If you have ever typed how to schedule a home viewing near me into Google, you are in the right place. I am Leigh Kaminsky, a local Harford County realtor, and I help homebuyers see homes, understand showings, and start their home search with confidence.
This article assumes you are in the investigative stage of home buying. As such, I will walk you through every option including open houses, Zillow tour requests, and working with a buyers agent in Maryland.
Start With Your Search
Most homebuyers begin online. Sites like Zillow, Realtor dot com, Redfin, and local MLS websites make it easy to browse photos, filters, prices, and neighborhood info. Quite honestly, these sites are much better and easier to use than the MLS search, which I can set you up on. The only advantage with the MLS is you may be able to see coming soons more quickly than on Zillow. When you find a home you want to view in person, that is your cue to move to the next step.
Zillow and Scheduling Home Viewings
If you are searching on Zillow, you may see a button that says “Request a Tour” or “Contact Agent.” When you click that button, Zillow may connect you with a Zillow buyer’s agent who can schedule and show you the home. Note that you will not be connected to the Seller Agent.
It is important to understand how this works behind the scenes. Agents pay to participate as Zillow agents, and Zillow connects buyers to agents based on a rotation system. Agents who purchase more market share appear more frequently in that rotation, which means the agent you are connected with is often based on availability and advertising spend rather than local expertise or long term fit.
I was once a Zillow agent myself, so I am very familiar with how the system works. It can be a convenient way to get a showing scheduled quickly, but the experience and guidance you receive will depend on which agent happens to be next in the rotation at that moment.
What About Buyer Agreements and New Requirements
In Maryland, buyers are required to sign a written buyer agreement before a real estate agent can show them homes. The length and scope of that agreement can be customized. When I first meet with a client, I typically write the agreement for a short duration or a limited number of homes. That way, we both have the opportunity to make sure we are a good fit before committing to something longer term. If a realtor does not ask you to sign a buyer agreement before scheduling showings, that should be a red flag, as they are not following Maryland law.
Written buyer agreements clearly outline the services your agent will provide, how the agent is compensated, and how long the agreement lasts. Maryland has required these agreements for years, and recent nationwide changes to real estate industry practices have made them even more standard, particularly for agents working through the MLS.
Open Houses Are a Great First Step
If you are early in your search, attending open houses is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for what is on the market without scheduling private appointments. Most open house fall on the weekend but occasionally you will see some set up on weekday evening.
At an open house you can:
See multiple homes quickly
Ask questions about the neighborhood
Take notes on features you love
Talk casually with listing agents about market trends
You do not have to sign an agreement to attend open houses, and you can use them to clarify what you want before choosing an agent.
Working With a Local Realtor to Schedule Showings
When you are ready to see one or more homes in person, contacting a local real estate agent is a strong next step. A professional agent will:
Help you select the best homes to view based on your goals, budget, and priorities
Handle scheduling with listing agents and sellers
Prepare you for what to look for inside the home
Educate you on the market values in Harford County
For tips on finding a Realtor online, see Steps to Hire a Trusted Realtor for Home Buying
Ready to Schedule Your Home Viewing?
If you are searching for how to schedule a home viewing near you in Bel Air, Forest Hill, Abingdon, Fallston, or anywhere in Harford County, I would be honored to guide you.
You can start with online tools, attend open houses on your own, or reach out so I can personally help you schedule private showings with clarity and confidence. I make each step simple, transparent, and tailored to your needs so you feel supported from your first tour to getting the keys to your new home.