Tips For Viewing Homes Online
Tips For Viewing Homes Online
It is easy to get excited looking at home listing after home listing online, drawn to the stunningly filtered photos of manicured lawns, sharp-looking kitchens, open spaces, and giant bedrooms. Although this is a great place to start your home search, it is important to keep in mind that all may not be as it seems.
Here are our top tips to avoid being disappointed by listings online.
Photos do not always capture the full picture. Real estate photographers are very good at highlighting the best features of the home and often use wide angle lenses to make spaces appear larger and brighter than reality. Be aware that there may be less photo-worthy features they are not displaying. Do not forget to look at the property features listed as well to gather a better idea of what a home has to offer and to see if the photos give an accurate presentation of the home.
Ensure you are looking at current listings. Nothing is worse than falling in love with the perfect home, only to check out the listing date to find it was posted two years ago. Make sure you use websites that are pulling information daily from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and have your real estate agent verify it is truly available.
Ask your real estate agent to determine if the photos are current or were reused from previous listings or were the original photps from when the home was new.
Use your real estate agent as a resource in your home search. If you find a seemingly great listing online, always run it by your agent to confirm you are not missing something important. They can also provide neighborhood details, price comparisons for similar properties just sold in the area, feature comparisons to other homes in the area, additional listings that match your criteria, and more. They also may have previewed the home already and if so, can offer valuable insights from their tour.
Once you a find a home you are ready to view, make sure you have your real estate agent set up the showing, and come with you to answer questions and be an extra set of eyes.
If you are already checking out homes online and/or are ready to get started viewing homes in person, contact a Real Estate Advisor | REALTOR® from Martin Real Estate Advisors Group | United Real Estate at 469-262-5411 or just complete the GET IN TOUCH form on this page. We would be honored to assist you with your home search and purchase.