Modern problems require modern solutions, and virtual showings are the modern solution to the COVID pandemic. While this method of viewing homes is an acceptable substitute for in-person showings, it can be easy to overlook aspects of a home. A prime example of where virtual showings fails to provide the would-be buyer all the information they need is the bathroom; there are a number of things that video is unlikely to clue you in on. As such, it is essential that you have a knowledgeable agent on your side; skilled agents know what to look for. This article will briefly discuss some not-so-obvious (in video) issues that a skilled agent will look for when scoping out your potential dream home.
It should go without saying, but video will never give you a sense of what the bathroom smells like. When a bathroom has an air freshener, it’s a good idea to inspect further. Sure, it could be as simple as the owner’s preference for a pine scented bathroom; but it could be to mask an odor that is caused by something that will cost you a lot of money to fix later, like mold or mildew.
Next, some bathrooms are designed in a truly confusing way; windows in all the wrong places, a toilet so close to the wall that you hit your knees whenever you sit. Sure, windows provide a benefit, but we generally don’t want to make it easy for peeping toms to catch a look. A skilled agent will make note of what you can see from the bathroom and what can be seen from outside the bathroom.
Third, video won’t provide you a feel for the flooring in the bathroom; and a “squishy” floor is an expensive floor. In a similar vein, video probably won’t show you the areas beneath the sink. Given that the bathroom is where homeowners experience the most water-damage, a skilled agent will consider looking under the sink to assess the state of the fixtures.
Fourth, there is a general pattern to where a bathroom should be in the home; while it may be difficult to notice the bathroom is in a strange location (next to the kitchen for example) via video showing, an agent will pick up on issues like this immediately.
At the end of the day, virtual showings are a very good solution to our current problems. However, an unskilled agent may miss things that have a significant impact on the value of the house to their prospective buyer. As such, it is important to hire an agent with a wealth of experience; agents from the Chernov Team, for example.
At the Chernov Team we understand that knowledge is power, and knowledge of what to look for on behalf of prospective buyers is powerful knowledge indeed. At the Chernov Team we know that whoever comes to the table most prepared leaves with the most, and the Chernov Team always leaves the table with the most.