Are you searching for a home in today’s housing market? Great! The good news is that virtual home tours are making it easier than ever for buyers to view homes in the safety of their current digs. And for many homebuyers that’s a good thing. Covid-19 safety, convenience and saving time are the top three reasons why 3D home tours have become extremely popular.
Whether you are relocating from across the country, within the state, or from the next town over, virtual house hunting is a viable solution for homebuyers and sellers concerned about safety. And for those that are limited due to travel constraints viewing prospective communities and homes virtually makes sense. It can also save significantly on expenses. Before you begin we’ve listed some tips from the experts to help you focus and organize your virtual home search. But first, let’s take a look at what you can expect.
The 3D Virtual Home Tour
While slideshow photos are still being used by sellers, a 3D home tour takes looking for a home online to another level. It allows prospective homebuyers to virtually walk through a home in real time. The advantage here is that you can do it 24/7 when it’s convenient for you. Many real estate websites and builders use a combination of both. With a 3D tour the views aren’t selective as could be the case with just photos. The 3D tour allows you to see everything in the home and with more detail. Not all sellers and developers have conformed to the 3D tour yet, but keep your eyes open for more to come.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Virtual Home Tour
Hire a Real Estate Professional
Though you might think you can do it alone, a knowledgeable real estate agent can be instrumental in fielding questions and helping you find properties that match your criteria. To get the most from your agent’s experience be frank about what you are looking for. Also, don’t forget to set a price range. Your agent can also lend a hand when viewing 3D tours. And also have first-hand information when the home of your dreams suddenly goes “under contract.” For a positive experience follow these rules when working with any real estate agent.
Make a List of Prospective Properties
It’s easy to get caught up in viewing multiple listings online. But you’ll need to be organized. Keep a list of those listings that you’re interested in. Write down your likes and dislikes since you’ll likely find out that buying a home is a compromise. The reality is that the homes you view most likely will not include everything on your priority list. For example, your live-in kitchen with a picture window may have to take a back seat when it comes to choosing a home with a smaller kitchen in an award-winning school district. Keeping and updating a house hunting spreadsheet during the process will keep things in perspective and less confusing. It can also be a valuable resource when it’s time to make the final decision.
Keep informed of upcoming listings
First, you’ll have to research and identify those neighborhoods that are the right fit for you and your family. Again, make a list of those things that are important. Then choose one to three areas that meet your criteria. Peruse recent listings in your chosen areas quickly with a good real estate app. Be aggressive and view the app at least once a day. When you see a potential listing pop-up online notify your realtor immediately. Experts advise homebuyers to stay involved from the start especially if you’re looking to put down roots in Austin, the best place to live in the U.S.
Review the Listing for Details
In other words, study the listing for any details that you feel may not be clear. If the appliances are new that’s great but does it clearly state so in the listing. Before you go on a virtual home tour review the listing and keep it close by. Then keep an eye on those things that are shown and those things that may be less obvious. Your agent can be a great resource and look up any details that aren’t visibly apparent like outside outlets, internet providers, audio systems and much more.
Use a Copy of the Floor Plan to Follow Along
When on the virtual tour having a copy of the floor plan in hand will help to orient you as you “walk” through. The floor plan includes the home’s square footage, room dimensions and sizes. It will also help you to get an idea of the space around you. After all, 3D tours allow you to look at the home from all directions.
Create a List of Questions
When you think you have found the right home it easy to get excited and lose sight of information that can be crucial before you sign on the dotted line. However, asking the right questions before you make an in-person showing appointment can keep you from making the wrong decision. To help you make an informative decision here’s a lengthy list of Questions to Ask When Buying a House.
Discover Travisso’s Move-in Ready Homes
Are you looking for your dream home? Check out Travisso’s current list of move-in ready available homes today. Specifically built for today’s busy lifestyles they offer open concept floor plans, media and game rooms, and large gourmet kitchens and gathering areas that make entertaining super easy. In addition, Travisso offers gorgeous Texas Hill Country views, a family-friendly neighborhood and endless recreational possibilities for the entire family. For additional information call 512-243-8583.
