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Is Skype the New First Showing?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Franklin Homes Realty LLC

Is Skype the New First Showing?

SkypeI work with a large number of out-of-state buyers. I guess you might even say, it has become a niche for me.

Several months ago, I met with a couple who are looking to relocate here. Their daughter used me last year to purchase her Franklin home. Even though, I knew they weren't buying during their visit in March, I took them around to see various homes and neighborhoods.

They were caring for an elderly relative who was in declining health and felt they wouldn't be able to move until they had peacefully laid that family member to rest. So it was undetermined when they would actually be able to move.

I got a call last night from their daughter that her aunt had passed away two weeks ago and the parents were prepared to finally make a move. They had found a house and the daughter thought it best she preview the house for them. I agreed to meet her there today and I suggested that we Skype with her parents during the showing.

I met the daughter (my past client) and we quickly took a tour of the home making note of things we thought might be of concern. We then contacted her parents via Skype. We started the tour from the street. I panned my iPad so they could see other homes in the neighborhood and then let them gaze upon the house from the street. We walked in the front door and began the tour.

I was much more involved than I usually am in regards to my commentary. I discussed maintenance and repairs that would be necessary and the overall condition of the home. We took our time as not to miss anything and then discussed the possibility of writing an offer.

Although, the parents were inclined to do so sight unseen, I suggested a visit was warranted. As a result of our Skype tour, Mrs. Buyer is flying in tomorrow.

With so many out-of-state buyers contacting me, I couldn't help but think...is Skype the new first showing?

Posted by
Tammie White, Managing Broker/Owner
CLHMS, CRS, GRI, SFR
Franklin Homes Realty LLC
Franklin, TN
(615) 495-0752 
GET REAL. GET LOCAL.
 
This posting with the content written here and photographs displayed are the intellectual property and opinions of Tammie White of Franklin Homes Realty LLC. Any party who uses this material without the written permission of Tammie White is subject to copyright infringement and possible lawsuit.

Comments (118)

Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Tammie, the days of video are over.  What a great way for the buyers to see the home with you.  Can't wait to try that.

Oct 01, 2013 11:20 AM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Nancy - It really works for the clients I'm working with.

Donna - At least, it helps the buyer determine if it's worth the visit.

Matt - That happened recently on one of my listings and ended badly.

Oct 01, 2013 01:04 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Tammie, Skype is a definitely a valuable tool when a buyer cannot see a property in person. It's a good first step to determine if there is any level of interest. I agree that it is essential for buyers to visit the house in person.

Oct 01, 2013 02:25 PM
Edward Wachuku
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY | WACHUKU GROUP - Port St Lucie, FL
Broker Assoc. - Exceptional Realtorism

This is awesome. I must confess your creativity and intuition is genius. Congrats and best wishes with the transaction.

Oct 01, 2013 03:17 PM
F U
nobody - Alamance, NT
Dead

I think that we are moving into a new genre. I've had Skype for years but really need to utilize it more. Thanks for the push.

Oct 01, 2013 03:30 PM
Michael Blue
Home Smart Realty West - Encinitas, CA
REALTOR - 760-889-8877, Encinitas/Carlsbad
I like the idea, seems better then video because its live. But for some reason I have not used skype before. Is it free, easy to use, any pointers.
Oct 02, 2013 02:08 AM
M.C. Dwyer
Melody Russell Team at eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Felton, CA
MC Dwyer-Santa Cruz Mountains Property Specialist

Hi Tammy - glancing through the comments, it seems you've offered us a great blog about a new way for most of us to use this tool.   If you were able to find the time to explain how it's done in a members only post - for example - how you got internet access out in the field - I'll bet countless members would be grateful!

Oct 02, 2013 02:32 AM
Marnie Matarese
DWELL REAL ESTATE - Sarasota, FL
Showing you the best of Sarasota!

We did a final walk through for buyers who could not be here for closing.  We were able to show them that all repairs had been done and that everything was functioning and the house was in pristine shape.

Oct 02, 2013 10:26 AM
Michael J. O'Connor
Diamond Ridge Realty - Corona, CA
Eastvale - 951-847-4883

I've been doing informal walk-through videos for a while now and I'm sure that Skye is going to bring a level of personalization to making a virtual experience quite helpful for a client.  Thanks for a great idea!

Oct 03, 2013 01:38 AM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Jay - I agree. I would be sick if they saw it in person and hated it.

Ava - Agreed.

Donna - Try it sometime.

Kerry - Absolutely.

Joan - I don't think that's the case but I may be the first in my area to do it.

Gail - I know it will happen even if it's not this one.

Lana - Free is always good.

Elise - It is effective.

Chris - I'm not quite there yet. I would be nervous writing an offer on a home site unseen.

Mike - I used an iPad but you could easily use your smartphone.

Sharon - That's what I love about AR. Always good information that is relevent to our business.

Jordan - Give it a try.

Michael - It does eliminate homes that aren't worthy of a visit.

Lisa - It's going to be a regular thing in my showing arsenal.

Jill - I suppose so.

Lake County - Thanks.

Wendy - I like the way you think.

Brien - Unless, it's an actual video of the property, the virtual tour can be misleading.

Frances - That's the way to do it.

Shanna - Keep us posted.

Bruce - Good for you.

Donna - That is an excellent point. However, this was used to determine whether a visit was warranteed.

Anne - Agreed.

John - That's fabulous.

Steven - I have a regular flow of out-of-town buyers.

Shanna - One of the great things about AR.

Kimo - It is.

Michael - You're braver than I am.

Allyson - Thanks.

Heath - Possibly.

Ron - It worked quite well.

Lottie - It was interesting.

Jared - This was nice because it was interactive.

Raymond - They're smart agents.

Sean - I'd be a little nervous about writing an offer on a house sight unseen.

Rich - That's a very nice thing to say.

David - Yes it is.

Bob - You could be right.

Travis - I may do more of that.

Nora - A video can work just as well.

Roger - Cool.

Greg - Good luck.

Terry - Keep us posted.

Gene - It got her on a plane.

Richard - So true.

Petra - No kidding.

Allison - Yep.

Joy - It's a money saver for the buyers.

Cynthia - Gotta love those smartphones.

Kathy - That is an excellent point.

Mike - Good for you.

Jordy - I was showing the daughter who happens to be a past client and I suggested we use Skype or Facetime. She doesn't have Apple products so Skype it was. I don't go around and advertise that I do this.

Brenda - Yes they are.

Gary  - I just carried it and walked slowly. I don't think you can record Skype sessions.

Pam - Way to go.

Katherine - Thanks for stopping by.

Pat - You're welcome.

Gay - You're a smart girl.

Courtney - Try it.

Kay - I think video still has some great advantages. Google juice for one.

Sharon - We think alike.

Edward - Working on it.

Janine - This was a first for me.

Michael - I pointed out many more deficiencies than I usually do. I wanted them to understand that the house needed work before they made the trip.

M.C. - My iPad has 3G. I pay $14.99/month to have that. You can purchase an unlimited plan but I don't need that.

Marnie - This came up recently on a final walk-through and I opted not to do it. It was new construction and the buyers had done some custom features I wasn't privy to so I told them they would have to make the trip in.

Michael - I'm sure it is.

Oct 03, 2013 08:54 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Tammie, it reminds me of my recent transaction where my buyer was showing the home to his wife on Google Video Chat! Yes, things ARE changing.

Oct 03, 2013 03:38 PM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

Tammie

 

Great idea and good job. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. 

Oct 04, 2013 03:00 PM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Great idea Tammie! you were ahead of the game on this one; thanks for sharing.

Oct 04, 2013 11:28 PM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

You can do the same thing with facetime if you both have newer iPhones. Nothing to set up. Quick and easy.

Oct 21, 2013 01:11 AM
Jimmy Faulkner
Florida. Homes Realty & Mortgage - Wantagh, NY
The Best Of St. Augustine

Skype or skype like technology is the coming thing for all of us in every field. I just bought a new Samsung Camera, very expensive, that I can email instanly pictures of homes buyers are interested. This though will go by the wayside and in 5 years we will be in a new tech world.

Oct 21, 2013 11:34 AM
Sham Pathania
SAVE MAX FIRST CHOICE REAL ESTATE INC. - Mississauga, ON
Great idea. One step better than the virtual tour!
Oct 21, 2013 06:02 PM
Jared Garfield
Rich Life Real Estate Team - Buford, GA
Invest With The Best For The Highest Returns!

Tammie,

What a great way to build credibility and show that you care, certainly resourceful and service beyond what others do, no wonder your clients are referring you all of their family members!

Oct 21, 2013 08:41 PM
Brian Ward
Lakewood Ranch, FL

Congratulations on perhaps starting a new trend.

Dec 23, 2013 09:59 PM
Bert Stanley
BerStan Web Creations - Fairport, NY

Supoer, Super, super idea.  Darn, wish I'd thought of that.  I;'ll bet Mr Ward ius right, you've started a new trend in real estate showings.

Dec 23, 2013 10:11 PM
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

Skype and video tours are becoming a viable alternative when long distances are involved.  We do whatever it takes to make listings easier for buyers to view and examine in detail.

Apr 02, 2014 01:24 AM