Of course, virtual open houses provide a safe, efficient way to view homes from anywhere on your own schedule. That said, they’re simply no substitute for an in-person visit. For many reasons, attending open houses is still the best way to find the home of your dreams and ensure a smooth transition into a place that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Here are four reasons why you should always visit a home in-person before finalizing your decision.
You’ll See Things Photos Don’t Show
We’ve all seen those strange, stretched-out photos on real estate websites that play with perspective to make spaces appear larger or differently proportioned than they actually are. Virtual tours and photos can often be a bit deceptive in terms of what they do ― and don’t ― show. Moreover, they just can’t capture all the sensory details necessary for a thorough evaluation.
Seeing a property firsthand greatly reduces unwelcome surprises on move day and beyond. By physically walking through the home, you’ll get a much more accurate idea of room dimensions, the overall layout, how sounds travel through the space, the amount of natural light, and the home’s overall flow and functionality. You might also notice ― and fall in love with ― charming details or features not captured in an online listing.
Don’t rush through an open house. Give yourself sufficient time to explore all indoor and outdoor spaces thoroughly. Open closets and cabinets ― and check the basement and attic if possible. Go room by room and imagine how you would arrange and use the space. Pay careful attention to the “bones” of the house and look beyond cosmetic issues like paint color or flooring, which can easily be changed. Instead, try to see the possibilities for transforming and improving the space to make it your own.
You Can Ask Questions in Real Time
The open house is your best opportunity to gather all the facts you need to make an informed decision. Interacting with a real estate agent gives you a chance to ask questions and evaluate how familiar they are with property details. For example, they should know about recent upgrades, quirky features and even a bit about the neighbors and neighborhood. During your walkthrough, be sure to give the space a critical eye and ask questions about anything that’s unclear or missing from the listing information. This could include details about allowable renovations, appliances included in the sale, HOA fees/restrictions, property taxes and similar details.
Another advantage of an in-person visit? If you do place an offer, you’ll have an established relationship – and the agent can often help give you an edge in a competitive market.
You’ll Get a Sense of the Neighborhood
Yes, it’s fun to use a tool like Google Maps to “prowl” up and down a street virtually, but that’s no substitute for a walk or drive through your potential new neighborhood. In addition to getting a better idea about the neighborhood’s attractions (and, let’s be honest, eyesores), being there in-person is also an opportunity to get a sense of things such as traffic volume and parking availability, as well as proximity to amenities like parks and shopping centers. It’s those little extras and “hidden gems” that can make all the difference in your final decision.
Our advice? Leave some time before or after the Open House to walk or drive around the neighborhood. Notice things like proximity to schools, public transit, restaurants, and theaters. parking. A home’s location and surrounding amenities are just as important as the house itself.
You Can Still Use a Virtual Tour ― as a Screener
One way a photo or virtual tour can save you time is by helping you pre-select homes and neighborhoods that will potentially be a great fit. Use online photos and virtual tours to help separate “the best from the rest” and then visit the properties in person. At the very least, you gain valuable knowledge about the local market so you can make a more informed choice.
We hope your journey to Finding Home is smooth and successful. And remember, no matter where you happen to be in the moving process, you can count on Mayflower to be with you Every Step of the Way®.
Moving or about to move? Get a no-obligation quote from Mayflower.
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