Benefits of Virtual Open Houses

Since the onset of COVID-19, open houses have changed dramatically. With in-person gatherings having been either restricted or banned, open houses have moved to an online approach. More realtors than ever are spending marketing dollars on Matterport 3D tours to allow buyers to “open house” from the safety of their own home. These tours allow buyers to take their time and explore the whole home at their pace. Although there’s nothing quite like seeing a house in person, here are some of the benefits:

1. Explore at your own pace.

You may feel rushed or distracted at an in-person open house either by your children, other people, or the Realtor themselves. Take all the time you need online.

2. No 2-4pm window.

Ready, set, run! This is often the reality of buyers that have 8+ open houses to see in the two-hour open house window. It can be especially frustrating when you see something you like and want to linger, but can’t, because you have a route planned. With online tours there is no rush.

3. You won’t forget what that room looked like.

Did you ever leave a home, look at a few more places, and then completely forget what the first one looked like? Yeah me neither…

No stress! With a 3D tour you can see that room as many times as you’d like!

4. You can measure from within the tour!

This perk is very cool (and helpful). After hosting thousands of in-person open houses, I can honestly say that not one buyer ever knew the exact dimensions of all their furniture. They would often look at the living room and say, “…yeah I think our sectional will fit.” With 3D tours, the guess work and surprises are gone! Matterport Tours are created with state-of-the-art technology that creates measured spaces with 99% accuracy. While in the tour, click on the ruler and start measuring. Try it out by clicking the image at the bottom of the page!

5. No waiting, cramming, or difficulty seeing a very popular property.

Attending an open house in a seller’s market, where the home shows beautifully, and the price is low to create a competition = INSANITY. In scenarios where the Realtors allow a free for all, the house will be full and seeing the house property is impossible.  Where a conscientious Realtor is  controlling the number of people in the home, you will have to wait outside till it’s your turn to tour.  With 3D tours – problem solved.  No waiting, cramming, or rushing.

6. Save gas. 

Not sure there is much to be said here.  Save the planet 😉

7. Narrow your search.

I love this about 3D tours! Many people complain that a home looks different in person from photos. Often, if they had known more about it beforehand, they would have skipped it. Matterport tours are a great way to narrow your search so you can focus on the ones you really want to see.

8. You won’t give the listing agent too much information. 

It’s important to remember that the listing agent is working for the Seller, and has a legal obligation to get them the best price. 3D tours are anonymous and allow you to keep the following information private so it doesn’t come back to cost you more in the end:

• Your budget, especially if you can afford more than the list price
• Any requirements for a specific closing date
• Reasons why you MUST live in a specific neighbourhood
• Anything you notice about the house that satisfies a unique need of yours

It’s also crucial to keep your emotions in check. It’s great to find a home you love, but unwise to show those emotions to a person who is not working on your behalf.  Matterport makes this a non-issue.

9. You can still book an in-person private tour. 

Although open houses have been restricted or cancelled during the pandemic, in-person viewings are still allowed with precautionary measures in place. 3D tours have definitely helped buyers in their search, but for most, an in-person viewing is still preferred before signing on the dotted line. Our suggestion would be to work with one agent from start to finish. They can set up showings on all the homes you want to see and guide you though the process, whether online or in-person.

It will be interesting to see if, when, and how open houses will return when life returns to “normal.” It’s safe to say that thousands of homes have sold without in-person open houses this year, and many buyers are becoming accustomed to this new way of shopping.

To see one of these 3D tours for yourself Click the image below: