Are you thinking of purchasing a home from another city or even country? Virtual tours have become a powerful tool for long-distance homebuyers, allowing you to explore properties remotely while saving time and money. But how do you make the most of them? In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to use virtual tours effectively and offer some tips to ensure you’re getting a full picture of your future home.
The Benefits of Virtual Tours
Virtual tours are a game-changer for buyers and renters who can't easily visit properties in person. They allow you to explore a home’s layout, finishes, and flow—all without leaving your current location. In fact, you can even “walk through” properties multiple times at your convenience, revisiting key details as needed.
One of the biggest advantages? You can narrow down your options without the expense or hassle of travel. By taking virtual tours, you’ll be able to create a shortlist of homes before you even step foot in the city, making the process more efficient.
How to Get the Most Out of Virtual Tours
1. Ask for a Live Walk-Through or Video
Both pre-recorded and live virtual tours are useful. During a live walk-through with a real estate agent, you can ask questions in real-time, request views of specific features, and get a better feel for the property. With pre-recorded videos, you have time to revisit them afterwards, as many times as you like. Opting for pre-recorded may also allow the realtor to gain access sooner, and at an ideal time of day to capture a property’s best features.
2. Request Additional Photos and Videos
Don’t hesitate to ask the agent for more photos or videos of areas not covered in the virtual tour, such as outdoor spaces, storage areas, or the neighborhood. A 360-degree virtual tour may not capture everything, so these extras can give you a more complete picture.
3. Check for High-Resolution and Interactive Tours
Opt for high-resolution tours that offer interactive features, such as zooming in on details or clicking through various rooms. These features allow you to inspect the home more thoroughly and ensure nothing is missed.
4. Research the Neighborhood
Virtual tours show the inside of a home, but what about the surrounding area? Use online maps, street views, and even social media to explore the neighborhood. Look for nearby amenities, green spaces, and the general vibe of the area. This can help you make an informed decision about the property’s location, which is just as important as the home itself.
A Real Estate Agent's Role in Long-Distance Home Buying
Having an experienced real estate agent is key to making the virtual buying process seamless. I recently helped a client rent a gorgeous condo in Toronto while they were living abroad. We started by narrowing down their must-have features and price range, then scheduled virtual tours of multiple properties. I provided them with pre-recorded walk-throughs and detailed neighborhood information, ensuring they felt confident every step of the way. Once they found the right property, I managed everything from negotiations to inspections, making their long-distance move stress-free.
Final Tips
Partner with a Reliable Agent: Your agent is your eyes and ears on the ground, so choose someone you trust.
Don’t Rush the Process: Take your time reviewing virtual tours and ask for as much information as possible before making a decision.
Looking for Your Next Home?
If you’re interested in buying or renting a home from a distance, contact me today! I’ll help guide you through the virtual home-buying process and ensure you find a property that meets your needs—no matter where you are. Let’s make your long-distance move a smooth and successful one.
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