Video tours are a growing method to help home shoppers narrow their prospects during the pandemic. But not being able to see the home in person has its limitations. Real estate professionals will want to be sure they zoom in on the right features and offer insights to help their clients avoid buyer regret—especially if they decide to make a “sight-unseen” offer.
The kitchen can be a tough room to show off on video, but it’s often an important aspect for buyers when making a decision. Follow these tips to best show off the details:
1. Note the flow. Be sure to capture the space from each angle of the room, and give a sense of flow. If you can, supply a floor plan in advance to help buyers follow along. Otherwise, note what is next to the kitchen. Is there a bathroom or hallway? Give a sense of where it is located in the house and what is in direct proximity.
2. Focus on appliances. Be sure to zoom in on the appliances. Replacements can be costly if they’re aging. “I suggest doing quick tests on all the appliances, and really look hard to see how much wear and tear the appliances have endured,” John Gluch, founder of The Gluch Group in Scottsdale, Ariz., told realtor.com®.
3. Offer up a sense of space. Veronica Sniscak, owner of VSells & Associates in Ellicott City, Md., told realtor.com® that she and her agents make a point to open drawers, cabinets, appliances, and pantry closets, and they measure countertops. She moves around the kitchen when conducting video tours to give remote buyers spatial perspective. She also measures the table and dining space, too, as well as bar stools if there is a kitchen island.
4. Close-ups of cabinets. What condition are they in? Are there any imperfections? Inspect the condition outside and inside of the cabinets, and pay attention to the hardware and hinges when helping clients judge the quality.
5. Comment on the plumbing. Water lines are always important to look for in the kitchen, including under the sink and near the dishwasher and refrigerator—the most likely areas to see water damage. “It’s important to run the water while making these checks to spot any leaks,” Gluch told realtor.com®. “This is also a good time to assess how dated or current the plumbing is and if anything was installed oddly or in a problematic fashion.”
6. Scrutinize flooring. The flooring is another area that deserves some close-ups in the kitchen. Consider how much wear and tear has affected high-traffic sections of the flooring. Also, note to your buyers whether the flooring from the kitchen continues to the adjoining rooms or whether it changes.
Get more tips on doing a video walk through of a kitchen at realtor.com®.
Source: “Cook Up Some Questions! 10 Things to Ask Your Agent During a Video Tour of the Kitchen,” realtor.com®
