Virtual home tours can provide a safe alternative than traditional home showings during the pandemic that has been going on for almost a whole year.
Buying a new home can be stressful but navigating during Covid-19 has brought upon new challenges.
However, sellers and buyers are still able to manage through online adaptations like virtual home tours. This new adaptation allows you to view a home virtually in the comfort of your own home without having to leave your house.
Real estate agents and sellers are able to virtually connect with the buyer through FacetTime or zoom on their phone or computer to give you a walkthrough of the home.
This is a great option for those who do not feel safe leaving their own homes or for homes that are not allowing in-person showings.
Through the tour, the agent will go through every room and space, point out any specific features, and answer any questions you may have. You may get more from a virtual home tour than a traditional showing.
During a virtual home tour, there are things that you should know ahead of time. You must be prepared and know what to look for during a virtual home tour. These 7 tips will help you get the most out of your virtual home tour so that everything runs smoothly.
Know What You Want
Just like traditional showings, knowing what you want ahead of time ensures that a tour is successful. It is best to write down all your needs and wants so that you know exactly what to say. Also, your agent will answer all your concerns first, and you don’t have to remember anything since it is all written down.
Your list can include requirements for a layout, like a kitchen, bathroom, living room, or basement as well as the style and the type of floors you want for a specific room.
Have a Floor Plan of The Home on Hand
Navigating through a video call can be quite tricky if you are not familiar with the layout of the home. To know how each of the rooms is oriented and connected, you should have a floor plan ready so that you can follow along during the virtual tour.
The floor plan can also have a reference to the room’s size and ceilings height. Print out the floor plan ahead of time so that you can make notes before your virtual tour begins.
Ask The Agent To Be Your Nose, Eyes & Ears
The home’s sounds and smells are just as important as the home’s looks. However, these are nearly impossible to detect over a video call so ask the agent to be your nose, eyes, and ears throughout the virtual tour.
Ask them if there are any strange smells around the house that need to be taken care of soon or if a neighbor’s dog is always barking. Signs like these can be a deal-breaker so it is crucial to ask the agent beforehand.
Furthermore, ask the agent if there are any squeaky or broken floorboards, creaky cabinets, pet odors, or hard to remove stains, basement smells, or any other issues that are not as easily detected in a video call.
Also, ask your agent to open cabinets and closets, show you the view from the windows, and zoom in on nooks and crannies.
Gather Important Details
During a virtual home tour or a traditional home showing, it is critical that you gather more specific details about the property that may not be included in the listing.
During your virtual tour, have a pencil and notepad ready so that you can write down any important details that may arise. Ask your agent for specific details and make a note of details as to where electrical outlets are placed in each room and the type of lightning.
Ask As Many Questions As You’d Like
There are no right or wrong answers and don’t be afraid to ask questions even if they seem silly. It is vital that you ask a lot of questions so that you have a better grasp of the space and home you are looking at.
Your agent will most likely inform you of important details upfront, but may not answer some of the questions that are concerning you so asking a lot of questions will give you a better picture of the property without actually seeing it in person.
Take a Tour Outside
Do not forget to ask your agent to tour the outside of the home. Tour the front, backyard, patio, porch, garages, and sheds.
Be sure to check the condition of the driveway, roof, siding, garage, shed, and other exterior elements that need to be replaced.
Moreover, make a note of the landscape, lawn care needs, and if the property you are touring includes a pool, hot tub, or slide.
Be Patient
Conducting the whole process of buying a home during Covid-19 is a whole new challenge for agents and buyers alike. You may experience some bumps along the road so being patient and understanding of these difficult times is key.
Try to remain very patient throughout any technical difficulties and the tour may take longer than usual since you may be asking a lot of questions.
A virtual home tour may not be a very seamless process but a virtual home tour will ensure that you and your family are safe during these difficult times.
Get in Contact With a Real Estate Agent Today!
Century Properties Real Estate is here for any concerns you may have with buying or selling a home. We are passionate realtors with over 40 years of experience and will strive to get you the home of your dreams even through the pandemic.
We will also ensure that you are able to sell your home fast and at the price of the actual worth of your home. Email or call us today at (281) 487-6500 or fill out our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.