Would you buy a home without ever stepping inside? A growing number of your clients would!

One of the biggest reasons why Homesale Realty agents thrive is our ability to adapt to trends in the real estate world. While buying a home "sight unseen" wasn't invented in 2020, it became more popular and accepted.

It is not unusual for investors to buy without ever setting foot inside a property. As more agents have learned the best ways to use virtual and video tours, however, that option is growing more attractive to the average buyer. Virtual tours let them extend the radius of their search while traveling less.

Unfortunately, there are some unique risks for both the listing broker and the buyer's broker.

Disclosure rules and professional ethical standards always apply when assisting in a sight-unseen transaction. But even with the best of intentions on all sides, a simple mistake could develop into serious liability.

Let's look at some ways to protect yourself while representing your client's interests:

• Carefully Disclose All Known Material Defects
  Disclosure laws specify precisely what a seller is required to disclose to prospective buyers. These vary by state (and sometimes by city!), and they can be complex. As the seller's representative, it can be wise to follow up with the buyer's side to determine what further information they want after reviewing disclosure forms.
  
  
• Avoid Even a Hint of Exaggeration in Photos
  When photographing, be careful not to add or remove anything that might change the material facts around the decision-making process. In particular, avoid airbrushing to remove anything about the property. Consider using an experienced real estate photographer if you are concerned about a particular property's status.
  
  
• Be Alert to Observable Defects
  As a real estate agent, you don't have a duty to discover "hidden" defects – that's down to the expertise of a home inspector. When giving a video tour, however, don't shy away from observable defects. The best way to safeguard yourself is to not only mention them but also put them in writing once the showing is done.
  
  
• Communicate with Buyers in Advance
  Although you are required to be truthful, don't put yourself in the situation of talking a buyer out of a property! The best way to strike a balance is to have the buyers submit a "must-have" and "deal-breaker" list in writing. That way, you won't find yourself in the position of making judgment calls about what's important to mention.
  
  
• Protect Yourself in Writing
  An ironclad purchase agreement is one more way to encourage proper care from a would-be buyer. Ensure the contract includes a due diligence period and contingencies covering an inspection and final walk-through. Work with an attorney to draft an addendum assigning all relevant responsibilities to the buyer.
  
  
• Don't Go It Alone
  A professional real estate agent is a powerful ally to sellers and buyers alike, but you're by no means meant to be all things to all people. In particular, you should recommend using home inspectors in writing, even if the buyer's lender does not require an inspection. If the buyer waives inspection, get their choice in writing.
  
  
• If In Doubt, Advise Your Seller Accordingly
  Local real estate knowledge is only one facet of a successful real estate agent; the other is knowing people. If you are concerned about a seller's approach to the transaction or reaction to the property, take your client aside and counsel them about your concerns and the best way to proceed.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to take your real estate career to the next level.