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What Buyers Should Know About Viewing Properties

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What Buyers Should Know About Viewing Properties

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What Buyers Should Know About Viewing Properties in Today’s Market Buying a home is exciting but touring properties is about much more than simply walking through a front door and deciding whether you like the kitchen. During a recent episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable, Melissa Wallace sat down with Boston Connect Real Estate agent Sue Bollinger to discuss what buyers should truly understand before scheduling showings, attending open houses, and making offers in today’s competitive market. From understanding how online showing requests really work to why private showings matter and how buyers can protect themselves throughout the process, this conversation highlighted the importance of working with experienced real estate professionals every step of the way. The Reality Behind “Schedule a Tour” Buttons Most buyers begin their home search online. But according to Sue Bollinger, many buyers don’t realize what actually happens when they click the “Schedule a Tour” button on large real estate websites. Many third-party real estate platforms are designed to generate leads not necessarily connect buyers directly with the listing agent. In many cases: Your information is sent to agents who pay for advertisingThe agent contacting you may know very little about the propertyYou may unknowingly meet an agent for the very first time in a driveway before a showingThe person you speak with may not represent the seller or you Sue explained that buyers often assume they are speaking directly with the listing agent when they are not. That is why it is so important to ask: Who does this agent represent?Are they representing the seller?Are they representing me?What type of agency relationship exists? Understanding representation before touring homes can help buyers avoid confusion and better protect their interests throughout the transaction. Why Buyers Should Have Representation Early One of the biggest themes throughout the show was the importance of working with a dedicated buyer’s agent from the very beginning of the home search. A buyer’s agent helps: Define your home search criteriaUnderstand your budgetAnalyze comparable salesIdentify property concernsNavigate negotiationsCoordinate inspectionsExplain market valueProtect your interests throughout the process As Sue explained during the show: “The listing agent’s fiduciary responsibility is to the seller.” That means the listing agent’s job is to secure the best possible price and terms for the seller not necessarily the buyer. Having your own representation ensures you have someone advocating for your side of the transaction. Private Showings Are Often the Best Way to View a Home While open houses can be convenient, Melissa and Sue both emphasized that private showings typically provide the best experience for buyers. Private showings allow buyers to: Move through the home at their own paceAsk detailed questionsFocus without distractionsEvaluate layout and functionality more carefullyHave their agent point out important details Sue shared several real-world examples where buyers initially missed major concerns with properties until she toured the homes alongside them. Experienced agents often notice: Sloping floorsMoisture issuesFoundation concernsStructural problemsSigns of deferred maintenanceHeating or roofing issuesPoor renovations or missing supports Sometimes what looks beautiful cosmetically can hide expensive issues underneath. That is why having a knowledgeable agent physically tour the property with you can make a significant difference. HGTV Isn’t Real Life One of the most relatable moments during the show came when Melissa and Sue discussed unrealistic expectations created by television shows. Unlike TV, most buyers: Tour many homesLose out on propertiesAdjust their wish listsRevisit properties multiple timesNeed patience throughout the process In today’s market, it is completely normal for buyers to: See several homes before making an offerTour the same property more than onceReevaluate prioritiesCompromise on certain features Buying a home is a major financial and emotional decision and it rarely happens as quickly as television makes it appear. All Decision Makers Should Attend Showings Another important point discussed during the episode was making sure all decision makers attend showings whenever possible. That includes: Spouses or partnersFamily members involved financiallyAnyone whose opinion will heavily influence the decision Why does this matter? Because it can delay the process when: One person loves the propertyAnother person sees it later and disagreesAdditional concerns surface after the fact Different people notice different things during a showing. One buyer may focus on layout, while another notices storage, traffic patterns, noise levels, or renovation needs. Having everyone involved early helps avoid unnecessary complications later. Buyers Should Pay Attention to More Than Cosmetics It is easy to get...

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