Virtual / remote viewings using FocalAgent Smart Viewings (UK only)

Owned by Fiona Wilson
Last updated: Aug 16, 2023
5 min read

This guide has been reviewed against our global client base and classed as relevant to the UK only

This page outlines how to set up and conduct FocalAgent Smart Viewings via the Reapit platform

FocalAgent Smart Viewings allow online virtual viewings to be set-up via your Reapit software - existing photos can be used which means that you are ready to use the Smart Viewing platform to conduct viewings immediately

The agent hosts a viewing, which invited applicant(s) join - this involves the applicant viewing the property photos, along with the ability to communicate with the agent via video or voice call and also instant message

The ability to use Smart Viewings requires configuration by Reapit Support (when authorised by your Reapit key contact)

This guide covers how to:

Set up a Smart Viewing

1. Create Smart Viewing appointment

From a new diary appointment:

  • Enter the date (in Entry Date) and time of the appointment in the From and To fields
    For an instant Smart Viewing, the current date/time can be set; or set a date/time in the future

  • In Entry Type, Smart Viewing must be selected 
    Virtual could also be ticked, but this is optional

  • If you need to click Full List to see the Smart Viewing entry type in the list, the diary appointment may not show in your diary - see 1a

  • Ensure Accompanied is ticked and the agent name carrying out the remote viewing is entered

  • If you want a follow up reminder for the appointment, tick Follow Up and ensure the date entered to the right is suitable

  • Ensure the Applicant and Property involved in the viewing are entered

  • Tick All Confirmed

  • Click Save and Exit

1a. To get Smart Viewings to show in the diary

  • Click the cog icon to the right of the diary screen and select Show all entries

2. Appointment confirmation in Reapit

  • A confirmation message will be displayed

  • Click OK

    The Smart Viewing will be ready to use within seconds 

3. Accessing the URLs (links) to the Smart Viewing via email, SMS & the diary

  • Emails are sent to the agent and all applicants involved in the viewing

  • Links to access the Smart Viewing are included in these emails

    If the applicant(s) have mobile numbers entered in their contact details and SMS functionality is enabled via Reapit, then a text confirmation of the appointment will also be received

  • You can also access the links via the diary appointment - see 3a





3a. Access link to Smart Viewing via the Reapit diary

Links to access the Smart Viewing are included in the field below the diary entry type - both agent and applicant links are included

4. Journal entries

Smart Viewings are automatically logged in the relevant applicant and property journals 

From the journal:

  • Expand the Appointments section

  • Select the Smart Viewing to see more detail on the right

 

Conduct a Smart Viewing

In order to use Smart Viewings, you need a working internet connection and a compatible browser; Smart Viewings are compatible with smartphones, tablets, personal computers and all major browsers, except Microsoft Edge

All parties involved in the Smart Viewing need to ensure they have a working microphone and speakers, plus where the agent wants to be seen during the viewing, they will also require a camera/webcam on the device they intend to use for the Smart Viewing

1. Just before the appointment

It is recommended that the agent logs in before the Smart Viewing start time to ensure all is in order before it starts

From the email confirmation:

  • Click the Enter Smart Viewing button
    The Smart Viewing will open in your browser window

  • Click Go to viewing

2. Start viewing (agent)

  • Click Start Virtual Tour and Start Webcam / Mic (top right)
    Use of a webcam is optional

    The main property picture will be shown and the viewing is ready for the applicant to join
    Once you have started the viewing, the applicant can join by accessing their link and clicking Start

If an applicant has mislaid their email/SMS to access the Smart Viewing
Access the diary appointment, copy the applicant URL (displayed in text box) and send to the applicant

3. Main screen orientation

  • Use the toolbar at the bottom of the property pictures to change the view - see step 4

  • The chat bar at the right hand side can be minimised using the red minus button - click the blue arrow button to show again

  • An instant message function is available bottom right - type your message in the Enter your message field and click the blue arrow button to send (or press enter on your keyboard)
    You can also choose who to send the message to - Everyone or just a selected member of the viewing

  • At the bottom of the screen, details of the applicant(s) involved in the viewing are displayed along with a Show another property option is also available - see 3a

3a. Configuration required

In order to use this feature, iUpload set-up is required

The Show another property option allows you to talk the applicant through other properties you have available

4. Using the toolbar

From left to right:

  • Use the 2 x double-arrow buttons to move backwards and forwards through the property pictures

  • Click the grid button to show all pictures as thumbnails across the bottom of the screen, click again to remove

  • 4 x direction arrows allow you to move the picture to the left/right/up/down

  • Plus and minus buttons allow you to zoom in and out of the picture

  • Expand to full screen shows the picture in full screen mode - click again to return to normal view (or press escape on your keyboard) 

  • Click the down arrow button to hide the toolbar - click the bottom of the property picture to show again

5. Ending the viewing

When the viewing is finished:

  • Click the End Viewing button 
    The applicant needs to click Leave from their Smart Viewing screen

    The Smart Viewing site can now be closed