Virtual Open Houses in 2021

Live stream open houses have never been more popular in the real estate world.  “Since the feature was made available on REALTOR.ca in April, there have been more than 24,800 live stream open houses conducted by more than 2,600 REALTORS® across Canada.” according to CREA.  That’s a lot of people that potentially have been saved from exposure to the virus.  Visit Ottawa Virtual Open Houses (ottawaopenhouses.ca) to see all the available properties that have virtual open houses.

Despite multiple lockdowns and restrictions, Real Estate has not only remained essential but has thrived. Take a look at how we are doing things differently.  The high demand in the Ottawa area has kept us all busy as we adapt.  We are doing business virtually and using more and more online tools.  We are fortunate to still be able to help those buyers and sellers that need to buy or sell. While we have pivoted to a more digital atmosphere, with virtual open houses, tours, and digital signatures, we are happy that we have been able to remain a stable force that our clients can always depend on.  One of the biggest trends in 2020 and will continue to be in 2021 is technology.  Here is a look at how our industry has pivoted to offer more and more ways to view properties online. 

Virtual Open Houses in 2021

Hosting Open houses is a marketing tool to allow potential buyers to view the homes they had an interest in purchasing. The point was to maximize the number of showings in a condensed amount of time. Sellers have the house staged and cleaned to display the home at its absolute best.  Visit Ottawa Virtual Open Houses (ottawaopenhouses.ca) to see all the available properties that have virtual open houses.  With the COVID-19 pandemic curtailing the way we interact, and in compliance with provincial restrictions, we put a halt to the traditional open house in spring 2020 and instead, introduced Virtual Open Houses. The health and safety of our clients and community have always been at the top of our minds, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that our essential services can be used remotely, and conveniently. Now, our REALTORS®, photographers, and stagers work together to showcase your home virtually, in these new and innovative ways. 

Virtual Open House – Pre-Recorded

With professional photographers and videographers, we record a high-quality video tour of your home, highlighting all the excellent features that you do not want buyers to miss. Your home is staged as it would be in a traditional open house, making it easier for others to picture their belongings in this new space. This pre-recorded option allows buyers to view multiple times, and at their own convenience. 

Live Steaming your Open House

The benefits of live-streaming your open house are the same as a pre-recorded open house, only viewers can ask questions during the viewing.  It has a set time just like a regular open house.  Your REALTOR® will engage with prospective buyers or agents and ensure they have the information they need to move forward. 

3D Walk Through Tour

This interactive walk-through allows you to move at your own pace while taking measurements and viewing the layout of the space. The detailed floor plans allow guests to view the home as if they were inside, walking around in real-time. This feature is great in combination with both live-stream and pre-recorded open houses.  It gives potential buyers a completely immersive experience. 

These new virtual options have opened the market up to buyers all over the world. Now searching for a home is easier than ever. For a list of virtual open houses, use the search function and explore as many homes as you want in an afternoon. For any questions or further information on listings that stand out to you, reach out to your Royal LePage Team Realty agent today.  Curious about how we are stopping the spread. and other online buying tools if you have to buy a house during Covid click here.