Open houses are now virtual! BeachesMLS, the subsidiary of Broward, Palm Beaches, & St. Lucie Realtors®, is hosting the first-ever Virtual Open House Week from April 20th to the 26th!

BeachesMLS is creating a new movement across the country where Realtors® open doors to potential buyers, virtually. In the current pandemic the world is facing, they recognize the importance of practicing social distancing but also that real estate is essential to our country. VirtualHouseSearch.com allows potential buyers to browse in real-time virtual open houses easily in one place.

Realtors® can schedule virtual open houses under the newly created field in their MLS system. They have the opportunity to reach a large number of buyers and give them an interactive tour through live streaming on popular consumer-friendly platforms. The virtual tours will take place on Facebook Live, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Team, YouTube Live, and Zoom. Once the open house is added to the MLS, it will be available within the MLS Private Agent reports and syndicated to websites like Realtor.com and Zillow.

“Our MLS is taking a proactive approach by providing its subscribers with innovative ways to boost their business during these unparalleled times,” Said Chief Executive Officer Dionna Hall.

To safeguard the health of their subscribers and the public, BeachesMLS has temporarily removed open houses from the MLS, and no additional in-person open houses can be scheduled. However, to ensure members can continue doing business, they’ve added the ability to schedule virtual open houses and virtual broker opens, plus increased virtual tour capabilities.

“The State of Florida realizes that real estate is essential, and during this time, we want to create virtual outlets like this to make sure our members continue to do business safely” Continues Hall.

By launching Virtual Open House Week, consumers can now tour an influx of open houses with a single click. Unique features such as the search functionality and other interactive tools make it possible to narrow down search results to only what they’re looking for.

BeachesMLS subscribers are being urged to follow CDC guidelines and practice social distancing. NAR released open house guidance to help Realtors® safely operate according to the latest CDC guidelines. Additional open house tips for Realtors® and consumers are being offered on VirtualHouseSearch.com. Realtors® with legal questions should contact their attorneys, Florida Realtors® legal hotline, or NAR’s COVID-19 hotline.

The Association is offering new ways for members to learn virtually by hosting free webinars and online training videos. Members can also receive 40% off online education at the CE Shop. Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie Realtors® have been active and worked closely with government officials to ensure real estate services were deemed essential in Florida.