While the coronavirus lingers in our communities, it’s better to look at prospective homes from the safety and comfort of your current location. Don’t worry if you’ve never done virtual home buying before and have no idea where to start. Here is some real estate advice for buyers looking to attend a virtual house tour.
Prep in Advance
It pays off to do your research before going on a virtual home tour. Ask your real estate agent if you can get a copy of the house’s floor plan so that you won’t get lost while the virtual home tour is being conducted. The floor plan can also give you an idea of the dimensions of every room.
Scroll through the photos and videos of the house, if these have been posted online.
Take note of:
- Areas of the house that haven’t been photographed
- Parts of the house you’d like to see more of
Then, ask your agent to show you these specific areas during the virtual home tour.
Read the listing description carefully. Jot down:
- The materials the house is made of
- The kind of systems it uses (furnace/boiler, gas/oil)
If your agent is able to access the home’s disclosures, these will state any material defects that you should be aware of. In New Jersey, it is mandatory for sellers to disclose the known and latent material defects of a house.
Make a List
Know what you’re looking for in your dream home and write down all the layout requirements and features that you would like. This could be an extra bathroom, large windows, or an ample backyard. If your agent knows what you’re looking for, then they can point out these features at the start of the virtual home tour.
Make a separate house-hunting checklist where you note down each home’s features. This will let you compare possible houses quickly, and rank them according to your preference.
Use your Agent’s Senses
You won’t be able to visit the home yourself, so make sure you get a complete picture during the virtual home tour by asking the agent sensory questions. Are there any creaky floorboards or cabinets? Is there a strong, musty smell that could be caused by mold or pets? Don’t hesitate to request the agent to show you the views from the windows, open closet and cabinet doors, and so on.
If the property you’re considering is close to your current address, you can do a quick drive-by. This will give you a feel of the house and the neighborhood, as well as let you check out any nearby amenities.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions
If you have questions about key details such as the kind of lights used in every room, the location of electrical outlets, and the age of major appliances like the refrigerator and oven, ask away.
For more home buying tips, get in touch with New Jersey property expert Colleen Meyler, Broker-Associate. Call her at 732.995.5102 or send an email to ColleenMeyler(at)gmail(dotted)com .