Home shoppers are tired of racing to sales offices before they close and bracing for the hard sell that often follows. These days, the traditional process feels rigid and time consuming, especially for buyers who want space to explore without pressure.
UTour steps in as the solution. The platform gives shoppers the freedom to walk through new homes on their own schedule, with no salesperson hovering nearby, creating a smoother and more welcoming path to finding the right home.
Founded in 2018 and launched in 2020, UTour was the first integrated platform in the residential real estate industry that combined unattended access, AI-powered voice, chatbot technologies, and smart-home security to create a relaxed environment for prospective home buyers without the presence of a salesperson. UTour now collaborates with 100+ builders across Canada and the United States, helping home shoppers to tour new homes without pressure and in their own time.
“Our home shoppers appreciate the convenience of touring our homes on their own schedule,” said Jon Goldman, owner of Evergreen Homes. “Our buyers consistently share how much they love the self-touring experience.”
How UTour Works
Step 1: Find a home
Home shoppers can visit Livabl or a builder’s website (that’s partnered with UTour) to self-tour a UTour-enabled home. If they’re on-site at the community, simply scan the QR code in front of the home to register and immediately self-tour the home.
Step 2: Register
Create an account and verify your identity using a credit or debit card or government-issued photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license. Then you will receive the tour information via an automated text and email message that provides a unique entry code to unlock the front door.
Step 3: Get ready to tour
You’ll receive a four-digit code to enter the home, and you will have a full thirty minutes to explore. A chatbot may inform you to text questions and receive automated, instant responses. Motion sensors will activate the Alexa-enabled devices in key rooms of the home as the shopper self-tours the home and visitors can ask questions about the home or neighbourhood.
After your tour, you will receive a message encouraging you to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a salesperson if you are still interested in the home.
How Buyers Can Prepare for a UTour Appointment
• Create your UTour account early. Set up your profile and verify your identity ahead of time so you can access the home the moment you arrive.
• Confirm the tour details. Double-check the automated text and email for your unique entry code, tour time and any specific instructions from the builder.
• Bring your phone and ID. Your smartphone is your key to entering the home and receiving chatbot responses. Keep your government ID or payment card handy in case verification is needed.
• Plan your route. Look up the community location, parking options and the home’s address so you can arrive on time and make the most of your thirty minute window.
• Make a checklist. Note the features, finishes and floor plan elements you want to focus on so you can explore efficiently during your visit.
• Prepare questions. Think about what you want to know about the home or neighbourhood. You can text the built-in chatbot during your tour for instant answers.
• Take photos or videos. Capture details for later comparison, especially if you are touring more than one UTour home.
• Decide your next step. If you like what you see, be ready to book a follow up in person or virtual appointment with a salesperson after your tour.
The Bottom Line
UTour gives home shoppers exactly what they want: flexibility, privacy and control. Instead of squeezing visits into limited sales office hours or navigating high pressure conversations, buyers can tour new homes on their own terms and at their own pace. The result is a more relaxed and efficient path to finding a home that truly fits.
