Methods and apparatus for selecting and viewing real estate properties are disclosed which enables a buyer to conveniently "view" a real estate property without physically visiting the actual real estate property. A set of panoramic visual images is recorded for each of a plurality of real estate properties and the images are stored in a centralized computer database along with an index of selection criteria. A prospective buyer inputs, through a user terminal having input means and display means, selection criteria. A central processing unit ("CPU") selects those real estate properties which satisfy the selection criteria. The selected properties are displayed, and the user selects for viewing one of the properties displayed. The CPU then displays the panoramic visual images stored for the selected property. The user, while viewing a panoramic visual image, may input a change perspective command, such as "look left" or "go to living room" causing the CPU to display an additional panoramic visual image in accordance with the change perspective command. The change perspective command permits the user to view the full panoramic visual representation of the real estate property.