Your virtual home buying guide

The home-buying process generally requires a lot of social interaction, not just among you, the seller, and your agent, but also with a number of people from finance and home inspection representatives to legal teams. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing social distancing among individuals to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the challenge to complete a real estate transaction minus face-to-face communication becomes great.

Adapting to the times

Fortunately, the real estate industry has come up with various solutions to keep their clients happy and the real estate market humming along despite the odds. Agents are hosting consultations and virtual open houses using video conferencing apps where they can still show prospective homebuyers the details of a property and answer questions in real time.

Meanwhile, any meeting or transaction that absolutely must be done in person is conducted with absolute caution, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

Home-buying is still possible

Don’t feel like you have to put your home-buying plans on hold just because of the pandemic. Different tools will make it possible for you to be a smart buyer even if you’re doing most of the work online. Moreover, many segments of the real estate process have previously been done digitally. The total shift of the entire process to the virtual world should be relatively easy.

Plotting your revised home-buying strategy

Times like these do call for a new attack in getting that dream home from among the homes for sale in Wenatchee, WA. Here’s how to do it:

• Find the right agent. An important detail to ask, aside from the usual questions, is if the agent has conducted and closed transactions remotely before. Ask how they’ll conduct the process so you’ll know what to expect. Also, find out what software they use.
• Acknowledge that the process will be different from what you’re used to. Virtual open houses will be the norm for the foreseeable future. Even if your agent agrees to show you a house in person, there will still be new rules in place. Most likely, in-person open houses will be limited to guaranteed buyers. During these visits, both you and your agent will have to observe proper safety protocols like wearing face masks and limiting physical contact with any item or part of the home.

  There will be some changes in the way home appraisals will be conducted due to the present health risks. You can expect some home inspectors to do their work in full hazmat suits. Also, home inspections might not be done as thoroughly and lengthily as before. Inspectors may simply base their findings on available records and/or observations of the home exterior.

• Closing will be done digitally. E-signatures are widely accepted these days and the pandemic has accelerated their adoption. Documents can be e-mailed and funds can be transferred electronically.

  This coronavirus disease has, in so many ways, altered whatever norms we were used to – including how real estate transactions work. But for as long as you know what you’re looking for and communication lines between you and your agent are active, this new home buying experience should remain a relatively stress-free one.

  Never hesitate to seek advice regarding your plans to buy a home in this market climate from our team at Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate. Pandemic or not, you can depend on us to guide you as you navigate the real estate markets in Wenatchee and nearby communities.

Give us a call today at 509.888.8887 or send a message to info(at)cbcascade(dotted)com.