A Boulder County real estate showing is among my favorite ways to spend time. There is always something new and different to see. I often run into Sellers or neighbors with interesting stories and personalities too.
Previews and showings are truly the best way to get to know the Boulder County real estate market. Once a house is sold, there is not a really good way to compare it to what is currently for sale, so previewing it ahead of time is a good investment in one’s future real estate dealings.
So what does a preview or showing look like from my end?
- After identifying the property that we want to see, I will call to book the showing time and date.
- The showing service will verify I am a legitimate broker, confirm with the seller that Im ok to enter the house at that time and give me the showing instructions (lockbox code, shoes on or off, lights on or off, how to lock the doors).
- With (showing) or without (preview) a buyer, I will arrive at the property within the window I have permission for.
- At a first showing we are looking at the big picture. Is the location suitable? Traffic noise, busy street, private back yard, amenities and schools nearby, commute time? How well does the floor plan meet the buyers needs? First floor master? Room to entertain friends inside and outside? Attached garage? Dining room big enough for the existing table? Are the kids rooms on the same level as the master bedroom? Do you open the front door and look straight up the stairs (less than great feng shui)? Is there enough natural light? The neighbors homes well kept?
- At the end of the showing/preview I lock the doors and windows, turn out the lights or leave them on as asked, drop a business card if the listing agent has requested it. At all times, my buyer and I respect the sellers property.
So what happens after the Boulder County real estate showing or preview?
- Back at the office I may already have received an email request for feedback. This is an important step. It’s a courtesy to the listing agent and their seller and creates or maintains valuable Realtor relationships. (Seriously, when you are in a multiple offer scenario and I’m your Buyers Agent, you’ll be very glad I have gone the extra mile in the past to foster excellent working relationships with other Realtors. It might be the difference between you winning the contract… and that other Buyer getting it!)
- Then I get to work, researching the Boulder County real estate that my buyers have shown further interest in. I can pull information on the sales and mortgage history, the listing history and locate any documents or disclosures for my clients.
Perhaps a second Boulder County real estate showing is in the cards… Or perhaps it’s a first showing for folks that will be in the area soon and for whom time is short.
Ok… Time for a quick true story 🙂
Last week I spent a LOT of time showing Boulder County Real Estate. Louisville and Boulder in particular. Homes and condos ranging from $450,000 to $4.3m. What is truly amazing about this area is that the properties are so diverse – even those that are in the same price point.
Where else can you find a million dollar home that is in great condition and somewhat updated but still has the original (high end in its day) intercom system? That would be Boulder County, Colorado!
This little doozy was found in a $850,000 house between Boulder and Louisville. The sellers have actually updated quite a bit of the house… And painted around the parts they didn’t update! Check out the rotary dial. And in the middle of it, a typed (yes, manual typewriter) list of rooms you might like to call. In the 60’s, this was state-of-the-art. Music anyone?
Also found in a house worth over $500,000. A newer home in Superior. By newer I mean newer than the last house. You can paint and change cabinets, but nothing can disguise the age of the property if you leave original technology. Before this Boulder County showing, I couldn’t even remember the last time I saw a tape deck!