In videos, a kitchen can look attractive. But buyers need to really see a kitchen: Realtors should show views and comment on cabinets, flooring and even the plumbing.
Video tours help home shoppers narrow their prospects during the pandemic. But viewing a home via video has its limitations. To help buyers get a complete feel for the kitchen, real estate agents should zoom in on the features and offer insights to help their clients avoid buyer regret – especially buyers who decide to make a “sight-unseen” offer.
The kitchen can be a tough room to show off in video, but it’s often an important aspect for buyers making a decision. Follow these tips to best show off the details:
- Note the flow. Capture the space from each angle of the room and give a sense of flow. If possible, supply a floor plan in advance to help buyers follow along. Otherwise, note the rooms next to the kitchen. Is there a bathroom or hallway? Give a sense of where it’s located in the house.
- Focus on appliances. Zoom in on the appliances. Replacements can be costly if they’re aging. “I suggest doing quick tests on all the appliances, and really look hard to see how much wear and tear the appliances have endured,” John Gluch, founder of The Gluch Group in Scottsdale, Ariz., says.
- Offer up a sense of space. Veronica Sniscak, owner of VSells & Associates in Ellicott City, Md., says she and her agents make a point to open drawers, cabinets, appliances and pantry closets, and they measure countertops. She moves around the kitchen when conducting video tours to give remote buyers spatial perspective. She also measures the table and dining space, as well as bar stools if there is a kitchen island.
- Close-ups of cabinets. What condition are they in? Are there any imperfections? Inspect the condition outside and inside of the cabinets and pay attention to the hardware and hinges when helping clients judge the quality.
- Comment on the plumbing. Water lines are always important, including under the sink and near the dishwasher and refrigerator – the most likely areas to see water damage. “It’s important to run the water while making these checks to spot any leaks,” Gluch says. “This is also a good time to assess how dated or current the plumbing is, and if anything was installed oddly or in a problematic fashion.”
- Scrutinize flooring. The flooring is another area that deserves some close-ups in the kitchen. Consider how much wear and tear has affected high-traffic sections of the flooring. Also, note to your buyers whether the flooring from the kitchen continues to the adjoining rooms or whether it changes.
Source: “Cook Up Some Questions! 10 Things to Ask Your Agent During a Video Tour of the Kitchen,” realtor.com
© Copyright 2020 INFORMATION INC., Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688