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What does Virtual Home Buying Look Like?

By
Real Estate Agent with Mike Russell Real Estate Group SP00225692 Kansas

For some, the idea of purchasing a home during the corona virus pandemic is a non-starter but for many others being quarantined in their current space has made them consider a new abode. 

The first question that is usually asked is, Are home sales allowed under the current restrictions? The answer in short is YES! Real Estate has been considered essential and as you read on you will see all of the precautions that have been put in place to make your home search as safe as possible.

 

The Home Searching Process- While the idea of buying a home virtually might seem crazy, about 75% of the process was already virtual. We have been searching for homes online for years now and we have always been able to research neighborhoods, schools and local amenities online, what is different now is having to do more research upfront before visiting the home. 

To make potential buyers more comfortable with virtual home buying, most listing agents are providing more online opportunities to see homes that include, 3D virtual Tours, video walk-throughs and virtual open houses. While some houses are not allowing in person showings, most still are and will allow a showing after you have completely viewed the digital options, have driven the neighborhood and viewed the home from the outside.  For safety puposes we are now only allowing the decision makers during the showing, having everyone wear booties, facemasks and using hand sanitzer before entering. Most sellers are turning on light and opening doors so that the touching of surfaces is held to a minimum.

If you were thinking that you would have to buy a house sight unseen, put your worries away. You will have several opportunities to see the interior of the home, even if the seller is not allowing in person showing without a written offer. 

Start Your Virtual Home Search Here

The Home Inspection Process - There is nothing more important than a quality home inspection and your ability to have the home inspected has not changed. What is different is that you will not be able to attend the inspection. While attending the home inspection is a great way to learn about your pending purchase, you will still receive the same quality inspection. 

At the end of the home inspection, the inspector will call you via facetime and review all of the major issues, then they will send you a detailed report including pictures with any other deficiencies and maintnenance items.

Meet one of our Top Notch Inspectors

The Mortgage Process- The great thing about the mortgage process is that it has been mostly online for a while. You can fill out the application online, provide all of you documentation online and sign all of the required disclosures online. The process of getting pre approved has never been easier.

Get Pre Approved with one of our Top Lenders 

The Appraisal Process- The appraisal process has also become more streamlined, many lenders are now allowing No-Entry Appraisals. The appraiser does everything that they used to except taking interior photos and measurements. This has also sped up the appraisal process during a time when their are tons of homeowners refinancing their current home.

 

The Closing Process- This is the most recent change we have seen. Instead of coming inside the office to sign loan and closing documents, you can now sign most of the documents electronically from the comfort of your home and then sign just the documents that need notarization curbside at the title company. 

We also expect that notarization via facetime or zoom will be happening sooner than later, that option would have you completing the entire closing from the comfort of your home.

The Corona Virus has changed so many thing about our life, some changes are temporary and some changes may be here to stay. If you are open to virtual home shopping it may open up opportunities for you while others choose to wait until a later time.

Want to get started? Let's schedule a virtual meeting via zoom or facetime. Text 913-523-6427 to schedule now

 

 

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 Mike Russell is a REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty. Mike specializes in Johnson County Kansas Homes and Real Estate for sale. Mike is a tech savvy realtor with over 20years experience. Did you enjoy Mike's Blog? Feel free to subscribe or join Mike on his Social Network to stay up to date on Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee and all of Johnson Counties real estate news and more...

Mike Russell Real Estate Group can be reached at 913-266-5828 or MRussell@KW.com  or www.SearchjocoHomes.com

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