Buying a home is one of the most important decisions in life. Whether you’re viewing a property in person or taking advantage of a virtual home tour, preparation is key. A well-planned viewing allows you to notice important details, ask the right questions, and ultimately make a confident decision.
To help you through this process, here are nine expert tips for making the most of your home viewing experience.
1. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
If you’re selling a property, first impressions matter more than you think. Before the viewing, make your home inviting by cleaning thoroughly, adding fresh flowers, and perhaps a subtle fragrance. A cozy, clutter-free environment sets the tone for a positive experience and makes it easier for buyers to imagine living there.
2. Highlight Key Features
Every property has something unique — whether it’s a spacious backyard, a modern kitchen, or a home office. During the viewing, emphasize these features. For sellers, make sure they stand out visually. For buyers, pay close attention to what appeals to your lifestyle and note anything that may need improvement.
3. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage
Good lighting can make a huge difference in how a home feels. Open curtains, raise blinds, and let in as much natural light as possible. If you’re taking a virtual tour, light-filled spaces look more appealing on camera and help convey the true size of rooms.
4. Pay Attention to Curb Appeal
The outside of the home sets the stage for what’s inside. For sellers, keep the lawn neat, clear the driveway, and touch up the paint if necessary. Buyers should also take note of the neighborhood, the property’s exterior condition, and landscaping — even if you’re exploring through a virtual tour that begins outside.
5. Declutter and Depersonalize
Clutter can make spaces feel smaller and distract potential buyers from the property’s true potential. Sellers should remove personal photos, excessive décor, and unnecessary furniture. The goal is to create a neutral environment where buyers can picture themselves. For buyers, look beyond temporary clutter and focus on the structure and layout.
6. Focus on the Kitchen and Bathrooms
These two areas often influence purchase decisions. For sellers, ensure these rooms are spotless. A fresh coat of paint, clean surfaces, and minor upgrades like new cabinet handles can make a big impact. Buyers should check for functionality, storage space, water pressure, and the condition of fixtures.
7. Leverage Virtual Tours
Virtual tours have changed the way buyers explore properties. They offer the flexibility to view homes from anywhere and provide an immersive experience with 360° navigation. Many virtual tours now include interactive elements like clickable details and room measurements. To ensure the best results, work with professionals such as iAriv, who create high-quality virtual tours that capture every detail and help properties stand out in a competitive market.
8. Ask Questions During the Viewing
A viewing is your chance to gather as much information as possible. Ask about the age of major systems like the roof, plumbing, and electrical wiring. Inquire about neighborhood amenities, security, and future development plans. Virtual tours often have live chat or video call options, so take advantage of those to get your questions answered in real-time.
9. Follow Up After the Viewing
Once the viewing is complete, take notes immediately while everything is fresh in your mind. If you’re interested, communicate quickly with the seller or agent, as good homes don’t stay on the market for long. If you have concerns, address them promptly so you can make an informed decision without delays.
Final Thoughts
Tips for Home Viewing, whether conducted in person or virtually, are an essential part of the purchasing process. They enable you to assess whether the home suits your demands and lifestyle and provide you with a deeper understanding of it than what photographs can convey.
These pointers assist sellers in making a good first impression, which improves the likelihood that a sale will be made. They guarantee that buyers are ready to make the best decision. Virtual tours are here to stay and, when done well, give buyers the ease and information they need to make informed selections.
With thoughtful preparation and the right tools, your next home viewing — whether physical or virtual — can be a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable experience.
