Open House Alternatives During Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Disclaimer: The guidance shared on this page is just that: guidance based on our most conservative interpretations of local, state, and federal protocols and guidelines. Real estate agents should seek additional guidance from their brokers, and brokers should seek advice from their legal counsel about their options under all applicable orders and guidelines. The decision to continue with any in-person activities is at the discretion of each agent as directed by their clients and based on guidance from their brokerage. BRR, IR, NAR do not have the authority to prohibit or restrict real estate brokers from practicing real estate during an emergency, but remind members to make all business decisions in relation to their duties to the public, clients and consumers, and to other REALTORS® under the Code of Ethics, as well as their obligations under all local, state, and federal orders and guidelines. For additional resources, visit BRR’s Coronavirus Resource Page. 

 

To help brokers craft policies and procedures under the Idaho Rebounds Plan, especially for open houses and showings, BRR hosted a virtual forum for them, and a summary of the discussion is available here.

Please note that BRR is not advising or recommending members conduct “traditional” open houses, especially not for occupied, resale properties. In the context of this guidance, BRR loosely defines a “traditional open house” as one where anyone, or any number of people, can visit the home for sale during the open hours, whether or not they are serious homebuyers.

Please remember, if you are uncomfortable holding an open house, or doing any in-person activities, know that you are never required to put yourself at risk in servicing a client. Related to this, on June 3, 2020, Idaho REALTORS® and IREC emailed all members joint guidelines clarifying agents’ duties regarding showings as we’ve heard some agents have incorrectly assumed they must stay outside due to COVID-19. . BRR does encourage members to continue utilizing virtual and livestream open houses, and virtual showings and tours, and have provided tips and best practices for these below.

 

Virtual and Livestream Open Houses

As we’ve seen with so many things nowadays, hosting events via livestream (or even as pre-recorded videos) on YouTube or Facebook Live have the ability to reach many (many!) more people than in-person events. Virtual and Livestream Open Houses not only promote the property on behalf of your seller, but also, your skills and expertise as a REALTOR® to more people than you could ever meet through a “traditional” open house. We don’t see this as a trend that will go away “after COVID,” but will likely become an exceptional new marketing tool from here on out. There’s even a new field in IMLS/Paragon for you to add the URL to your virtual/livestream open house your listing.

• Hosting Virtual Open Houses on Facebook Live from Katie Lance [Video]
• 7 Steps to a Successful Virtual Open House from RIS Media [Website]

 

Virtual Showings and Tours

Many REALTORS® already utilize virtual showings via Facetime or Zoom or use virtual tours, including interactive floor plans and photo tours, as part of their everyday services. This is often the best way to share listings with out-of-state buyers, or with buyers who for a variety of reasons can’t make it to see a property in person.

Check out NAR’s Guide to Virtual Showings and Tours for best practices and tips.

Be sure to comply with Section 1.2 of IMLS’ Rules and Regulations if you do include a virtual tour in an MLS listing, as follows:

Physical Depictions of Property: Any physical depiction of a listed property, including, but IDX not limited to photographs, digital images, virtual tours and sketches, which are submitted to the Service, shall depict only the property for sale. Photographs, digital images and sketches shall not include listing brokers or agent contact information or other personal marketing information. Virtual Tours and/or Virtual Tour URL’s that include brokerages, listing brokers, agent contact information or other personal marketing information must be placed in the Branded Tour field. Any office or agent cannot use another agent’s or office’s photographs, digital images, virtual tours or sketches to promote a new/active listing without written permission. Any violation of this policy shall be considered a violation of the MLS Rules and Regulations and may be subject to a fine.

 

The vendors noted below are provided for reference only. BRR does not endorse nor promote any specific service. Please do your own research before working with any third-party vendor. Any promotions listed subject to change at the discretion of the vendor. If you know of a vendor that should be added to this list, please email taylor@boirealtors.com. Additionally, as the COVID-19 situation develops, some of these vendors may stop offering their services for some time. Please contact the vendor directly to determine their availability and organization specific COVID-19 protocols.

Virtual Tour Vendors: