We always try to preview a home before showing for the same reasons as above. However, a lot of agents out there don't. Also, previewing on Tuesday's during brokers tour is extremely helpful. We make a point to see every home in our target suburbs and if they aren't on tour, we schedule to preview them on other days. If you want to be an expert in a certain area, it is best to know the  inventory. Also, seeing homes gives you a great reason to call friends, potential clients, etc, to tell them about a "great new home" on the market that you saw. We also call people we know in a neighborhood where a new listing just went up to let them know about it. Neighbors are always nosy and this way they heard it first from us, the local real estate experts. They also may know someone who may want to see it.  There are so many great benefits to see homes.