buyer agents should preview but, more often than not, they don't...decades ago, we previewed everything....and every agent represented the seller!!

I do like to preview inventory.  I like staying on top of what is available and how each compares to others; especially in my own listing neighbourhoods.

Yes I do especially if they are from out of town with a limited time frame.

I sure do since I don't like surprises.

If they have very specific requirements, I do - However, as much as you may think you know what your buyers want, they often choose otherwise.  I had buyers who had a handicapped child who would be in a wheelchair soon.  They ended up buying a home with stairs in it.

Since many are out of state investors buying sight unseen the naswer is yes.

Only if they are out of town, buying sight unseen and relying on my opinion.

Otherwise...never.

Eve

I can preview them during the week and recommend them to buyers so they are prepared to confirm them and make an offer. 

Nope.  Because I'm a lender, that would be weird.

Very rarely. It's really a waste of time unless I've shopped so much with a client that I can totally channel their needs and likes.

Jeff,

I had a check on my first deal in two weeks, because I knew the inventory in the area.  So of course previewing should be done.  A

Yes, we Preview new homes on the Market, as well as Preview homes for clients quite often Jeff Dowler CRS. 

It depends on the buyer situation and how busy I am.  I have learned that many times buyers say they want one thing and end up buying something totally different.

If we previewed for buyers we would not have time left for anything else. 2nd home market is different.

If we are asked to, or if they are from out-of-town...definitely!

I do not preview for buyers. The good stuff goes TOOOooooo fast.

I do preview for CIS Score to keep the algorithm well tuned

It really depends on the situation, and I will, but in most instances I do not. Clients tell me what they absolutely must have, and then they find a home on the Internet I haven't sent them and want to see it anyway, even after I tell them it does not meet their needs as they have told me.

Yes, it is good to know what is available.

My buyers tell me they greatly appreciate the effort when we preview properties before showings.

If time constraints are in place, or with relocating buyers coming in for the weekend, yes.

We often do to accommodate our buyers' tough schedules and to prevent them wasting their time.

Jeff,
In this day and age, and with the excellent local resources we have as well as street views, etc., I can tell a lot from my desk. But if the circumstances call for it I sure will go preview properties. Especially for relo clients.

Not often, but sometimes the situation dictates it!

Good morning Jeff. Some of my Realtor referral partners do, but most do not.

 The market has certainly changed. I was surprised to see how few agents showed up at the last broker open I sponsored.

Whenever possible, I do preview.   I feel it continues to make me more aware and knowledgeable about the market.   It's good for buyers and for sellers in my opinion.    

Yes, I almost always preview. I want to know the product and screen the choices so we don't waste time.

Not recently, I only preview competition for listings. If I need to find out specific information for a buyer and it is not in mls,  I'd just call a listing agent.

i do not, but then again I enjoy the element of suprize, lol.

Yes I do, If they are out of town, live out of the area or in a competitive market like we have today.

Yes I do.   Mostly I've been asked to do for out of state clients and have often skyped or videoed and sent to client before they have scheduled a flight to see.

For a local buyer I might do a drive by. I do deal with a lot of out of state buyers. I will preview and take a ton of pictures for them. I did sell a bank owned home last year to an out of state buyer that had never seen the house except for my pictures. She liked the price point and this was a Victorian home. That's what she really liked. She did have her brother come and look at the house, after we were under contract, and he was there for the inspection. 

A situation like that makes me nervous. 

I do.  I think it gives you a lot more credibility with the buyers if you have actaully seen the properties you are showing them.

Jeff Dowler CRS yes, sometime I preview homes for buyers.  One in particular was in Oceanside, CA.  I knew exactly what she wanted.  I looked while she was at work.  I scheduled the showing so that the one I knew she would want was the last showing.  It was so exciting to watch her look at the home.  Wecwent right back to the office to prepare her offer.  She thanked me everytime I saw her.  What fun it was.

Yes! Who likes surprises, if they can be avoided?

Generally no.  In this day and age the buyers have done all the previewing online before they even tell you what house they want to look at.  For those that don't the majority of the time you can preview a house by looking at the photos.  The ony time I'd preview is if there was a VERY specific need of the buyer, such as an "East facing door."  Can't tell that from a picture usually.

Sometimes if time allows and many times if they are out of town.

yes to all - I don't work with many buyers though so it doesn't present itself often

Yes  particularly when working with out of state buyers. But I also use to regularly attend broker tours 

No. I think the buyer should decide if it's the home for them or not. Hopefully you find out what the buyer wants & then go from there. I also know most of the floorplans in my area also.

I really don't have time to look at inventory without a buyer. As Joan said, then they choose something completely different.

Yes,  It is always best to know what your product has to offer.

Often times I  do Jeff, that way I know something about the home.

Yes, it depends on the situation.  If I know the buyer well and he/she is ready to make a move, than I will preview.  If it's a buyer that I don't know very well and unsure of their taste as well as motivation, then, no.

Yes especially for the out of towners.

As there are always broker's opens and weekend opens it makes it easier to stay on top of the inventory.

For out of town buyers, yes