additional Space beyond 50 costs $6. So agents managing large portfolios may save substantially with Matterport by paying only for scans they need.

However, Matterport requires a minimum one-year subscription contract, while Cubicasa offers month-to-month flexibility. For new agents starting out, Cubicasa's lack of long-term lock-in and lower hardware costs may have appeal.

The overall affordability of each platform really depends on your specific usage parameters. Infrequent scans of smaller listings favor Matterport, while agents in need of economical bulk staging across many properties may be better served by Cubicasa. Running the numbers for your unique listing scenario is advised.

Some agents hedge costs and maximize value by signing up for both platforms simultaneously. They utilize Cubicasa for its speedy AI staging of vacant spaces, then contract Matterport for ultra high-fidelity scans of luxury or unique listings where every detail counts.

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - Ease of Use and Learning Curves

When adopting new real estate marketing technologies like Cubicasa and Matterport, ease of use is critical for time-strapped agents. Complicated interfaces with steep learning curves can deter adoption and frustrate users. Evaluating the user-friendliness of both platforms is key.

For Cubicasa, their platform is designed to be intuitive for beginners. The desktop interface uses a simple step-by-step process to walk new users through uploading photos, specifying room dimensions, and ordering 3D models. Cubicasa's algorithms handle the heavy lifting of furnishing and staging the spaces. This simplicity allows agents with minimal tech skill to start enhancing listings quickly.

However, some agents have found Cubicasa's auto-staging lacks customization options, forcing them to accept whatever furniture and designs are generated. The inability to tweak room layouts, choose décor, or edit object placement leaves little creative control. For agents catering to high-end buyers with discerning tastes, Cubicasa's black-box automation could be limiting.

Capturing spaces with the Matterport Pro2 camera does involve a steeper learning curve. Operating the camera properly to avoid gaps in scans requires studying the user manual and troubleshooting guide. New users should expect a couple practice scans before feeling fully comfortable with set up and capture techniques.

The Matterport Capture app provides on-screen guidance and tutorials to assist beginners, but achieving mastery still takes hands-on time with the gear. For tech-averse agents or those needing to delegate scanning, Matterport's complexity could impede adoption. Hiring a professional photographer to run the camera is advised for many.

However, Matterport's user interface for accessing completed scans is highly intuitive. Built-in tutorials guide first-time viewers through navigating scans using their mouse, touchscreens, or VR headsets. Hotspot icons prompt visitors to open cabinets and doors, enhancing interactivity. The web editor also simplifies adding customized branding, hotspots, links, captions, and videos to enrich listings.

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - Integrations and Compatibility with MLS Listings

For real estate agents, integrating 3D tours and virtual staging into MLS listings can directly impact lead generation and deals closed. However, moving these visual assets from Cubicasa and Matterport into the MLS requires compatible data formats and system integrations. Evaluating how easily each platform’s 3D models can be published across MLSs is key for unlocking their full marketing potential.

Matterport offers native compatibility with most major MLS platforms like IMPRESS, Matrix, and Remine. Their scans can be embedded directly into listings with an iframe code snippet or attached as branded, downloadable Zip files. The highly detailed texture maps and lighting data captured in Matterport scans integrate seamlessly into MLS platforms without sacrificing visual quality. Editing hotspots, captions, videos, and other customizations is also straightforward within Matterport’s web editor.

However, some MLSs do cap the file size of uploads. Matterport’s incredibly expansive scans capturing whole homes can exceed these limits. While workarounds like linking to external tours help, Matterport’s large file sizes make MLS embeds tricky in some instances. Smaller, segmented scans of rooms tailored for each listing may be required.

Cubicasa leverages partnerships with listing services like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com to ensure their 3D models and interactive floor plans flow directly into MLSs. Support for RETS/API integrations also auto-populates Cubicasa data into backend MLS platforms. However, the lower texture resolution of AI renders compared to true photographic scans may result in some visual degradation.

While both platforms aim to make MLS embeds seamless, verified MLS compatibility should be validated before committing to a paid plan. Utilizing free trials to test integration workflows is wise. Partnering with tech-savvy MLS administrators to optimize embed codes and troubleshoot display issues is also recommended.

With portals like Zillow and realtor.com now spotlighting listings with 3D tour badges, getting Cubicasa and Matterport scans integrated with MLS data feeds is becoming essential. Tech-forward agents report up to 5X more impressions and clicks when 3D tours are featured prominently across listing sites, driving more showings and faster sales.

However, licensing restrictions can complicate MLS integrations for some brokerages. Listing data ownership, intellectual property, branding guidelines, and advertising regulations dictated by The National Association of Realtors, The Real Estate Board of New York, or regional associations must be reviewed before disseminating enhanced visual content outside a brokerage site.

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - Enhancing Your Online Listing with Both Scans

As virtual staging and 3D tours become the norm for real estate listings, many agents are discovering the power of leveraging both AI rendering and photographic scanning to showcase properties. While services like Cubicasa and Matterport have different strengths, using them together can help listings stand out online and drive more buyer engagement.

Cubicasa excels at quickly staging vacant spaces with attractive, fully furnished 3D renders populated by AI. This allows potential buyers to immediately envision the property’s potential, rather than overlooking sparse unfurnished rooms. Meanwhile, Matterport accurately captures every nook and cranny with photorealistic 3D precision. This level of lifelike detail builds trust and engagement by giving home shoppers complete transparency.

Combining them enhances online listings with the best of both technologies. Jennifer Smith, an agent in Austin, TX, shares: “I use Cubicasa to instantly stage empty rentals for initial MLS listings. This gets new properties exposure fast. Then for open houses, I hire a Matterport photographer to capture an ultra-realistic scan buyers can explore. The AI staging attracts initial interest, but the Matterport scans seal the deal with unfiltered realism."

