Buying a Home from a Distance
Though coronavirus has temporarily halted the typical home buying process, homebuyers don’t have to stop their search. In fact, there are a number of steps you can take that don’t require in person meetings.
GET PRE APPROVED - Getting pre approved with a reputable lender is the one of the first steps a future home owner will have to take. It’s a great time to find out how much you qualify for and an opportunity for a lender to guide a buyer to help better qualify. All of this can be done remotely:)
DO SOME RESEARCH - If you have a specific area in mind start researching some of the things that are important to have near you when you move. Things such as School Districts, Community activities and Community Associations, access to shopping and parks. You could even take an afternoon and drive to the areas to get a feel for them as well.
LOOK AT HOUSES ONLINE - Now is a great time to “house surf” online. It’s also an opportunity to Virtually tour homes, as most agents are including a professional video tour (not slide shows of photos) so you can really get a feel for the layout of the house inside and out. With that information you can determine if this house is really something you’d want to go and see.
The good news in the real estate world last week was the loosening of restrictions on showing homes in Los Angeles. There are still very real precautions we must take (wearing masks, using gloves and hand sanitizer) though it’s a step closer. In the meantime, if you’re in the market to buy and don’t want to venture out, set yourself with the things you can do virtually so you’re ready to go.