03/9

Virtual showings became a popular alternative to in-person home showings at the start of the pandemic for obvious reasons, but they’ll likely be sticking around. Three out of five home shoppers like you say they are willing to purchase a home, solely after a virtual showing. Homebuyers have enjoyed going virtual to keep up with the rapid pace of the market while sellers are able to receive more clicks on their listing.

A virtual tour can be conducted through several different approaches so it’s important to understand the benefits and limitations of each medium. While 3-D tours are easy and convenient, live virtual showings scheduled with an agent are often more realistic.

3-D tours

Tools like 3D Home provide 360-panoramic photos which saves time for agents and sellers while allowing buyers to take their time browsing the images conveniently from their couch. These tours are great for a first look at the house.

Live virtual showings

Reach out to your agent for a virtual home showing via Zoom or FaceTime. It is a less polished form of presentation and gives you a chance to see each room from a more realistic angle. This is the time to ask all of your questions concerning the property.

A couple of areas of caution

• There may be difficulty viewing the details. An inability to examine potential flaws means you might not get exactly what you expect. If you decide you like the house, make sure to get a proper home inspection to avoid any surprises. You can always add contingencies to your offer so that you don’t miss any repairs that need to be made. 
• Don’t forget about your nonvisual senses. A virtual tour isn’t in your favor when it comes to smelling the second-hand smoke or odd musty odor of a home. If you’re curious about the nonvisual environment, ask about sounds or smells that will help factor into your offer. Consider driving through the neighborhood to get a real taste for the surroundings of the house.

While a virtual tour isn’t exactly the same as an in-person one, it’s still a great way to see a house that sparks your interest. Instead of shying away from the opportunity, use it to your advantage, and ask your Realtor any questions you have along the way!