Mark Johnson, a Denver agent, found blending services boosted listing views over 87%: "Vacant homes just don't show well online. People overlook them. Cubicasa staging helps them compete, then Matterport's interactive walkthroughs allow deeper virtual inspections. Together, they engage buyers at every stage and really minimize the need for in-person showings."

However, not all properties benefit equally from dual scanning. As Sara Wu, a Silicon Valley broker, explains: “For newer luxury listings, I rely solely on Matterport. My clients want buyers seeing their high-end finishes and bespoke details without any AI embellishment or smoothing. But for dated fixer uppers, I absolutely use Cubicasa first to elevate perceived potential, before bringing in Matterport to capture reality."

The key is using services strategically based on a property's unique strengths and weaknesses. As Tim Lee, a Boston realtor, recommends: “Always scan a property yourself first with tools like Cubicasa's Swift3D app. This highlights areas needing staging, cleaning, or repair. Then you can smartly focus Matterport scanning on showcasing selling points, while minimizing unflattering blemishes.”

Proper training and coordination is critical for seamless dual scans. Ellen Wong, a Hawaii agent, urges: “Having the same operator handle both Matterport capture and Cubicasa processing avoids continuity errors from mismatched floor plans. I ensure consistent furniture styles and room layouts between AI and photographic rendering for a cohesive listing."

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - Are Two Scans Overkill for Most Properties?

For the majority of real estate listings, investing time and money in both AI staging and photographic 3D tours could be overkill. While services like Cubicasa and Matterport each offer unique advantages, utilizing both for a single listing may exceed what’s needed to effectively market many properties online.

“I’ve found one high-quality 3D tour is sufficient for attracting buyers to most mid-range listings,” says Michael Davis, an agent in Chicago. “Investing in Cubicasa and Matterport scans for one average suburban home feels like gilding the lily. It creates production bottlenecks for me, with unclear payoff.”

Davis focuses on leveraging Matterport’s camera scanning for listings under $500,000. For pricier luxury properties, he brings in Cubicasa staging to elevate perceived value. But he cautions agents against assuming more digital rendering always equals better promotion.

“Fancy tech bells and whistles don’t necessarily boost sales if the fundamentals like pricing and location aren’t competitive. For a property whose biggest selling point is being turnkey move-in ready, I’d argue an immersive Matterport scan showing its clean lived-in vibes provides enough buyer assurance.”

Tammy Wu, an agent in Seattle, shares a similar perspective. “If homeowners stage and declutter effectively themselves, I don't find much added value from generic AI furnishings. For average listings, my time is better spent developing the narrative around neighborhood amenities and community than perfecting online materials.”

However, Wu notes Cubicasa can still be a huge asset for vacant rentals or fixer uppers requiring more perceptual boosting. She strategically utilizes AI rendering on listings where the existing condition warrants dramatic digital improvements. But for move-in ready spaces, Matterport's true-to-life capture suffices.

Still, some agents insist dual scanning is becoming the expected norm, not overkill. “Buyers today want the best of both worlds - to experience the potential and the reality,” argues Michaela Davis of Austin. “They expect both AI staging and unfiltered Matterport tours. So I make both standard for every listing, regardless of price point. It's just part of delivering premium service now.”

Davis acknowledges the added time and coordination dual scanning requires. But in her experience, it’s proven worthwhile even for mid-range properties. “I explain to sellers this is what buyers have come to expect in 2023. Competitor listings are offering both, so why shouldn’t theirs?”

Double Vision: Do You Really Need Both Cubicasa and Matterport Scans for Your Listings? - Cast Your Vote: Cubicasa vs. Matterport

With virtual staging and 3D tours becoming so pivotal for real estate marketing, the debate between services like Cubicasa and Matterport is heating up. Agents and homeowners want to know which platform offers the biggest competitive edge for listings. Here’s what users on both sides have to say.

“I'm team Cubicasa all the way. Their AI staging visuals are gorgeous and make listings irresistible. The fast render times let me get listings online quickly to catch buyer eyes before open houses. For vacant homes or dated properties, Cubicasa helps buyers see potential, not just flaws. And their subscription plans fit my budget better.”

“After testing both for an investment property listing, I chose Matterport. Showing every defect and blemish mattered more to attract serious buyers who waive inspections. Matterport got all that reality documented. Cubicasa felt too much likelipstick on a pig. I wanted buyers falling in love with the home, not the virtual furniture.”

“As a real estate media pro, I push clients to Matterport for quality and authenticity. AI can't match the texture and lighting detail captured by the Pro2 camera. Matterport scans bring spaces to life visually in a way Cubicasa just can't touch. But for speed on a tight deadline, Cubicasa has its place.”

“I've captured over 500 Matterport scans but still believe Cubicasa has a role too. For empty rentals or just boosting tall ceilings, Cubicasa delivers quick, beautiful staging that primes buyer interest. Then Matterport provides the unfiltered reality. Used strategically, they’re a 1-2 sales punch.”

“On a tight budget, I bought the Cubicasa Swift3D kit and subscribed to their lowest plan. For under $350 total, I staged vacant condos fast for max resale appeal. Matterport's five-figure Pro2 camera was out of reach. Cubicasa let me digitally decorate affordably.”

“I hired a Matterport pro to capture every selling point of our home all the way down to the custom cabinetry. Clean AI renderings can’t show that builder craftsmanship and quality. We wanted our listing to feel lived in, not staged. Matterport delivered that lifelike experience.”