The pandemic has likely changed the way that you approach the process of buying a home. For example, it’s customary to take a physical tour of a property that you’d like to acquire before submitting an offer. However, these days, you may be more inclined to take a virtual tour instead. Let’s take a look at some mistakes to avoid if you’re buying a home that you haven’t seen in person.
You Fail to Ask Questions About the Property
It’s important to understand that you can’t ask a seller, your real estate agent, or your attorney too many questions about a home. In many cases, you’ll need to spend more time doing due diligence on a house that you can’t physically inspect. As a general rule, spending extra time getting the information you need can make you more confident when closing on the sale.
You Choose to Skip the Home Inspection
If you plan on getting a mortgage, the loan provider will insist on having a home inspected before it can be sold. However, even if you’re buying a property with cash, it’s still a good idea to have a person inspect it. This is because the inspector’s report will provide crucial insight into the home’s condition and any unexpected problems you may need to take care of.
You Forget to Evaluate the Floor Plan Before Making Your Offer
Obtaining a copy of the floor plan allows you to better understand whether a home’s layout meets your needs. It can also help you determine if you’ll need to get a smaller couch, rugs for the wood floors, or new blinds for the bay windows in the living room.
You Don’t Take Time to Evaluate the Neighborhood
Homes that are located in neighborhoods that are close to airports, noisy activities, or poor schools may be difficult to sell. This may be true even if the home itself is in pristine condition. Therefore, it’s important to walk, jog or drive through your prospective new neighborhood to ensure that you’ll feel comfortable living there.
You Hired the Wrong Real Estate Agent
Ideally, your agent will only show you properties that are in your price range, have the features that you need, and are in reputable neighborhoods. You can ask for agent referrals from friends, family members, or social media contacts.
Buying a house before you have a chance to see it may be seen by some as a gamble. However, if you have a quality agent, ask the right questions and have a property inspected, you can significantly increase your odds of buying a quality home for the right price.
