Published March 30, 2020
8 Questions to Ask During a Virtual Showing
While virtual showings may look and feel a little different from a traditional showing, they continue to provide Buyers with the opportunity to view a home while asking questions along the way. Having a list of questions ready before the showing will help you and your Agent make the most out of a virtual showing and ensure you get all of the information you need. If you don’t already have a few questions in mind to ask, here are a few to get you started.
What’s included in the sale?
Major appliances, window treatments and fixtures may or may not be included in the sale of the property. There may even be additional, unexpected items included in the sale, such as a home theatre. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
How old are the appliances and are they in working condition?
Chances are, you will be using at least one appliance every day. Assuming that they will be included with the property, knowing the age and condition of the appliances will give you a better idea of what to expect if you purchase the home, along with future costs.
Is high-speed internet available in this area?
With more services and daily activities being transitioned to a digital setting, being able to access high-speed internet is ideal. You may also want to consider finding out what service providers cover the area.
What type of flooring is under the carpet?
If there are carpeted rooms in parts of the home, it’s ideal to find out what type of flooring is underneath. This will give you a better idea of future options, along with the type of subfloor you may be walking on. Who knows, there may even be hardwood hiding under the carpet!
No carpet but lots of large area rugs? Discolouration and wear patterns are common, so it is a good idea to check the condition of the flooring underneath.
What distances and details am I not seeing?
Your Agent and the Listing Agent should be very familiar with the property. Ask them to show you what you aren’t seeing through the virtual tour. Are the drawers in the kitchen soft close? What are the closets and storage spaces like? What is the distance between certain rooms and features? What is the condition of the fireplace? Some elements of every listing won’t translate well to video but should still be considered.
When was the roof installed and what is the roof made of?
The roof protects you, your loved ones, your belongings and your investment from year-round weather conditions and can have a big impact on your energy bill. Finding out the age and material of the roof may play a role in the decision-making process.
Will I be able to do an in-person showing before making an offer?
Once you know that you’re serious about the home, find out if you can do an in-person showing. If so, follow the COVID-19 guidelines set out by the WHO and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Ready to start your home search? One of our experienced, local Agents would be more than happy to help. Reach out today to get started.
