Real estate agents have successfully been throwing open houses for decades, but virtual open houses are a different ball game. The freedom of the internet allows you to be more flexible, and creative with your showing. Which can lead to amazing results, without inconveniencing your clients. It can be hard to know where exactly to start though. So, we have prepared some easy guidelines for you to follow. Who knows, with some practice virtual open houses could become your new favorite marketing tactic.
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You have two primary options when it comes to recording your virtual open house. Each one offers great benefits, so it may even be worth it to do both for your listings.
You must have a smartphone or high quality video camera regardless of which you choose to do. A smartphone would be more convenient because it allows you to directly connect to, or upload to, the online platform needed to share your open house.
Interactive, or live virtual open houses can be hosted on social media sites like Facebook, or on conferencing platforms like Google Hangouts or Zoom. The fact that these are done in real time, and allow potential buyers to comment and ask questions in the moment, makes them the closest to traditional open houses. Buyers love the interactive aspect of these tours, but if you are not well rehearsed and comfortable on video, you can easily have complications or fumbles.
This method also allows for easy lead capture. For potential buyers to access the open house you will need to provide them with a code or invite. You then know that everyone you provided access to the open house is interested, and you can reach out to them at a later date.
These videos can be filmed ahead of time, allowing you to practice, re-film, and edit as much as you want. Once you have your open house filmed perfectly you can then upload the recording to Youtube, Facebook, or your website. Obviously this approach will let you have more control over how your showing goes, and for agents who are inexperienced in front of a camera this is a good way to get used to it. The downfall is that buyers will not be able to ask questions and comment in real time. Leaving you to address any concerns they may have later.
Regardless of the platform you decide to use to film and post your video, practice is essential. Here are a few tips to help you get your video flawless:
This is the aspect of virtual open houses that is not much different than traditional ones. You will want to promote your showing as much as possible on all your go-to outlets. Make a social media graphic, post in community Facebook groups, and call up any leads you think would be interested. Get the word out any and every way you know how.
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Once you have finally made it to the day of your live virtual open house, or the day you got all dressed up to record it, there are a couple things you will want to keep in mind.