The prospect of purchasing a home is undeniably thrilling, yet for first-time buyers, the process can be both exciting and overwhelming. When compounded with the novel experience of acquiring a property remotely, it can become downright nerve-wracking. Before taking the plunge, it’s crucial for buyers to be well-informed about the details that can ease the process. This article offers valuable tips for prospective homebuyers, complemented by industry statistics shedding light on the recent surge in remote home purchases.
Opting for a fully remote home-buying process is unquestionably convenient. Whether driven by a desire to avoid potential exposure or due to a long-distance move, this approach streamlines relocation without the need for physical travel. A recent survey indicates that 24% of consumers view virtual home buying as a viable and strategic option. However, it’s essential to be cautious of potential pitfalls, regardless of the circumstances.
To navigate this process successfully, the first step is to secure preapproval for a mortgage and enlist the services of a seasoned real estate agent. These professionals act as ambassadors on behalf of buyers, ensuring that listing photos accurately represent the property and facilitating virtual home tours. Agents also expedite the search by focusing on key criteria such as home layouts and school districts.
Finding the right agent varies for each individual, whether through recommendations from friends or family, online searches for positive reviews, or affiliations with top-performing agencies in the area. Regardless of the method, it’s crucial to engage an agent with experience in remote selling.
With an agent in place, the home search begins. The market is highly competitive, with an increasing number of consumers relying on digital platforms for property exploration. From February 2020 to the following year, monthly views of 3D walkthroughs on Redfin.com surged by 563%. Similarly, Zillow.com reported a 41% increase in traffic to its for-sale listings in 2020. As a testament to the success of these platforms, 63% of homebuyers in 2020 made offers on properties they hadn’t seen in person.
As the process advances, making an offer on a home pending inspection becomes the next step. Upon acceptance, schedule an inspection and request to join the agent via video call. The agent will guide you through due diligence steps and other complexities associated with closing on a property.
Once the offer is successfully closed, it’s time to plan the move. Finding reputable and reliable movers is crucial to safely transporting belongings to the new home, whether it’s within the state or across the country. Professional long-distance movers can significantly enhance the overall moving experience.
For additional insights into remote home buying, refer to the accompanying resource.
Infographic created by Master Movers, moving services Venice FL
