Will Open Houses come back post Pandemic?

Or are we done with Open Houses?

For a majority of the past 14 months open houses have either been banned or discouraged.

Will open houses ever be a thing again?

Or will they be gone even after the lockdowns are a thing of the past?

Imagining a time where the world is open and we can freely engage with our friends and family may be hard to imagine after the past 14 months. However, with vaccines rolling out to more and more groups the end of COVID lockdowns is ahead.

Before COVID 19, Open Houses were a tool that real estate agents used to promote themselves and their listings. They were a great way to view the inventory in the market as an agent. We all know that it is an enjoyable past times for many homeowners and neighbours.

Since COVID 19, real estate agents have changed they way they do business.  Technology has led the way. With Virtual tours, virtual open houses, and facebook live tours do we even need them? 

Yes! Technology has allowed viewing properties online to be easier than ever, but it still does not take away the need to see a home in person. Open houses are also vital for educating buyers. Agents are resources for neighbourhood and school information. Open Houses provide a clear timeline for an offer date that allows buyers to walk through a property at their leisure, as opposed to the pressure that is on buyers now in this fast paced environment. But will they return?

No! As long as we are wearing masks, open houses will be on hold.

While buyers will not be strolling open houses for sometime, it has allowed the real estate process to stream line. While viewing homes has become by appointment only only serious buyers are out looking at homes.

So, my opinion on the matter is … I hope so, but time will tell.