Video tours have become an indispensable tool for house hunters in the COVID-19 era, although they have their drawbacks – after all, you won’t notice a bad smell on a video screen.
And if there’s one room that you really need to get a feel for how to use, it’s the kitchen. After all, it has to work for your needs, whether you’re enjoying a peaceful cup of coffee in the morning, putting school lunches together, baking some of that quarantine sourdough, or (one day) entertaining friends and family.
That’s why when you take a virtual video tour with your agent, you need to pay attention to the details that are important in the kitchen – sometimes the smallest can make a big difference. Here are the things agents say you should be sure you are watching the video.
1. Can you show me the room from all angles?
Even with the dimensions of the room in your hand, it is difficult to get a real sense of space.
Veronica Sniscak, a Realtor® and owner of VSells & Associates in Ellicott City, MD, shows the kitchen from different angles during a virtual tour. This includes the perspective from other rooms and doors that lead to the kitchen.
“You will want to know if the door to the garage is in the kitchen or if there is a bathroom off the kitchen,” says Sniscak. “Without knowing these things [there] could be an unpleasant surprise when you see the house in person. “
2. Can you enlarge the devices?
If the equipment is in poor condition, replacement costs can be a drain on your budget.
“My suggestion is to quickly test all the equipment and see exactly how much the equipment is worn,” he says John Gluch, Founder of the Gluch Group in Scottsdale, AZ.
Open the doors and look inside for any damaged racks, shelves, seals, and fittings.
One place that buyers always overlook is the surface of the refrigerator, says Gluch. Look under all of the magnets and paper stuck to them. Be sure to let your agent zoom in and look for scratches and other unsightly flaws that will become apparent after removing the magnets.
3. How much space is really available when I cook?
It is important that you get a feel for what it is like to actually prepare a meal in the room.
“This may not seem important, but it does help you visualize how you will use the appliances in the kitchen and how much space you will be working in,” says Sniscak.
You and your employees open cupboards, drawers, appliances and the pantry and measure worktops for your customers.
4. Can you show me a close-up of the cabinets?
The gorgeous cabinets you drooled over on the online list might not look that great in person. Imperfections that do not show up in the video can be noticeable in person. The cabinets may be in poor condition or, on closer inspection, they may actually be painted – poorly.
“Ask your agent to open the cabinets and check their condition and the storage space available,” says Gluch.
Note the hardware, hinges, and style. Do they stretch to the ceiling? Is there an open space above them to display pretty plates? Is there a reveal that hides cables or pipes?
5. Can you measure the dining area?
“Have your agents measure the table or dining area to make sure your current dining set fits well – or that the dining set you’re watching will fit,” recommends Sniscak.
She also suggests measuring bar stools on the island. It’s good to know if you can keep your existing chairs or need to buy new ones.
6. What kind of sink is that?
“Showing off the size and style of the sink is another must-have on a video tour,” says Sniscak. “It is important to have depth and orientation so that you know if your current court process stays the same. For some it is important to have two sections, while for others a large opening is better. “
Request a closer look at the countertop to check the condition around the sink. Ask your agent to measure the area on either side of the sink to see if there is enough space to store the sink and small appliances.
7. Can you shed a light on the pipelines?
All areas in which water damage can occur, e.g. B. under the sink and near the water pipes of the dishwasher and refrigerator, require special attention.
“It’s important to keep the water running while these checks are being performed to identify any leaks,” says Gluch. “This is also a good time to assess how outdated or current the plumbing is, and whether something has been installed weird or problematic.”
8. What is the state of the ceiling and floor?
Ask your agent to scan the ceiling. Faded paint likely isn’t a deal breaker, but chipped paint and water marks could be signs of a roof or plumbing leak. As he shows you the ceiling, ask your agent to take a look at the lights.
Next, examine the floors.
“Check how much wear and tear the heavily frequented areas of the floor have withstood,” advises Gluch.
Is there a continuity of the floor from the kitchen to the neighboring rooms or is there a marked difference in color, stain or wear and tear?
9. Can you show us the view outside of each window?
A bright kitchen is high on the wish list, but kitchen windows can easily be overlooked on a video tour. Make sure your agent is pointing the camera out of every window so you can see what’s outside – especially if there’s a coveted window above the sink.
“The kitchen window might be what people look at most,” says Sniscak. “It is important to know what you will see when you do the dishes.” Are you staring at your neighbor’s siding or at a more pleasant view?
10. Can you show us again?
Taking a close look at each room is important, but the kitchen is quite a priority.
“Buyers taking a virtual video tour with their agent should take more time during the tour. It will take more coordination to show you everything that you would naturally scan if you were in person, ”says Gluch.
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