Welcome to the era where your dream home is just a click away! Gone are the days of physically touring dozens of homes and signing paperwork in-person. The digital revolution has ushered in a new age of house hunting, making it more accessible, efficient, and aligned with our increasingly online lives. As “digital house hunting” becomes more popular, understanding these dos and don’ts can make all the difference in the success of your home-buying experience.
DO:
1. Leverage Virtual Reality and 3D Tours. Virtual reality has emerged as a game-changer in house hunting, offering immersive experiences that go beyond traditional virtual tours. By donning a VR headset, prospective buyers can virtually step inside homes from anywhere in the world, experiencing the space in a way that photos and videos simply cannot match. Similarly, 3D tours have taken property presentations to new heights, providing detailed renderings that allow buyers to visualize the layout, design, and potential of a space.
2. Utilize Reliable Websites. It can be tempting to rely solely on popular home search sites, but not all sources of data are created equal! Many national websites use a “one size fits all” approach and may contain inaccurate information regarding local school districts, taxes, neighborhood features, and valuation estimates. They also don’t always have the most current status information and don’t give you visibility to “coming soon” properties. Connecting with a local real estate agent who can get you set up on a search portal within your local MLS will ensure that you have access to the highest-quality information, helping you to make informed decisions.
3. Engage a Real Estate Agent to Conduct Video Showings. While there’s no true replacement for an in-person showing, a video showing via FaceTime or Zoom can be the next best thing. Unlike pre-recorded tours, live tours offer you a real-time look at the property. This means you can spot any potential issues, such as cracks, leaks, or even assess the noise level from traffic. It’s your chance to ask questions of your agent on the spot and get a genuine feel for the property and the neighborhood.
DON’T:
1. Skimp on Researching Accessibility. Never underestimate the importance of location. A property’s proximity to your workplace, public transportation, hospitals, schools, and shopping areas is crucial. It can significantly impact your daily life and convenience, not to mention the resale potential of a home. When browsing properties online, avoid looking at a property in a vacuum without concern for where the home is located. Make sure to check maps and local community resources to understand the area’s accessibility.
2. Give Too Much Consideration to Online Mortgage Calculators. Many digital platforms offer mortgage calculators that can help you estimate your monthly payments based on the purchase price, down payment, interest rate, and other factors. Some sites also offer pre-approval services and financial advice, helping you understand your budget and financing options before starting your home search. While these tools can be helpful in providing rough estimates, they might miss some critical pieces of information like taxes, HOA fees, and utility costs. Any information you plug into these systems may also be sold and result in you receiving a lot of unwanted calls and emails from financial institutions trying to earn your business. Having a reputable mortgage lender run payment scenarios for you before considering a property is your best bet to avoid surprises after closing and protect your privacy.
3. Rely Solely on Photos. While stunning photos can draw you to a listing, they don’t always tell the full story. Photos can be edited or strategically taken to highlight the best features while hiding flaws. They also don’t allow you to hear (or smell!) potential drawbacks to the property. Make sure to complement your visual inspection with live virtual tours or, if possible, in-person visits to get a comprehensive understanding of the property.
Advertorial originally appeared in July 2024