Everything you need to know about adding a live stream open house to your REALTOR.ca listing
Nabil Imani
BCREA
Please note: various jurisdictions have offered differing health and safety guidelines about showing property. REALTORS® should put safety first, follow health advice and only use the live stream feature when permitted.
We know the COVID-19 pandemic is severely impacting the way REALTORS® normally do business. That’s why we’re making it a priority to adapt with the ever-changing guidelines and rules set by government officials and healthcare professionals, so REALTORS® have the tools they need.
We recently added the ability to advertise live stream open houses on REALTOR.ca listings.
As virtual showcases and livestreaming open houses on social media become the new normal replacing real-life open houses, we encourage REALTORS® to take advantage of this new feature.
We know change can be difficult and we want to make it easier for you to adopt this new feature. We’ve answered nine of your frequently asked livestreaming questions to help you become a pro. Ready? Set. Action.
- What can I use livestreaming for?
You can use livestreaming services to showcase your listings and engage with buyers remotely and in real-time. You can tour the home, walk through the property and neighbourhood, and answer questions directly with buyers.
- What streaming platforms does REALTOR.ca support?
REALTOR.ca supports all streaming platforms.
- I am new to livestreaming; how do I get started?
Below are some guides that explain how to set up livestreaming on popular platforms. Note, platforms may change their set-up process over time. You can also do a Google search, “How to schedule a live stream on…” to find additional resources.
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- What URL do I use to schedule my live stream on member.REALTOR.ca?
While setting up your live stream on your chosen streaming platform (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), you will be given a direct URL. You must use that direct URL on member.REALTOR.ca to link to your live stream on REALTOR.ca.
- How do I know if my board or association is sending my live stream information to REALTOR.ca?
Please check with your board or association to see whether they will send your live stream information to REALTOR.ca. However, if your board or association allows you to input your live stream information at the MLS® system level, and allows CREA visibility to this information, you will see your live stream information on the Listing Input page.
- Can buyers watch my live stream on REALTOR.ca?
No, your live stream will not be hosted on REALTOR.ca; therefore, buyers will not be able to watch your live stream on REALTOR.ca. Buyers will be re-directed to the streaming platform of your choice to watch and access your live stream.
- How will my scheduled live stream look on REALTOR.ca?
A link to your live stream will be prominently displayed on your REALTOR.ca listing. On desktop, your live stream link will be displayed under the Description section. On mobile, your live stream link will be displayed above the Description section for higher visibility. We cannot control how the live stream option will display on DDF® listings as it is up to the discretion of the partner.
- Can I schedule a private live stream for just my clients?
Some live stream platforms allow you to schedule private sessions, however, you should not link private live stream sessions on your REALTOR.ca listings.
- Can I use pre-recorded videos?
While some platforms allow you to save previously recorded sessions, it’s not recommended to schedule these as live streams on REALTOR.ca as you cannot interact with your audience in real-time. You can add previously recorded videos and virtual tours to your listing. (Please note: MLS® System fields may vary by board or association).
Do you have tips for filming a live stream open house? Share them in the Comments below.
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