2020 was the year that virtual viewings became an essential part of the real estate industry. Estate agents were presented with an unexpected problem, mostly with regards to internationally based clients. Video viewings and 3D virtual tours became an essential tool in ensuring clients are kept in contact with and do not have to put their dream move to Spain on hold.
Our work and social lives have shifted to a virtual world in the last year and this is no different in the property market. According to a poll by PurpleBricks in the UK, more than a third of potential buyers now expect a virtual viewing before visiting a property they wish to buy. It is becoming a house-hunting norm.
As this is a growing trend and something that we do not see reversing, even once restrictions are lifted, we thought now would be a great time to offer some top tips and advice for how to get the most out of your virtual viewings.
What should you look for in a virtual viewing?
In a detailed walk-through we will attempt to present the property in its entirety. We will show you room by room all that a property has to offer and give you a sense of the space and light of each of these.
Key areas we will look to show you are:
- Access and entrances to the property
- Outdoor spaces
- Views
- Living areas
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Storage areas
- Fixtures and fittings
Most importantly we will highlight any areas that may be open to improvement. It is essential that you, as the buyer, get an accurate representation of the property.
What questions should I be asking?
We are here to help as much as if we were with you in person, in the property. Ask any questions you like about the local area and the property itself. Some examples of questions that we are asked regularly include:
- When was the property last decorated?
- How old is the property?
- Can I see a particular room in more detail?
- What are the storage options in the bedrooms?
- Is there central heating? What system powers this? Electric or gas?
- Are the windows double or single glazed?
- What are the measurements of the room we are viewing?
These are just a few of the questions we are asked by our clients looking to buy property in Javea. If you have any others that you would like to ask please feel free during your viewing.
How long should I set aside for a viewing?
This is a very important question.
We recommend that when you book your viewing of a property you do it at a time where you can concentrate and have the time to ask all the questions you would like answered. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted, maybe have a pen and paper handy to remind yourself later about the property you have seen.
Some clients like to record the call if using a system like Zoom and revisit the viewing at a later time, maybe with their partner or with friends.
The time you set aside for a viewing will depend on the size of the property but we would recommend at least half an hour.
Do you have any other recommendations to get the most out of my virtual viewing?
Yes! We can offer you more information via email or you can research the area via the internet too. Get to know the area around the property you have or would like to view.
We will do our best to show you every aspect of the property but please make notes and review these after the call, you may think of something you wish you could have asked later on. Feel free contact us and we will be happy to answer any queries you may have.
Most of all we cannot stress the importance of a distraction free environment.
Hopefully these tips will help you to get the most out of your remote viewings in the future. We offer these viewings on nearly all of our properties at Villas-Plots and these can be booked directly from the individual property pages.
Physical viewings are available with the correct security measures in place on all properties too if you are in the local area or visiting. For any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.