Virtual tours of our listings

I just read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal's "Mansion" section that comes out on Fridays and was surprised to see that, even though we're just starting to have virtual home showings here on the West Coast, it seems that it has been very "normal" on the East Coast.....and has been happening for many many years......especially with high-end properties and buyers from out of the country.  

As a long-time Realtor (40+ years) I've seen so many changes over the years, not only with the contract but with all aspects of previewing, showing, listing and selling property.  We used to carry around a 5 pound "MLS book" where we could look up all the listings, but it wasn't "up to the minute" like our instant MLS is now.  Now we have apps on our phones and iPads where we can not only pull up every single listing but apps that allow us to write our contracts online and immediately get signatures through doc-u-sign.  When fax machines first came out I remember agents standing around this little machine totally in awe seeing printed pages coming out from our clients, lenders or title companies.  Now, you're lucky if you can even "find" a fax machine!  It's e-Fax that comes directly into our phones and email.  A revolution! What an improvement.  

Whether agents hire a professional company to come out and take the videos (like we do when we hire a professional to do our "still" shots) or whether they use their iphones to "facetime" their clients as they walk through a property, it has changed the real estate business tremendously.  It's nice to be able to have an idea of what the home has before you actually walk thru it....like whether bathrooms and kitchens are updated,  size of the backyard,  window placement.  Sometimes the verbage agents put in their MLS descriptions don't always coincide with reality if you know what I mean.  One person's idea of "updated" .... may, to someone else, say "omg, this kitchen needs a re-do" !!
And videos also help you decide whether you even want to bother making an appointment to view,  and that saves not only you, but the sellers time as well. Sellers don't appreciate lookie-loos coming through their homes if they aren't serious buyers who have been preapproved and have an idea of the neighborhood and amenities the property offers.  Especially in their Covid19 atmosphere!

If you're in the market to buy or sell a home,  take advantage of everything these apps offer before you start calling your Realtor for an appt to view a home.  Weed out those you don't like and narrow it down to the neighborhood, price, schools, amenities or any other criteria that is important to you and or your family. And most importantly,  be sure you've met with a lender to get pre-approved for a loan,  as almost all agents and sellers are requiring that before they'll allow showings.  You'll be doing yourself a big favor. The best of luck to you!  Feel free to call or email me if you have any real estate  questions. I'd love to help you however I can.   pmartinez@golyon.com    (917) 7687-3157