# Virtual Open-House The real estate industry is turning to technology for solutions amid COVID-19. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published May 25, 2020 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-openhouse ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Virtual Open-House trend? **Virtual Open-House:** As in-person property viewings are a cause of concern during the health pandemic, real estate agents are increasingly turning to technology to continue servicing their clients. Through virtual reality, 3D tech, and social media live streams, realtors are able to continue showing properties for sale. ## The consumer insight behind the Virtual Open-House trend Consumers are pushing to continue with business as usual while adhering to the governments' safety directives. As consumers' lives across North America remain on hold and their everyday has drastically changed, postponing large milestones and investments that they've planned for some time can be a source of additional stress. Moving forward with plans and making important life decisions allow individuals to experience some sense of normalcy as they navigate a changed world. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 19 to May 25, 2020 - Published: May 25, 2020 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Open-House trend ### Virtual Home Tours Virtual home tours are booming in popularity as physical distancing rules persist during the COVID-19 pandemic. ### Augmented Reality Communication Platforms A new augmented reality communication platform is debuted by Frontdoor, a leading provider of home service plans, to provide remote service during and potentially after the COVID-19 pandemic. ### Livestream Virtual Reality Tours Real estate businesses are tapping into livestream virtual reality tours to allow clients to continue exploring their dream homes from the safety and comfort of their couch. ## What the Virtual Open-House trend means for industry ### For Real Estate The real estate industry is heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and is turning to technology for solutions such as virtual home tours and augmented reality communication platforms. ### For Home Services Home services companies are utilizing augmented reality communication platforms to provide remote services to customers during the pandemic. ### For Technology The boom in virtual home tours and augmented reality communication platforms demonstrate opportunities for innovative technology to disrupt the traditional real estate industry. ## Workshop question How might you adopt an in-person service to the virtual environment? ## Trend signals for Virtual Open-House Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 80%, activity 70%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 80% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Virtual Open-House trend 4 featured examples from May 19 to May 25, 2020. - [Livestream Virtual Reality Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homeviewing-option): HOMGROUP Provides Accessible Home-Viewing Options During COVID-19 (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for real estate businesses to adapt to the pandemic by utilizing virtual reality tours. - [Augmented Reality Communication Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-communication): Frontdoor's Streem Seamlessly Enables Remote Service (Category: Tech) Implication: An opportunity for home service providers to incorporate AR communication platforms to provide remote services. - [Virtual Home Tour Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-home-tour): VirtuallyPossible 360 Provides Interactive 3D Property Visualizations (Category: Business) Implication: Virtual home tours and interactive 3D property visualization offer disruptive innovation opportunities for the real estate industry to improve the home-buying experience. - [Virtual Open Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-open-house): LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Taps Live Streams to Continue Business (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Embracing virtual open houses and digital tools can revolutionize the real estate industry, improving efficiency, customer experience, and globa… ## Recent trend clusters - [Fixable Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fixable-devices) (Tech) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) - [Autonomy Stacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomy-stacks) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Variable Aperture Smartphone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-18) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)