How the “Schedule a Tour” Button Really Works (And Why It Matters)

By Mike Vonderau

Mike Vonderau is a top-rated realtor specializing in the west side communities of Cleveland, Ohio, and serves as the managing partner of Vonderau Real Estate Team.

Clicking “Schedule a Tour” on Zillow or Realtor.com seems easy, but it’s one of the most common ways buyers unknowingly derail their home search. That click rarely connects you with the listing agent and can lead to confusion, delays, or worse, missed opportunities.

Most platforms send your request to an agent who paid for the lead, not someone familiar with the home. Here are the key things to know before booking a showing online.

That button doesn’t take you to the listing agent. Clicking “Request a Tour” on a major portal does not connect you to the listing agent. It goes instead to an advertising agent who purchased that lead.

This means you could end up touring with someone completely unrelated to the property, often with no inside information on the house, the neighborhood, or the seller’s situation. If you want genuine insight and straight answers, you should reach out directly to the listing agent or, better yet, have your own trusted buyer’s agent coordinate the showing.

It can lock you into a legally binding contract. To legally show you a home, you’re typically required to sign an exclusive buyer agency agreement. This is a binding contract that declares you have just agreed to work only with that agent for your home purchase, which is not the ideal way to hire a real estate agent. Before you sign anything, it is crucial to slow down and ensure you actually want that specific person representing you and that they have proven experience in your target area.

Finding a local, full-time agent to work with. A dedicated agent can vet properties for you, coordinate all showings efficiently, and work exclusively on your behalf to negotiate the best possible deal. The right agent ultimately saves you time, reduces stress, and can often save you thousands of dollars.

So before you click the “Schedule a Tour” button, take a moment to do it the right way. If you’re looking to move in the Cleveland area, you may call me at 440-871-3050 or send an email to mike@vonderau.com. I look forward to hearing from you.