Death of the Open House

Picture of Adrian Trott

Adrian Trott

Adrian Trott is the co-founder of The Kormendy Trott Team and Renti, a residential property management company. With a reputation for innovative strategies and exceptional client service, Adrian has helped transform the real estate and property management experience for homeowners, tenants, and investors. Outside of work, Adrian is a tech enthusiast, fitness advocate, and family man dedicated to finding creative solutions for every challenge in the real estate world.

Share this story:

Death of the Open House

Gone are the days of traditional open houses.

In the early days of the COVID pandemic, we recognized the risk and concern surrounding open houses. Unqualified, unrepresented strangers entering our clients’ houses had become unsettling and unnecessary. We saw an opportunity to adapt and improve our business. In early March of 2020, we stopped public open houses. This was well before local real estate boards, and municipalities restricted them.

As the real estate industry and the world evolve, we alter and add to our services and best practices to stay ahead.  In the case of open houses, we recognize the value of allowing visitors into the home. Still, given the risks involved and the technology available, simply put, they’re not worth it.

… we’ve sold listings to people who’ve never visited person!

Between photos, videos, 3D virtual walkthroughs, 2D floorplans, and now a live virtual open house (via facebook), buyers of real estate listed by KT can easily determine their probability of liking a property. Not to mention, we’ve sold listings to people who’ve never visited in person!

Virtual Open House Best Practice

Our best practice now involves hosting a live video online the same day the house hits the public market.  This is an effective day because we’ve generated a lot of hype around the home through social media and paid advertisements. It also allows people to view it the moment it’s available. There’s no more waiting for the weekend.

The Virtual Open House Results

These virtual open houses have been exceptionally well received. With often over 100 viewers during a live video and plenty of engagement and subsequent inquiries from viewers, they’re a constant success.  We receive more visitors and better engagement than we’d ever get via public open houses, all without the concerns of germs, theft and strangers.

LISTEN | THE REAL ESTATE PODCAST

Read | REAL ESTATE BLOGS

Buying, Selling, or Leasing?

Contact KT today for a no obligation conversation.

Inspired? Confused? Comment.

Read More

How to Price Your Rental

Owning rental property in Milton can be a fantastic source of passive income—if you find the right tenant! This guide from KT Realty’s Milton real estate agents covers smart pricing strategies, tips for attracting reliable renters, and why setting your rent just below market value can make all the difference.

Read More »

First time buying a home?

Buying your first home in Canada can be more affordable than you think. From the First Home Savings Account and Home Buyers’ Plan to Land Transfer Tax rebates and new mortgage rules, there are plenty of ways to save thousands on your purchase. Learn how these programs work and what you need to consider so you can make the most of your homeownership journey.

Read More »

Are Real Estate Agents Worth the Cost?

Selling your home can be overwhelming, but having a trusted Milton Realtor makes all the difference. From strategic pricing to expert marketing and seamless negotiation, a real estate agent ensures you get top dollar for your biggest financial asset—without the stress. Here’s why working with a pro is the smart move for sellers in Milton and beyond.

Read More »

Compare

Open House Terms & Privacy Agreement

for KT Open Houses

  1.  

1. Visitor Etiquette: All visitors are required to maintain a respectful and safe environment in our client’s property by adhering to the following etiquette guidelines unless otherwise directed by a representative of The KT Team:

  • Footwear: Please remove footwear upon entry to help preserve the property’s cleanliness.
  • Washroom Facilities: Visitors are kindly asked to refrain from using washroom facilities.
  • Personal Belongings and Furniture: For privacy and safety, please avoid touching personal belongings or opening furniture not part of the sale. Examples include dressers, media consoles, and most free-standing furniture.
  • Food and Beverages: Outside food and beverages are prohibited while touring the property.
  • Furniture: To respect our client’s space, please avoid sitting or lying on any furniture.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed within the property.
  • Children: Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring children follow these guidelines.

2. Visitor Tracking and Safety: To ensure the safety of our clients’ property and personal belongings and the security of our real estate agents, all visitors are required to provide accurate and complete contact information. This information is used to track attendees and ensure accountability.

3. Digital Communications and Follow-Up: By providing your contact information, you consent to receive digital communications from our real estate team, including information about this property, future open houses, and other relevant real estate opportunities. These communications may include marketing or promotional messages, and we aim to keep them relevant to your interests.

4. Opting Out: You may opt out of receiving digital communications at any time by contacting us directly at the contact points below or following the unsubscribe link provided in messages. Opting out will remove you from future marketing communications, although we may retain your contact information for internal records related to visitor tracking.

KT Realty
229 – 336 Bronte Street South
Milton ON L9T 7W6
[email protected]
1 (800) 617-0090

4. Prospecting and Sales Activity: Our real estate team may use your information for prospecting and follow-up purposes. We ensure these communications are conducted respectfully and aim to provide opportunities aligned with your interests.

5. Privacy and Data Protection: We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. Your details will not be shared with third parties, except as required by law or for purposes directly related to the safety of open house events.

6. Acknowledgment: By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions. You agree to adhere to any additional requests or instructions the real estate agents provide to maintain a safe and secure environment during your visit.