Buying a home is easy with YELLOW

Buyers can make an appointment on a home's listing page. YELLOW must have a copy of your ID and preapproval or proof of funds before you are able to visit any homes.

JUMP TO

On the listing page for every home you'll see the option to "Visit Property" where you can request an appointment time. You will only be able to visit the property if your preapproval is above a level set by the seller, which is usually slightly below the listing price.

For example, say a seller lists their home for $200,000. They can specify that they only want buyers preapproved for $180,000 or more to visit their home.

We'll verify the time with the homeowner and get back to you as soon as possible. If that time is unavailable with homeowner, we'll suggest another time to you for a visit.

- THE VISIT -

VIRTUAL SHOWINGS

Use the video function on your mobile device to watch as the home seller walks through their home.

With YELLOW, you're able to see guided tours of a home using the video function on your phone.

We’ll create a video portal between you and the seller, so the seller can communicate with you as they walk through your home.

For privacy reasons for both parties, the seller will not be able to see the buyer.

LIVE (IN-PERSON) SHOWING

Properties on YELLOW have a digital lockbox, where visitors enter a temporary code to get access to the door key. You will receive the code the day of your scheduled visit. For security reasons, we must have your ID before visiting any property.

Your visit will occur in one of two ways:

On your own or with your agent
Live video tour with YELLOW

LIVE VIDEO TOUR WITH YELLOW
Sellers can request for YELLOW to provide a guided tour of their home. You will use the video function on your phone to connect with YELLOW as we walk you through the home.

YELLOW provides an info printout with all the details on the home, a way to contact the homeowner with questions, and resources on what to look for during your visit.

If you have any questions, you can send the homeowner a message directly from their YELLOW listing page.

DURING YOUR VISIT

Here’s what to pay attention to:

Focus on layout and space – those are the most important.
Ignore the cosmetics. Sometimes it may be tough, but don’t pay attention to the decor, the paint colors, the personal items, the window treatments. They can easily be changed.
Test the plumbing by running the shower to see how strong the water pressure is and how long it takes to get hot water.
Try the electrical system by turning switches on and off.
Check for water spots on the ceiling.
Open and close the windows and doors to see if they work properly.
See how solid the doors are by giving them a knock.
Check the condition of the AC unit

It’s also important to evaluate the neighborhood:

Are the other homes on the block well maintained?
How much traffic does the street get?
Is there enough street parking for your family and visitors?
Is it conveniently located, near schools, shopping centers, restaurants, parks, etc?

Here’s some resources on what to look for when you visit a home:

A worksheet if you’d like to make notes during your visit:

Discover Card Home shopping worksheet

For condos:

Know Your Options Questions to ask your condo

Does it have a homeowners association?

Landmark HW What is a homeowners association?

- RENOVATIONS -

While touring the home, did you see work you’d like done? Get an idea of the cost by using online resources.

Home Advisor can give you a ballpark idea of the cost:

Home Advisor Project costs

You can find a contractor using online resources, too. We wouldn't take the ratings too seriously since they aren't transparent and can be skewed.

Tip: Consider taking a contractor with you to visit the house.

- FOLLOW UP -

After the initial visit to the property, don’t be in a rush to do anything (unless your housing market is really hot). If you are able to, take a day to think it over and even return in a few days for another visit.

In the meantime, drive through the neighborhood or area during the weekends and evenings. Is it busy? Is it noisy? Does it seem clean and safe? Are the children playing in the streets or being noisy? Checking out the neighborhood when most residents are home can help you determine whether the area is a good fit.

Taking a follow-up visit:

Home Guides Checklist for the second visit

Find a home

Make an offer