What version of HomeGauge do I need to use 360º images?

360º images were first introduced in HomeGauge Desktop version 5.3. 360º images are now available to Beta testers in Web Writer.

What is a 360º image and how does it work? 

If you have ever used Google and seen their Google Street View, you have seen a 360º image. 360º images simulate being in the shoes of a photographer and looking around to the left, right, up and down as desired as well as sometimes zooming.  You place the camera in the middle of the room and snap an image.

What will the home buyer see with a 360º image? 

They will see a thumbnail-like representation of the image with the words "360" overlaid on top. When they click on the image, they will see something like this. Click or tap and drag on the image below to get a 360º view.

Here is a link to a sample report with a 360º image.

Do I need a special camera to use the 360º image feature?

Yes, you do need to buy a special camera. 360º images are special images that cannot be taken with your phone or a regular camera. We suggest the Ricoh Theta SC 360° Still Camera you can buy online. 

Where can I find the recommended camera?

You can find the recommended camera on Amazon and most camera specialty stores including Best Buy.  Here is the link to the listing on Amazon. 

Does the 360º work on HomeGauge's mobile apps? 

HomeGauge Companion

You can connect using the HG Companion, but uploading the pictures directly into the HomeGauge Report Writer may be easier. User best practices have been that storing the 360º pictures in your photo gallery when you take them using the special camera is also a great option.

Web Writer

The images must be available on your mobile device before you can pull them into the app gallery. 

My smartphone already says it can do 360º images, so why buy a special camera?

There are different outcomes when using your phone. Many of the so-called 360º features built into a smartphone are a "panoramic" picture and NOT a 360º picture. Also, taking a 360º using your phone can take several minutes because you have to take several pictures and then use a "stitch" program. It's not much fun, takes way too long, and doesn't work as well as the special camera that can take a 360º picture in a single click. No stitching is needed!

Can I include the 360º Images in the PDF?

Like standard videos, 360º images are only available with reports accessed online. This is because PDFs are static or are just an image. PDFs are great for storing a file on your computer. Still, we recommend uploading your report to the Buyer's Dashboard to provide an interactive experience for your customers and real estate agents. Features such as video clips, expanding pictures to high resolution when your customer and agent click on them, a floating content bar and the ability to have your buyer or their real estate agent create a repair request list for the seller (CRL - Create Request List) are just some of the benefits of delivering your report as a web presentation.  Now we just added another with 360º images!  See a sample report with a 360° image.

Can I edit 360º images?

360° images cannot be edited within HomeGauge so do not be alarmed when you don't see the standard editing tools found from adding standard photos.

Why should I care about 360º images?

As a home inspector, 360º images provide you with the ability to:

• Stand out from the competition: Provide a unique report to your real estate agents and homebuyers that allow them to view their home in a way no other service provider can deliver. Like Google Street View, HomeGauge is the first company to provide users with a 360 view inside of the home using one image, providing speed and efficiency in delivering detailed information needed to complete the home-buying process.
• Be more efficient: Run faster, more efficient home inspections for clients by having the ability to provide more details in one image. The 360º image can replace up to 4 storage photos of each room. 
• Wow your client and real estate agents: Offer your clients including real estate agents and home buyers a clear view of the entire home without their having ever to step inside.