Tour Homes from Your Couch: What to Look For

Virtual Tours: Your New Home Shopping Tool

Hey there, future homeowner! Searching for a new place can be exciting, especially in vibrant areas like Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville. But sometimes, it's hard to see every home in person. This is where virtual home tours come in handy! They let you explore properties right from your computer or phone. Think of it like a video game where you're looking for your next house.

Even if you live far away, or just want to save time, virtual tours are a great first step. Let's say you're dreaming of a cozy triple-decker in Mattapan village / Lower Mills, or a modern condo near Central Square in Cambridge. A good virtual tour can give you a real feel for the place.

What to Notice on a Virtual Tour

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement, but try to pay close attention. Here’s a checklist:

• Room Flow: How do the rooms connect? Does the layout make sense for how you live? Can you easily imagine moving from the living room to the kitchen?
• Natural Light: Look at the windows. How much sunlight comes in? Are the rooms bright and airy, or do they seem a bit dark?
• Ceiling Height: Sometimes, rooms can feel small if the ceilings are low. Try to get a sense of the height.

Inside the Kitchen and Bathrooms

These are often the most important rooms for buyers. Make sure to zoom in!

• Appliances: Are they modern or older? Do they look well-maintained?
• Countertops and Cabinets: Are they in good shape? Do you like the style?
• Storage: Look for pantry space, linen closets, and vanity storage in the bathrooms.
• Fixtures: Check out the faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures. Do they look updated?

Looking at the Details (and Outside!)

Don't just skim over the basic rooms. The small things matter too!

• Flooring: What kind of floors are there? Hardwood, carpet, tile? Do they look new or worn?
• Walls and Paint: Any cracks or signs of wear? What color are the walls? Remember, paint is easy to change, but major wall damage is not.
• Storage: Look for closets in bedrooms and hallways. Can you see a basement or attic space?
• Outdoor Areas: If there's a yard, deck, or balcony, try to get a good look. Is it private? Does it seem well-kept? This is especially important for homes in Somerville where outdoor space can be a real bonus.
• Neighborhood Views: Does the tour show what’s outside the windows? What do you see? Other houses, a park, a busy street? This helps you understand the feel of the specific area, whether it's the busy Harvard Square neighborhood or a quieter side street.

Asking the Right Questions

Even with a great virtual tour, you'll still have questions. Write them down as you go. Ask your real estate agent about things not easily seen, like:

• When was the roof last replaced?
• What type of heating and cooling system does it have?
• Are there any known issues with the plumbing or electrical?
• What are the average utility bills like?

Virtual tours are an amazing tool to narrow down your choices and get a strong first impression. They can save you a lot of time by helping you decide which homes are truly worth an in-person visit. Happy house hunting!