Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Is Skype the new first showing?

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?
************************************************************************************
Tammie White, Realtor® in Franklin TN
Cell Phone: (615)495-0752
This posting and the contents written here are the intellectual property and opinions of Tammie White of Benchmark Realty LLC.
This post has been included in Tennessee Real Estate NewsWilliamson County, TN Real Estate NewsFranklin, TN Real Estate NewsFranklin (Franklin, TN) Real Estate News
Post is included in group: iPad for Real Estate
Post is included in group: Advice for Buyers
Post is included in group: Real Estate Technology
Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies
56 Comments on Is Skype the New First Showing?
20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
30
301,085 Points10 Featured PostsOutside BlogCalled Shot Master
Tammie, skype could be such a great tool for dealing with out of state and out of country clients. Thanks for sharing.
12:59pm • #37
114,145 PointsAttended Rain Camp
Tammie - what a great use of technology. Usng either FaceTime of Skype, its the next best thing to touring a house in person.
1:08pm • #38
Outside Blog
Tammie, how far we've come. Your story rang a chord with me. Back in the day before such technology, we had a buyer request we videotape homes and overnight the VHS to them. They did indeed purchase sight unseen.
1:16pm • #39
118,997 Points2 Featured PostsOutside BlogHit Router
So great Tammie. I have never been in a position to utilize Skype for this but am all for it. As long as there is a subsequent site visit by someone who is signing the offer.
1:22pm • #40
198,773 Points5 Featured PostsCalled Shot Master
Awesome use of technology! In my market it would be best to write the offer based on the tour since many homes are going fast.
2:07pm • #41
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3:34pm • #42
657,297 Points25 Featured PostsOutside BlogCalled Shot Master
Tammie~ I'm sure it could be. What a terrific idea! Thanks for sharing this with us!
6:38pm • #43
267,326 Points6 Featured PostsOutside Blog
Tammie,
I have done this before, but honestly I like that your buyer flew in to see the house. There isn't anything quite like seeing it in person.
6:57pm • #44
917,842 Points18 Featured PostsLocalism SponsorAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
Tammie ~~ You are amazing. I think you may be one of the first real estate agents to use skype to show a home!
7:15pm • #45
734,713 Points72 Featured PostsLocalism SponsorOutside BlogCalled Shot Master
Tammie - Skype and Facetime are excellent ways to show out-of-towners homes for the first time. I hope you make the sale!
7:21pm • #46
363,175 Points3 Featured PostsAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
Hi Tammie. Skype is a huge factor for many buyers who live out of state. It is a huge plus and it is "free."
8:36pm • #47
121,132 Points3 Featured PostsOutside Blog
What an absolutely great idea! Simple, effective and free!
9:33pm • #48
OCT
01
111,022 Points
I've toured many a house "with" buyers.... via Facetime. It's the next best thing to being there... and have made a number of sales seen only via technology. Gotta love it!
5:45am • #49
2 Featured PostsOutside Blog
Terrific idea....computer or smart phone ! How convenient !
Thanks for posting.
6:08am • #50
Thanks for sharing! I had thought this would be a good idea, but I have not actually offered it to my out of town buyers. Thank you for putting a confirmation on it! I can't wait to use it, possibly even later today as I have the exact same scenario to show the daughter of the buyer who is out of town! Timely post. Thanks!
6:09am • #51
Agreed!!! I offer to Skype, take videos, etc... I too work with a large number of out of town buyers. It is a great use of technology. You can typically weed out other homes before your buyers even come into town. Saving everyone more time.
Good Post!
6:16am • #53
That's awesome! I'm sure it won't be the last time you resort to Skype! Good for you!
6:19am • #54
389,673 Points11 Featured PostsOutside BlogCalled Shot Master
What an amazing idea. No wonder it's become a niche for you.
6:20am • #55
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