These days, very little is left to the imagination when it comes to browsing homes for sale online. With virtual tours, professional photos and mapped locations, it’s easy to see what you might be getting – before you ever set foot in a potential purchase. Technology certainly has its advantages, doesn’t it?
These listing features help you, the homebuyer, narrow down your home search and direct your real estate agent to specific properties. And although you shouldn’t risk ruling out an otherwise perfect property based solely on its online reputation – hey, even houses have bad days – photos and videos can help save time and energy when it comes to building your short list of homes to tour.
So what should you really be looking for based on these photos, videos and mapping tools? Start with:
- Layout. Does it meet your space needs? Are the only bathrooms upstairs? Is there a pantry?
- Potential Repairs. Have the original hardwood floors seen better days? Are you up for the challenge of rehabbing?
- Yard maintenance. Does the home feature a half-acre yard – on a hill – with 30 bushes that need regular pruning? Will you have time to maintain it all – and is the yard worth the effort?
- Lot location. Are you concerned about being on a corner lot at one of the neighborhood’s main intersections?
Remember, photos and videos can’t always capture everything, so consider your top three priorities in a home. When you think you’ve found them in a property online, it might be worth taking a look in person – even if that shade of green in the kitchen isn’t your first choice.
The best thing you can do is see what’s really there. Contact a RE/MAX real estate agent who can help you find your picture-perfect place.
