When you’re ready to see a home in person that you want to buy, there are a couple of different ways. Dropping into a publicly advertised open house or making a private viewing appointment.
You don’t need an appointment if you want to visit a public open house. You can just pop in and browse around. It’s a fun and low-pressure way to check out homes for sale. At an open house you might be asked to sign in and provide some contact information so the host can follow up with you later.
If the property you’re interested in doesn’t have any public open houses scheduled, you’ll need to make an appointment. However, keep in mind that the seller’s agent may want you to make a private booking through your own agent. If you don’t have an agent, this could be a bit of a hurdle.
REALTORS® in BC abide by strict client loyalty rules to avoid conflicts of interest between agents and clients. Because of the ban on dual agency, an agent working on behalf of the seller may be seen in a conflict of interest if they host private showings for buyers. Once you have teamed up with a real estate agent, it makes it much more accessible to view homes. Your agent will act as a liaison and book showings on your behalf. Additionally, your agent will handle any follow-ups and answer any questions you may have.
If you’re not quite ready to book an appointment or visit an open house to see a home in person, there are plenty of virtual ways to view a home! That’s why I always include a virtual reality tour, professional photos, and a guided video walk-through with all my listings.
