Houses for Sale in Burnaby, BC | Tips for Taking a Virtual House Tour in Burnaby

Burnaby is the third most populated city in British Columbia, and every year, that number grows by 1.5%.

This explains why the Burnaby real estate market has been blistering hot for several years now, without showing any indication of cooling down.

There is an abundance of apartments and houses for sale in Burnaby, BC, but the demand is enormous. If you don't have the time to go from one open house to another, virtual house tours are the solution.

The key, however, is to know how to make the most of it. Here are some great tips for taking a virtual house tour in Burnaby.

The Real Estate Market in Burnaby

We've touched on that Burnaby has a growing population and is a city on the rise. However, many factors impact the real estate industry.

In the case of Burnaby, certain circumstances made it a desirable destination for homebuyers. In 2020, mortgage rates were at a record low, the increase in higher-income jobs was noted, and the pandemic influenced every single market.

All these changes resulted in firmly establishing Burnaby as a real estate market that favors the seller. The trend started in 2018 when the market began as balanced but morphed into what we see today.

The inventory of houses is lower, but not because construction has slowed. Instead, there are simply more buyers competing against each other.

The average length of time a home stays available in the Burnaby real estate market increased toward the end of the year to 51 days. Also, the HPI price of detached a home is $2,050,100.

Types of Houses Available in Burnaby

There are two common types of houses for sale in Burnaby, BC - townhouses and detached homes.

A townhouse is a multi-unit building with a separate entrance per unit with one or two attached walls. Typically, townhouses have their own set of by-laws established among the owners.

A detached house or a single-family home is a free-standing unit with no shared walls. The homeowner is the one responsible for the maintenance of the home and land belonging to the house.

Detached homes are more expensive than townhouses but, in return, provide more privacy and space.

Virtual House Tour – What to Expect

People looking to relocate from another city or even country can benefit greatly from a virtual house tour. This way of showcasing a property is not new, and many real estate agents have been relying on it for years.

Like many businesses, the real estate industry has massively migrated to a remote working landscape during 2020; Zoom house tours are here to stay.

So if you welcome the convenience of looking for houses for sale in Burnaby, BC, here are a few ways you can ensure a successful outcome.

Make a List of Must-Haves

Before joining a virtual house tour, make sure your wants and needs are written down. Then, you can check one item from the list at a time and then have a clearer picture of what you're dealing with after the tour is over.

Alternatively, you can talk to the agent directly and get your concerns out of the way first.

For example, is Burnaby Central Park close? Or you can ask them about the neighbors in the townhouse you're viewing.

Keep the Floor Plan on Hand

Whether you're considering a townhouse or a detached house, a floor plan will help you connect the dots a little easier.

Virtual tours can be somewhat disorienting at times, and it can be challenging to get things straight. Asking for a floor plan beforehand will ensure you can follow the tour and reference the sizes of the rooms and ceiling heights.

Ask the Agent to Be Your Proxy

They already are, but the idea extends to asking them to be your eyes, ears, and even nose. Via video, it’s impossible to see everything that matters, not to mention hear and smell.

Are there any strange odors or squeaky floorboards in the house? You can even ask the agent to open cabinet doors and run the shower to avoid any surprises later.

This is why it's essential to hire a top professional real estate agent like Adriano Valente and get the best service in Burnaby.

Ask Even More Questions

Virtual house tours might feel awkward as you’ll inevitably need to request more details than you would if you were there in person.

However, having a good grasp of the house is vital, and you can only get that by not being shy about what’s on your mind.

Real estate agents are trained to anticipate many questions, and the best are happy to answer them all in detail. Typically, you'll receive a lot of information up front, but the fuller picture is only available when you get all the answers you need.

Don’t Forget the Outdoors

If there’s a yard, no matter how small, you can ask to see it. That includes the front and backyard, as well as patio space if there is one.

Don’t hesitate to request to see the driveway, roof, and any other exterior element. Virtual tours are made easy with mobile devices, and you deserve to know what your future Burnaby home looks like in full.

Don’t Lose Patience

The process of buying a new home can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. If you’re not in a position to see the property in person, virtual tours are a great alternative.

However, don't be discouraged by an occasional bump in the road. Also, keep in mind that the Burnaby real estate market favors the seller at the moment, so some patience is a must.

Find the Perfect Burnaby House via Virtual Tour

There are countless reasons why Burnaby is a fantastic place for your new home. The gorgeous parks, sports centers, universities, restaurants, and, not to forget, one of the biggest shopping malls in British Columbia.

There are many beautiful houses too, and you can check them out via virtual house tours. Hopefully, the tips we’ve provided above will help you tackle the house-buying process and find the perfect home in Burnaby.

But, whatever you do, don’t lose patience.