Technology has revolutionized nearly all aspects of our lives, including how we can buy and sell real estate. Whether you're purchasing a home from out of state, of you'd like to remain as socially distanced as possible during your home search, virtual tours are effective ways to house hunt without leaving your own home. If you're planning to attend a virtual tour, our agents insist that you ask these six questions during a video tour.

1. Could we see a close up of these specific areas?
   When you're engaging in a video tour, you need to approach the walk-through as if you're in the house. Ask to see close-ups on various features like appliances, countertops, cabinetry, and fixtures. If you spot anything that looks damaged or dirty, ask your agent to give you a little more detail. This is especially important if certain areas of the home may require repairs. Although an inspection should catch most of these issues, it never hurts to ask your agent for their report.
   
   
2. Are there any noticeable odors, stains, or noises in the home?
   One element that video tours cannot deliver is a full-sensory experience. Thankfully, you can instantly learn about how the home smells, if there are any bothersome noises and if there are any hidden stains by asking your agent. Unpleasant smells or signs of water damage could be serious issues that you need to know about. As for the noise factor, it's beneficial to know if you can hear your neighbors, traffic, or other disruptions from inside your home.
   
   
3. Can you measure a few spaces for us?
   During a video tour, it may be hard to realize the actual space of some rooms, particularly bathrooms and kitchens. Ask your agent to measure rooms or spaces like the space between kitchen counters, how much room between the bathroom toilet and shower, or how much room a closet or pantry contains. Write these measurements down so you can compare it to the spaces in your current home.
   
   
4. Would you please show us the ceiling, floor, and what's behind that door?
   Since you aren't able to look around in person, it's up to you to ask your agent for diverse views of the home. Ask them to slowly pan over the ceilings, walls, and floors so you can get an idea of their condition. You should also ask them to show you smaller areas such as pantries, closets, crawlspaces, attics, and even under the sink to get a clear picture of how well the home is maintained from top to bottom.
   
   
5. What views would we have from each window, inside and out?
   It may seem like an odd request, but you should ask to see what the view looks like looking in and looking out of the windows. Not only will you be able to see your view outside, but you'll also discover how much privacy you'll have from those viewing in. This is also a great time to take note of which windows will let in the most sunlight throughout the day.
   
   
6. Can you send a recording of this video when the tour is finished? Ultimately, video tours present the challenge of not seeing every element of a home in-person. Although your agent will gladly take the time to show you rooms or specific areas more than once, we recommend that you ask them if they can record certain areas that you'll want to inspect with a closer eye. With a copy of the recording, you can pause and zoom in on specific elements.

Even if you're miles away, you can easily tour many great homes virtually. Contact us today to schedule a virtual tour of our amazing Bakersfield homes for sale.