Guidelines For Buying a Home Sight Unseen
Follow these steps if you purchase a home without an in-person visit.
Buying a home without touring it in person may seem like a crazy idea or like something that doesn’t happen often, but it actually does. Especially over the past year when buyers have been relocating to areas where they can work from home and enjoy more space we have seen this trend increasing. While the purchase of a home without physically seeing it live may seem really difficult, it is possible to do it successfully if you follow some important protocol.
Work With The Right Agent
Working with a good agent is important with any transaction, but especially when you need to lean on them for even more assistance in this type of situation. Make sure you pick an agent who knows and specializes in the area that you are interested in moving to. Do your own homework to see their experience with past sales, reviews and where they do business so you can confirm they will be able to help you to the fullest.
Ask Several Questions
Whenever you think of a question or concern, start to put together a list. You can never ask too many questions and while you may seem like you might be overthinking things it is always best to address important details rather than experience unexpected surprises when your deal comes together later on.
Utilize Technology
In today’s world there are several tools available to us for home searches remotely. Make sure you take advantage of everything that is at your fingertips as you research a home of interest. Many listings will have virtual or 3D tours to see a home’s rooms and layout. If not, your agent could potentially do a live video chat with you. Also, you can do a Google Street View of the address so that you can tour the location and immediate surroundings.
Floor Plans
Many listings also have floor plans as part of the marketing details. In the event that it does not, then your agent could assist you with getting some measurements of the important rooms that you wish to mock up a layout for. It can be helpful to get a rough idea of size so you know what furniture will fit.
Inspection
A home inspection is important but when you aren’t viewing the home in person then it is especially imperative to lean on an expert’s services. Even if you are purchasing with cash and don’t need an inspection for financing it is still a smart idea to do for insurance purposes and to know and plan for exactly what work the home may need.