Virtual Open Houses: What to Expect and Avoid as a Buyer

When buying a property, many people now directly use virtual open houses to view it. While this is a great way to get a quick impression of a house without having to leave your place and schedule a time for an in-person visit, there are some important things that you should be aware of.

In this blog, Graana.com, Pakistan�s smartest property portal, has jotted down some tips that can prepare you for attending a virtual open house.

What Is a Virtual Open House?

A virtual open house is an interactive online event that allows potential home buyers to view a property from the comfort of their own homes. Buyers can �walk� through the property using a computer or mobile device, and even chat with the seller or real estate agent for any inquiries.

Virtual open houses are a great way to attract buyers who cannot view the property in person. 

As seamless as it may sound, you need to prepare accordingly to make a well-informed decision after attending a virtual open house.

Do Your Research in Advance

Whenever you are looking for houses for sale in Islamabad or any other major city, learn everything you can about the property before attending the virtual open house. You should also ask your agent if there is anything about the property that you should be aware of, so there are no hidden shortcomings of the property that might affect your decision negatively. 

It’s also a good idea to ask your agent for a copy of the house’s floor plan, which would make it easier for you to navigate the property during the virtual showing.

You’ll also want to check any images or videos of the house that have been uploaded online. Make a note of any areas that you can’t see well in the pictures, or about which you have any questions. 

Finally, if the house is close by, take a drive around the neighbourhood to get a feel of the area. It will give you a sense of the amenities offered, the area’s upkeep and the community.

Review the Listings

When you attend a virtual open house, it is essential to review the listing beforehand. View the images and, if it is accessible, watch the virtual presentation. Are there any crucial details missing? What are your queries for the real estate agent? Are there any sections of the house that you’d like to investigate further? Preparing ahead of time can help you stay focused and give you a better idea of what you want to ask the host.

When reviewing the listings, make sure to take note of the following:

  • The location of the property
  • The size of the property
  • The features of the property
  • The price of the property

Take Notes as You Go Through the Tour 

When attending a virtual tour, take notes on various details of the property. Jot down the address, price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any other pertinent information � this will help you remember what you saw and make it easier to compare properties when you’re ready to start making an offer.

Moreover, you can also note down the home’s layout, the colours, what furniture is included, the view, and anything else that catches your eye. 

Use the Chat Function to Ask Questions

When you visit a property, you can use the chat function to ask the seller or agent questions about the house; this is a great way to get more information without interrupting the tour. You can also use this feature to schedule a time for a follow-up conversation.

If you have any concerns related to the property, don�t hesitate to address all of them immediately, so there is no confusion or uncertainty left on your end.

Follow Up With the Seller Afterwards 

When you’ve found the house you want to buy, it’s essential to follow up with the seller and their agent. You can do this by sending an email or letter. Be sure to include the following information:

  • Your name and the house’s address
  • The date you made an offer on the house
  • The amount of your offer
  • Your contact information
  • The date you expect to close on the house

Be sure to send this as soon as possible so that you can make an offer more quickly compared to other potential buyers.

Confirm That Spaces Are Exactly How They Look

When you’re looking for a new place to live, it’s natural to want to get a sense of the space in person. Some landlords or agents might use misleading photography techniques to make a space look bigger than it is. So, if you’re interested in a property, always ask if you can visit it physically. 

Familiarise Yourself With the Software

If you’re planning on attending a virtual open house, find out what kind of software the agent will be using and familiarise yourself with it before the event.

Some of these open houses may require you to download an application like Zoom on your phone or computer to participate in a virtual open house.

In some instances, all you’ll need is a link to attend. In either case, you should know what you require before the commencement of the open house so you can prepare accordingly.

Now that virtual open houses are becoming more popular, buyers need to know what to look for and how to take advantage of this new technology. 

If you are interested in real estate, please visit Graana.com for more relevant content and queries.

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Rida Shahid
Rida Shahidhttps://hamariweb.com/
Rida Shahid is a content writer with expertise in publishing news articles with strong academic background in Political Science. She is imaginative, diligent, and well-versed in research techniques. Her essay displays her analytical style quite well. She is currently employed as English content writer at hamariweb.com.

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