Video tours are a great option for long-distance buyers and buyers who are hesitant to tour a property in person due to COVID-19 concerns. But if you’re planning a video tour and want to get a comprehensive feel for the property, you need to tour more than just the interior of the house—you need to take the video tour outdoors.

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the key exterior elements you should explore on a video tour, including:

• The neighbors’ homes. Privacy is important—and, as such, it’s important to know how far (or how close) the neighbors are to the property you’re considering. Ask your agent to show you (or potentially even measure) the distance to each neighbor’s home while you’re video touring the property.
• Landscaping. You want to get a clear idea of the time, money, and energy it will take to maintain the outdoor space, so make sure your agent gives you a full tour of the front, back, and/or side yards; that way, you can get an idea of existing trees, flower beds, and landscaping needs.
• The deck. It can be hard to see structural damages on a video tour, so make sure the agent zooms in on the deck area so you can identify any wear and tear.
• Each side of the house. The front of the house may look like it’s in great shape—but what about the sides and the back? Make sure your agent shows you the exterior of the home from every angle so you can identify any potential damage or necessary repairs.