Though a majority of home buyers have been starting their home search online for several years now, the latest safety measures have increased the amount of home shopping we do over the internet. Here are some ways you can make the new process of house hunting online easier.
Start with an Expert Agent
The first thing you want to do when starting out your home search, even if it is online, is to hire the help of a highly knowledgeable local real estate agent. Ask your agent plenty of questions about their experience and how they are navigating this now mostly online process of buying and selling homes.
Read the Listing Very Carefully
When looking at homes online most of us get caught up in the pictures and fall in love with a home for its looks. Make sure to read every detail shared in writing on the listing as well. Pictures can be taken from great angles and make a house look really good, but they don’t tell the whole story. Read all the info you may find something not so great. For example maybe the home’s actual location is not ideal. Some terms in a listing can read like another language so if you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask your agent what something means.
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What Are the Pictures Showing?
Though pictures help to draw your attention in to want more information on listing pay attention to what is really being shared in the pictures, or what isn’t. If there are only pictures of the outside of the home this is a major red flag. OR if the listing talks about the amazing master suite yet there are no pictures of it, you have to wonder why.
Get More Out of a Virtual Tour
Touring a home virtually has become more and more common since the spring. If you are wanting to continue to keep your distance you can ask if your agent is willing to do a virtual walkthrough via live video. The nice thing is some homes are automatically including this tour with the online listing so you can “walk” through the home to much better determine if you are near to making an offer and want to see it in person. This will eliminate a lot of in-person walkthroughs on homes you are not yet sure about making an offer on.
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Look for Disclosure Statements
These are important bits of information that a seller legally must share about the home. This is usually info regarding issues with the property or past issues that could affect future ones.
Do Homework About the Neighborhood
This can get a little time consuming and require some digging. Don’t just look at a few items or a map of the businesses, really dig in and play detective. Check out the schools by reading several different sites and reviews. Do the same for local businesses. Look at online discussion forums for the neighborhood to get the most honest answers about how residents feel about living there.
House hunting is the most exciting part of buying a home, but it can get exhausting or be overwhelming. For help with buying a home in Carrabelle, Homes for sale in Apalachicola or other Forgotten Coast towns please contact us any time.
