Safety First — Your Home Search in the Tail End of Lockdown
Katie Conry from www.advicemine.com reached out asking to write a blog. This topic is one that all of us have suddenly become well adversed: COVID-19 pandemic. This affected the Rochester housing market by softening the market for a short time. No matter what market you are in, Katie wrote some excellent points to consider when buying a home.
Safety First — Your Home Search in the Tail End of Lockdown
If there’s a will, there’s a way — such is one of the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you’re on the market for a new home, there’s really no need to shelve your search because of the coronavirus as there are, in fact, cutting-edge ways you can pursue your dream home without having to venture outside. And as lockdown orders start to ease, buying your next home is only bound to get easier. Let’s break down the process.
Do Your Research
Pandemic or no pandemic, buying a home starts the same way: by doing your due diligence. You may not become a real estate expert overnight, but learning the nitty-gritty of the market will help you in your search for the perfect home in untold ways.
- The internet is home to some of the best homebuyer resources, so make use of them to learn everything from getting a mortgage to insurance.
- If you’re a first-time homebuyer, take the time to learn how to do the whole process right.
- Strive to get pre-approved for a mortgage to save you time and surprises.
- You’ll also want to learn all about additional expenses, such as closing costs.
Know What to Look For
When it comes to buying a home, knowing what you want is the key. Aesthetics will be your first consideration, of course, but you also have to look beyond that aspect.
- Look for extra touches that show how committed a seller is.
- It’s important to look beyond a property’s virtues and take note of the warning signs.
- It’s also wise to spring for a home inspection and have a checklist of what should be given attention to avoid costly repairs down the line.
- To illustrate, the cost to repair a refrigeration system is no joke, so it’s best to get this and similar repairs out of the way.
Buy in Safety
Lockdown rules may be easing up, but COVID-19 remains at large. Erring on the side of safety as you search for your next home is still of the utmost importance.
- As much as possible, stick to virtual open houses or showings for now.
- Some platforms also offer 3D walkthroughs so you can explore in safety and confidence.
- But even when attending a virtual showing, don’t lose sight of buyer etiquette.
- And if you must see a home in person, take anti-coronavirus measures like touring by appointment only, not touching surfaces, etc.
With quarantine come to a close, it’s time for a fresh start, and there’s no better place to do so that in the new home of your dreams. You may not be able to throw all caution to the winds just yet, but you can at least get a headstart in your search.
Photo via Pexels.com
A huge thank you to Katie for this blog contribution! Katie also wrote another blog for Reel Property Solutions, LLC: http://www.reelpropertysolutionsllc.com/an-introductory-guide-to-buying-your-own-investment-property/
Reel Property Solutions, LLC is here to help YOU with your home selling needs. Contact us at info@reelpropertysolutionsllc.com or call 507-218-8788.
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