The process of buying a home is both thrilling and intimidating, especially for first-time buyers. Introduce the unfamiliarity of purchasing a home remotely, and the experience can become downright nerve-wracking. Before diving headfirst into this endeavor, it’s crucial for buyers to be aware of certain details to facilitate a smoother process. Below are tips for prospective homebuyers, accompanied by industry statistics highlighting the recent surge in remote home buying.
Opting for the entire home-buying process to be conducted remotely undeniably offers convenience. Whether due to concerns about exposure or a cross-country move, this method can streamline relocation without the need for physical travel. According to a recent survey, 24% of consumers perceive virtual home buying as a viable and strategic option. However, it’s essential to be cautious of potential pitfalls, regardless of the circumstances.
First and foremost, securing preapproval for a mortgage is crucial, followed by enlisting the assistance of a real estate agent. These professionals act as representatives, ensuring the accuracy of listing photos and organizing virtual home tours. An experienced agent expedites the search process by focusing on factors such as home layouts and school districts that align with your criteria.
Finding a suitable agent varies for each individual, whether through recommendations from friends or relatives, online searches for positive reviews, or affiliations with top-performing agencies in the area. Regardless of the approach, it’s imperative to select an agent with expertise in remote selling.
Moving on to the home search, the competitive nature of the market requires agility in viewing potential properties. From February 2020 to the same month a year later, Redfin.com witnessed a 563% increase in monthly views of 3D walkthroughs. Additionally, Zillow.com reported a 41% surge in traffic to its for-sale listings in 2020. The popularity of these websites and other digital platforms has facilitated the remote buying process, with 63% of those who purchased a home in 2020 making an offer on a property they hadn’t seen in person.
As the process advances, making an offer on a home pending inspection becomes the next step. Upon acceptance of the offer, schedule an inspection and join the agent through a video call. The agent will guide you through due diligence steps and other complexities associated with closing on a house.
Once the offer is successfully closed, it’s time to plan the move. Identify reputable and reliable long-distance movers to ensure the safe transport of belongings to the new home, whether it’s across the state or the country. Professional movers specializing in long-distance relocations can significantly enhance the overall moving experience.
For additional insights into remote home buying, please refer to the accompanying resource by Master Movers.
Infographic created by Master Movers, a residential moving company
