What happens when you click the “Request a Tour” button on home search apps?

Hey, homebuyers! You probably spend a lot of time scrolling through apps like Realtor.com and Zillow to find your dream home. But do you know what happens when you see a home you like and click the "schedule a tour" button? I'll break it down for you.

When you click "schedule a tour", a notification is sent to a buyer's agent that has paid an advertising fee to the app service for direct access to you. Essentially, buyer agents that pay an advertising fee have dibs on buyer leads. You are not connected to the listing agent (the agent that is working with the seller to market the property). A buyer’s agent will reach out to you directly, typically within a few minutes, to schedule a private tour for you.

There are definitely some pros to this process. For one, a buyer's agent can provide you with some insider knowledge about the home and the neighborhood. Plus, they can negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get the best deal possible. And don’t forget about all the paperwork - a buyer's agent can help with that too! Having a buyer’s agent gives you more control over the homebuying process and gives you someone on your side to advocate for you.

But there are also some cons to consider. For one, if a buyer's agent is unavailable, there may be a delay in scheduling a tour. And if you see a home you love and the buyer’s agent is busy, you might miss out on the opportunity to see the home within your timeline.

Overall, it's up to you to decide what works best for you. But if you do decide to use the "schedule a tour" feature, just remember that a buyer's agent is the one who will be getting the notification (not the listing agent). Happy house hunting!