Jan 18, 2007 10:28 pm US/Central
Can Online Home Tours Put Owners At Risk?
by Doug Dunbar
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
In a recent consumer survey of 129-thousand home buyers-more than three-fourths of them say they used the internet in their home search. The internet has changed the marketplace. Websites with 'virtual' home tours are becoming an industry standard. But can they put homeowners at risk?
Rick Testa doesn't think so. He's trying to sell his house online.
Testa said, "Our realtor felt that it was a great tool for us to broaden the range of people, and even from all over the world too."
Web tours offer a 'virtual stroll' through the inside of a home.
Mark Lesswing with the National Association of Realtors added, "Consumers like to look around, instead of just looking at a static view, they get a sense of 'I could live here,' or 'I could never live here.'"
But with the advancing technology - there may be added risks. The tours can also offer criminals an inside look at your home and reveal valuables like artwork or details about alarm systems or window construction.
"It does pose a risk, and what you want to do is to not highlight those features," said Lesswing.
The Association also recommended securing or removing your valuables before videotaping. Avoid showing areas in your home that could compromise your security. And make sure there are no family photos in your tour.
"There's no more concern than you would have if you were doing an open house," according to Glade Jones, president of a company that specializes in virtual home tour technology. He feels web tours are safer than open houses, because the seller can control how much is revealed.
Jones said, "It's a web-based product. It's not high enough resolution for you to get details on many of the highest value items in the home."
Testa said he's not worried, "I'm hoping that we find someone that will have an opportunity to see this home and find out that that's the exact home they want. I think it will be a great benefit."
MORE ADVICE FOR WEB TOURS:
Source: National Association of Realtors -- Take time to go over details carefully with your realtor before creating your home tour. What do you want prominently featured? What do you not want shown? A qualified realtor can advise you on security issues related to your web tour.
-- 'Curb Appeal' can also mean added safety. For exterior photos in your web tour, avoid shots of high bushes near windows, or concealed entrances. Potential burglars look for these to gain easy access.
-- Before showing your home to a buyer, have your realtor help to ensure they're qualified. At the very least, get personal contact information from them, such as a phone number, address, and verify the information before allowing them into your home.
(CBS 11 News)
