- BUYING RESOURCES -

Visiting a property



RESOURCES FOR:





Buyers can see a home in-person or virtually and can schedule an appointment right from the home's listing page.





- SEE A HOME -


Once you find a home you like, you can see it in person or take a virtual tour.

On the listing page for every home you'll see the option to "Visit Property" where you can request an appointment time.

BUYERS MUST BE QUALIFIED

Important note: To visit a property, you must submit your financing preapproval and ID. 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. This is for the safety of the seller.

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



- SHOWINGS -


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

Buyers can safely visit a property on their or or with their agent. We've encouraged sellers to have a digital key lockbox, where visitors enter a temporary code to get access to the door key.


LIVE VIDEO TOUR WITH YELLOW AS YOUR GUIDE

Sellers can request for YELLOW to provide a guided tour of their home. If this is the case with your showing, you will use the video function on your phone to connect with YELLOW as we walk you through the home.




YOUR SHOWING

YELLOW provides an info printout with 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?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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

Here's a worksheet to make notes during your visit:

Showings for condos:

Is there 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.

Angie's List

Home Advisor


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




- 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:





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