The buzz word virtual is attached to everything today. Virtual learning, virtual meetings, virtual shopping and now virtual house hunting. Sure, there are a few things that you really can’t do virtually but with the Coronavirus pandemic, people have figured out unique ways to adapt almost any situation and searching for a new home is no different. Here are some ways you can expect to search for a new home with virtual tools.
Virtual tours are common to find on homes for sale but have seen significant updates in recent years. It is now common in many price ranges to find 3D tours that incorporate a floor plan of the house with photos and walk you through the home step by step. These tours allow you to feel like you are walking through the home from the comfort of your computer or smartphone. While a tour like this may not make you 100% sure the home is for you, if you don’t like the 3D tour, you will likely be able to eliminate the home from consideration and not need to see it in person.
Another issue with home searches now is that you may be moving to a new area but unable to travel. Once you have viewed any tours available for the properties you are interested in and narrowed down the search to your top choices, your agent can schedule appointments to view the properties and connect with you over Facetime or Skype to allow you to walk through the property with them. Since your connection will be live, you can ask questions and the agent can go through the home at your own pace and show you any area you want to see. This is a great option if you are unable or uncomfortable with viewing the home in person at this time.
Working with an agent who is familiar with the latest technology will make it easier for you to purchase a home at this time. After you select a home you would like to make an offer on, I will prepare the contract and send to you for electronic signatures so there is no risk during signing. While the property is under contract, the home inspection will still need to take place but the inspector can share information with you after the inspection so you can review any issues.
If you have purchased a home before, this may be a little different than your last experience but it doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. I will work with you each step of the way to make sure you are comfortable and understand everything that is going on and are ready to move forward.
