I asked this question a little over a year ago and, to my dismay, too few agents. I continue to marvel at the ever evolving technology that allows us to see just about everything in and around the property, but which cannot replace the feel, smell and ambiance that you take in when you physically walk a property. Way too many new and seasoned agents cite traffic congestion, other appointments and competing priorities as their refusal to maintain a current awareness of the available inventory in the market area they serve.

 New agents who haven’t formed many habits yet, are starting the bad habit of preferring to surf the MLS and virtual tours for their market knowledge, instead of getting to know neighborhoods in the market area. In my opinion, the time savings is undermining their long-term market understanding and success. Consumers now have access to most of the information we do and see the same photos and virtual tours.

 If you are not previewing, you need to ask yourself this question: what is your value added difference to financially pre-approved purchaser who knows the neighborhood market as well or better than you do since they have probably driven by every home of interest?  

 

Do you still preview? Is it worth your time?

 

 

Dave Rosenmarkle

Broker Owner

Highland Realty

(703) 538-2566


 

10 Comments on Who still previews???

OCT
22
2007
Previews are an absolute necessity on the auction side of real estate sales.  It really shocks me to learn of what you've said.  Yet, I consoider the fact that so many properties going on the market may leave agents in some areas spread too thin. Food for thought in any case.  Thanks for the post.
4:11pm • #1
I preview.  Its well worth the time.  I went to a house the other day that looked great in the pics,  but not after I opened the door...lol
4:12pm • #2
841,264 Points 213 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I would never, never plan a tour for a buyer without first previewing the homes I planned to show.  If I don't preview, how can I eliminates homes with horrible animal smells and damage?  How could I elimiated homes that back to the freeway?  How could I eliminate homes with obvious water problems?

Why waste valuable buyers and my time looking at homes that I know and they'll know when they see them that they aren't going to buy?

I look at everything, select the best 6-10 and show the best one first and then last. 

The Internet is no substitute for a good agent.

4:13pm • #3
Always preview unless there is no notice...
4:18pm • #4
212,647 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I still preview homes in my farm area - but there are times that I go out and I don't.  It really depends on the customer, the area and the type of property as well.
5:01pm • #5
1 Featured Post

I still preview if I am given time. Not only does it help me eliminate properties that I know won't work for the client but it helps me with mapping out the day that I will be with the client.

6:29pm • #6
OCT
23
2007
37 Featured Posts
Keith, Randy, Lenn & Heather - you're preaching to the choir - Amen!
1:31pm • #7
37 Featured Posts
Ines - It always boils down to client needs/interest and available time. I enjoy previewing when I can even if it's just to stay current on what sellers are spending their money on towards updates and remodeling.
1:37pm • #8
212,647 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Dave - I have been thinking about this whole "previewing concept" since you wrote this post and a lot of the agents in my market place are not that open to agents previewing their listings outside a broker's open or an open house (it's more work for them).  I am personally very open to agents that want to preview my listings, it's more exposure. (but it's still not very common)
2:21pm • #9
37 Featured Posts

Ines

You make a good point about specific markets or listings where a lockbox is not used. I can understand why a listing agent would be reluctant to show up multiple times a week to let an agent, with no buyer prospect, come through just to maintain market knowledge. There are still many localities where only the listing agent can show the property. That makes it extra difficult to really learn what's going on in the marketplace. 

4:25pm • #10

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Dave Rosenmarkle

Arlington, VA

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Highland Realty

Address: 5317 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, 22207

Office Phone: (703) 538-2566

Cell Phone: (703) 517-2748

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