As we continue to see unprecedented activity in the local Twin Cities real estate market, buyers often find they are too late to offer on recently listed homes. For the serious homebuyer, this can be frustrating, often causing them to make last-minute plans to run out and view homes, interfering with work and home life.
Fortunately, with the right approach, it is possible to buy completely virtually and
still get the right information to make the best decision for a new home. Here are
a few tips to help:
• Virtual Tour – A virtual tour should be a live event via FaceTime with your local real estate agent. Ask your real estate agent to open closets & storage areas and then proceed to virtually view each room in the home. Zoom in on areas of concern and make lots of notes for questions.
• Ask the Right Questions – All homebuyers need to ask the important
questions and with virtual tours, it’s even more so. Ask about the age of the
roof and HVAC systems. Look under cabinets for water damage and ask to
see anything listed in the Sellers Disclosures. Remember, the things that can’t be seen in a virtual tour, such as street noise or over-the-fence issues; don’t be
afraid to ask. You can also visit Google Maps and then click street view.
• Be Prepared to Buy – Whether viewing the home virtually or in person, a
serious buyer must be ready to move quickly in this market. Financing and
pre-approval letters should already be in place before seeing homes.
It might be intimidating to consider buying a condo or a home virtually, but the tools are available. In this competitive market and with the global health concerns still very
real, homebuyers can buy their next condo or home virtually by being prepared and
following a few simple tips.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a condo, a single-family home, or a townhome in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the suburbs, please feel free to contact Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor with RE/MAX Results @ 612-616-9714 or visit www.ShannonLindstromRealtor.com today.
