Virtual open houses have been developed as a safe, socially-distant way to host an open house for your home.
The Coronavirus Pandemic has brought changes to every aspect of our lives, and real estate is no different. What does a virtual open house look like, and how does it differ from a typical, in-person open house?
Here’s a detailed look into the differences.
Virtual Open Houses
As opposed to a virtual tour where anyone can take a video tour of your home from their device, a virtual open house is a live and interactive event. Online open houses are not pre-recorded videos. Instead, they utilize a camera to stream a live event over the streaming platform of your choosing (Zoom, Facebook Live etc.) where participants can interact in real time and ask questions with the listing agent.
There are several benefits of a virtual open house. In the age of COVID-19, hosting an open house virtually can still allow a lot of prospective buyers to tour your home, ask questions and get a feel for the property without the risk of a large number of people physically entering your home. This keeps you and your family safe while also opening up the open house to those who would not be able to attend in-person.
In-Person Open Houses
At an in-person open house, the listing agent is usually present and provides food, drinks and information sheets for attendees. Potential buyers can wander the house on their own or with the help of the agent, who makes himself available to answer any questions and discuss the home’s features.
In typical, non-Covid times, in-person open houses are a great resource to reach several potential buyers all at once and encourage a faster, more competitive sale. Times have changed, though. In-person open houses might still be held for some properties, but the National Association of Realtors has recommended suspending them for the time being.
If you’re interested in hosting an in-person open house, be sure to check with your listing agent and ask for recommendations on how to do it safely.
Key Differences Between Virtual and In-Person Open Houses
- Remote open houses have the potential to reach a greater audience due to streaming on multiple platforms
- Potential buyers from out of the area can easily attend online open houses, but they often don’t attend in-person ones
- In-person open houses often produce more serious buyers, since it’s easier for them to picture themselves in the home when they are physically there. Even after a virtual open house, those serious buyers will likely want to schedule an in-person showing.
- With in-person open houses, home smells and temperature are important. These don’t apply and don’t need to be worried about in virtual home tours.
Patriot Home Buyers Will Buy Your Metro Atlanta House
Selling your house at any time is stressful, but in today’s world of virtual open houses it can be even more complicated. But with Patriot Home Buyers, it doesn’t have to be! We will buy your home in Atlanta, Georgia, or the surrounding area with no need for an open house, virtual or in-person. Contact us today for your cash offer.