How to Host a Virtual Open House
Success of an open house can make or break your real estate marketing efforts. Therefore hosting a great open house is crucial for a real estate agent or business. COVID-19 pandemic has pushed most industries to adopt an online business model, and the real estate sector is no different. You can now host a virtual open house to attract potential buyers.
The Right Time to Host a Virtual Open House
Motivated sellers would do anything to get the home sold as soon as possible. In this case, a virtual open house can help you attract interested buyers from a wider spectrum. Buyers can attend the open house online via online streaming on Facebook Live, Instagram Live, or YouTube live streaming.
If you are looking for instant offers or targeting out-of-state buyers, hosting a virtual open house is the best thing to do. It will not only help you gain a wider audience but at a very minimalistic cost as well—no more need to spend money on decor, seating arrangements, refreshments etc.
How to Host a Great Virtual Open House
Like a real-world open house, you want the virtual open house to stand out and attract potential homebuyers. In order to do so, use the following approaches.
Choosing the Right Platform
Research on which online mediums will be a great place to broadcast your virtual open house? For instance, you can use Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as the main live streaming channels. If you are looking for corporate investors, adding LinkedIn into the mix will help your cause.
Do some research to determine which platform is right for your virtual open house.
Getting the Word Out
Marketing is key to getting the word out so potential buyers can log on for the virtual viewing of the property in question. You can post about your virtual open house on local home listing sites, Facebook pages, Tweet it, or ask family and friends to share your virtual open house details and invitation on their social media posts and with their real-world connections.
Rehearse Before the Real Show
You must remember that you will be the face of the virtual open house, and with no distractions of the real world, potential buyers will focus on what you say. Therefore, you must do a dress rehearsal before running the actual show.
Avoid awkward pauses; missing out on critical home details can be damaging. Your pitch must be picture perfect for you to come across as an expert real estate agent well-versed in the market. Check that all your equipment such as cameras, batteries, internet, sound and lighting are working perfectly. Having a backup may also be a good idea.
A Steady Pace is Important
Do not race through spaces. Take your time to present each section of the house. Rushing through a specific area or portion may leave buyers frustrated. It would be best to give the buyers enough time to observe every section of the property in great detail. Fail to do that, and the buyer will leave the virtual open house in the middle.
Team Up
If you are nervous about facing the camera alone, you can make your virtual open house a two-person operation. This way, one can hold the camera while the other speaks and even switch roles.
Dress to Impress
Your image matters a lot, so you must dress to success. It is exactly like going in for an interview dressed up for a job you want. So the clothing has to be modest and easy on the eyes.
Select a Date and Time and Be Punctual
Select a specific date and time to go live, and do not be late. Remember, your first impression is the last, and being late may appear irresponsible and unprofessional to the buyers attending the online open house.
Tips for Post Virtual Open House Activities
Here are some tips for what to do after your virtual open house.
- Create a virtual record of all the attendees
- Answer any questions the buyer may have
- Ask for reviews about your virtual open house
- Present a call to action, i.e., what potential buyers interested in the property must do next. Be as detailed you can; otherwise, you may lose buyers getting lost in the process trying to reach you with an offer.
The Takeaway
A virtual open house can help increase your geographical outreach to find potential buyers. Follow the above-mentioned strategies to host a virtual open house.
