- January 7, 2025
- Reading time about 6 minutes
Realtors who are embracing digital transformation with open arms would go a long way in a highly competitive market. Let’s accept it—real estate technology is here to stay and will empower businesses that are open to adopting powerful tools like online auction platforms, virtual tour software, and IDX websites. Virtual open houses are a new reality and resonate greatly with the needs and philosophies of new-age homebuyers.
In this blog, we break it down for everything you need to know about how to host your virtual open house, which enables you to close in on deals as well as build trust along the way.
Why Do You Need to Host Virtual Open Houses?
Virtual open houses allow you to bring properties to buyers anywhere, anytime. Unlike traditional open houses that require scheduling, driving, and face-to-face interactions, these tours give buyers the convenience to view a home from their living room. This isn’t just a win for buyers; it’s also a huge opportunity for real estate agents. Here’s why:
- Expand your reach: You can market homes to out-of-state or international buyers without additional costs through a virtual tour.
- Save time for everybody: No more booking multiple in-person shows to people who may or may not be serious.
- Reuse marketing content: Record your tours, and you’ve got shareable content for social media and your real estate agent website.
- Be Techno-Savvy: A final shot, polished virtual tour makes you look modern and capable in the eyes of the seller or buyer.
Real Estate Technology You Will Need
To hold an effective virtual open house, you don’t need some sort of professional studio or expensive gear. To get started, you will need:
Real Estate Virtual Tours Software
The right software can make all the difference. Look for platforms that enable you to create 360-degree virtual tours with high-quality visuals and interactive features. BidHom is one such online auction platform that allows realtors to offer virtual tours and conduct virtual open houses. It is easy to highlight unique features such as custom cabinetry or luxury finishes when selling a property so that buyers fall in love with it.
A Reliable Real Estate IDX Website
Your IDX-enabled website is your online storefront. Make sure it’s easy to use and optimized for mobile viewing since most buyers search for homes on their phones. With IDX integration, you can showcase properties in real-time and allow potential buyers to explore listings effortlessly. BidHom’s allows real estate agents and brokers to set up IDX-enabled websites in some simple steps that work seamlessly with virtual tours, making it easy to connect leads to the right properties.
Live Streaming Platform
To conduct a virtual open house successfully, realtors must host their video on live streaming platforms like YouTube Live, Instagram Live, or Facebook Live. The real-time interaction and flawless streaming enhance the chances of maximum participation and engagement. It helps realtors reach out to a massive audience through a reliable host to showcase their property in the best way possible.
Basic Equipment
Invest in a good smartphone or camera, a stabilizer to avoid shaky footage, and a microphone for clear audio. Natural light works wonders, so time your recordings for the brightest part of the day.
Planning Your Virtual Open House
A successful virtual open house starts with solid planning. Think of it as crafting a story about the property you’re showing. What makes it special? What will grab the attention of potential buyers? Here are some steps to follow:
Prepare the Space
Just like you’d declutter and stage a home for an in-person showing, make sure the property looks its best on camera. Clean up, arrange furniture to maximize space, and add small touches like fresh flowers or cozy throw pillows.
Create a Script
Plan what you’ll say during the tour. Focus on features that set the property apart—maybe it’s the spacious backyard perfect for entertaining or the modern kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. Be ready to answer common buyer questions like, “What’s the neighborhood like?” or “How old is the roof?”
Promote Your Event
Use every possible channel to tell the world—the email campaigns, social media posts, and your real estate agent website. Remember to include all the details—the time, the platform, and how to attend the event. Quality photos or teaser videos really get people fired up.
Navigate the Open House Like A Pro
Whether live or pre-recording a tour, here are a few things to remember:
Say Hello to Your Audience
Start with a warm introduction. Say a little about yourself, the property, and what they can expect from the tour. Let the live viewers know how to ask questions.
Keep It Engaging
Point out the home’s best features, and do not rush. If it is live, interact with the attendees in real-time. For pre-recorded tours, add interesting commentary and fun facts about the property or neighborhood.
Stay Professional
Technical glitches do happen, but how you deal with them will always matter. Calm down and keep on talking clearly. The professionalism you are demonstrating will forever make an impression on potential clients.
End with a Call to Action
Call them to act. It can be scheduling a private showing, making an offer, or just getting in touch to clarify questions they might have, to keep them in the loop, and following up.
Following Up is As Important
The job does not end there after the tour. Follow-up is where you convert interest into action:
Send a Thank-You Note
A simple email or message thanking attendees for their time shows that you value their interest. It’s also an opportunity to share the tour recording or additional property details.
Gather Feedback
Ask for a comment on the event. Was it helpful? Is there something they wish you’d covered? This would improve future tours.
Keep Them Connected
Use your real estate auction platform or CRM to track leads so that you may follow up with a personalized message, and if someone showed serious interest, you may schedule a private showing or give more details about the property.
Why BidHom Is Your Best Bet?
Virtual open houses are an important part of modern real estate marketing and BidHom makes it easy to integrate this strategy into your workflow. With tools like real estate virtual tours and IDX website solutions, we help you stay ahead of the curve. Our platform is designed to simplify the process, from setting up tours to conducting online auctions, capturing leads, and closing deals.
From an established agent to someone just beginning, BidHom provides user-friendly real estate solutions and resources that can assist in delivering a premium experience to clients. Let’s get in touch to hear more about your unique requirements.
