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Ways to Avoid Remorse When Buying a House Virtually

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

The pandemic fear of COVID-19 has changed our environment on how we live our daily lives.  There are people that either want too or must purchase a new home during this time.  Buyers are learning new skills and developing a willingness to purchase a house either doing minimal physically touring or no touring of the inside of houses.  This is being accomplished by using virtual tours, detail photos, and video walkthroughs.  Real estate agents are adopting procedures to help buyers gain knowledge of houses as a substitute for physically touring the property.  In addition, real estate agents are helping home buyers to avoid having remorse with their home buying decision:

Agents more informed – Realtors are prepared to answer more questions from buyers about such things as: noises from the house, appliances and home features that appear to be outdated, availability of natural light and light features, movement and cracks within house, water pressure, age and condition of HVAC, etc.  Some of these answers can be accomplished by creating a video with audio. 

View the neighborhood – Potential buyers considering a house in neighborhood might consider driving the neighborhood first, have their real estate agent take a video tour of the neighborhood, and use Google Maps to view the neighborhood.  Buyers who desire to do a physical tour of house should consider the above suggestions first.  Another idea, signup with Nextdoor and/or Facebook to retrieve additional information about neighborhood that is of interest.  

Inspections - Have a home inspection done including an inspection on the following other amenities on the property: pool, hot tub, and sprinkler system, etc.  During this period it is even more important to have a professional view the property if you are not able to view the property in person.   

Realistic timeframe - Buyers and sellers need to be realistic about the time it may take to complete the sale of a house.  Up front, buyers need realize it may take more time than normal because you may need to deal with more hiccups that normal.  In addition, it is important buyers initially be pre-approved and have documents prepared ahead as much as possible.  Finally, recognize the loan process and getting repairs completed may take longer.    

Comments (3)

Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I have not done one of these yet. It goes against the grain of informed consent .

May 19, 2020 05:26 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Waxhaw, NC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi John Watts,

During this age of uncertainty and fear, I feel that you will see more and more people buying homes without actually seeing and walking around them.  That's where technology comes in and helps.

May 19, 2020 06:03 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, John Watts buying a home virtually is a sign of the times.... it's not a novelty...it's a tested method that works well...

May 19, 2020 06:27 AM