Live Video Open Houses

What is a live video open house?

A live video open house is an open house in which all prospective buyers tour the home virtually via a live video conference through Zoom. The local Redfin agent will physically be in the home, walking potential buyers though every detail of property while also answering any questions you may have.

How to attend a virtual open house

If a home has an upcoming live video open house, it will be listed on the property’s details page on Redfin.com.

Step 1: To sign up for a live video open house, click the “sign up here” button below the home you’re interested in seeing.

Step 2: Once you click the “sign up here” button, you will be brought to a registration form. Complete the registration form and click register.

Step: 3 You will then receive a confirmation email noting the date and time of the event. The email will also include a link that you can easily click to join the Zoom meeting the day of the open house. You will also receive a reminder email with the Zoom meeting details one hour before the open house begins.

Step 4: If you are unable to sign up for the open house in advance, don’t worry, you can join at any time while the open house is happening. Simply click the “click here to join” button on the home’s listing page and you will quickly be added into the live-streamed Zoom meeting.

What to expect at a live-video open house

A traditional open house is typically held over a few hours and potential buyers can come and go as they wish. With a live video open house, attendees will be asked to join at a specific start time and the open house will typically last an hour. Additionally, instead of being able to wander around at their own pace, a Redfin agent will guide prospective buyers through the home via video-chat.

Here’s a sample schedule for what you’ll experience during a live video open house:

Introduction: The Redfin agent will introduce themselves and the home you’re about to see.

Tour: The agent will walk slowly through the home, pointing out features as they go. They will show each room and all additional spaces like the yard, garage, and immediate outside area to give an idea of the neighborhood. They will highlight the layout, flooring, windows, fixtures, and more. The agent will carefully explain things that buyers aren’t able to experience through virtual tours, like the sounds, smells, and general ambiance of the home.

Time for Questions: The agent will pause at the end of every room to take questions, either via video or through chat messages.

Recap Tour: If time allows, the agent may go through the home a second time, based on what attendees are interested in.

Live video open house do's and don'ts

There are plenty of do’s and don’ts that come with seeing a home in person. However, with live video open houses, things are a bit different. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow:

Do:

• Wait until the agent has finished showing a room before asking questions.
• Take notes on your likes, dislikes, and follow-up questions.
• If you have family members present with you, invite them to join the Zoom conference so they can also see the home.

Don't:

• Don’t take screenshots or recordings. Remember that you’re viewing someone else’s property. Unless the owner has granted permission, you may be violating state laws.
• Reveal information that would compromise your negotiating power, like your level of interest in the home or your budget.

Questions to ask at a virtual open house

An open house is your best opportunity to ask the listing agent your questions — don’t be shy. There are plenty of recommended questions you should consider when touring homes in person, but what about when you’re taking virtual house tours? Here are some critical questions to consider asking during a live video open house:

• Have there been any recent renovations or repairs?
• What are the noise levels like inside and outside the home?
• Can you open any curtains or blinds so I can see all the possible views?
• How old are the kitchen appliances?
• Can you test functions such as opening cabinets, doors, and drawers; run the faucets; check the water pressure?
• What direction is natural light coming from?
• If touring a single-family home, how close by are neighbors’ homes?
• If touring a condo, can you show me any common areas, like the hallways or amenities of the building?

It’s also important to be aware that there will likely be other potential buyers on the live video open house with you, so you will likely not have one-on-one time with the listing agent. If you want to spend additional time noting detailed measurements and scrutinizing every square inch, book a private live-video chat tour or in-person tour with your Redfin agent.

How to prepare your home for a live video open house as a seller

As a seller, an open house is one of the best opportunities to attract potential buyers - and a virtual open house isn’t any different. While there won’t be the formalities of a sign in sheet, and hours spent away from your home, many potential homebuyers will still see your home thoroughly. Be sure to take time and prepare your home for this virtual setting just as you would with an in-person open house.

Check out our open house checklist for sellers to make sure you’re prepared.

Live video open houses benefits for buyers

Increased convenience. Imagine a prospective buyer sitting at home, yet virtually touring another home’s kitchen and living room before heading upstairs to check out the new master suite. They then step outside to view the pool in the backyard and the surrounding neighborhood - all from the comfort of their own couch.

Ability to see more homes. Because of the convenience of video open houses, you can see more properties, in more locations, whether looking for a home in your area or in another state.

In-depth viewing. Unlike traditional real estate videos of homes, with live virtual tours, you’ll be able to ask questions in real time, such as if a room has crown moulding or how much natural light comes in through a window.

Live video open house benefits for sellers

Reach a wide audience. Unlike traditional real estate videos of homes, with live virtual tours, you’ll be able to ask questions in real time, such as if a room has crown moulding or how much natural light comes in through a window.

Attract out-of-town buyers. If you're selling your house, holding a virtual open house is an efficient way to attract homebuyers moving to a new city, who would otherwise have to drive for hours or take a flight to see a home.

More serious buyers. Traditional open houses often attract neighbors and anyone who may be passing by - these viewers are likely not interested in buying your home, but instead just want to see inside. However, because viewers can’t just stumble into a virtual open house while driving by, those attending are likely more serious about finding a home and making an offer.

A more comfortable way to display your home. You won’t have to leave your home for hours anymore, compared to a traditional open house. It also provides you with an increased sense of privacy and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I conduct or attend a live video open house?

Redfin currently offers live video open houses in many markets and more every day. If buying, follow the steps listed above to see a live video open house in your area. If selling, check with your Redfin agent to see how to get your house featured in a live video open house.

How do I ask questions during the live video open house?

There will be plenty of opportunities for questions during the house tour. The agent will pause at the end of every room and at the end of the tour to take questions, either via video or through Zoom chat messages.

Is there a limit to the number of people who can join a live video open house?

Up to 100 attendees can join each live video open house.

How is a live video open house different from a live video-chat tour?

A live video open house is a virtual home tour attended by multiple prospective buyers and hosted by the listing agent; while a live video-chat tour is virtual one-on-one viewing for a single prospective buyer, hosted by the buyer’s agent.