New ways to look for a home

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It’s always a good practice to do your research in advance

Are open houses a thing of the past? That’s hard to say.

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Real estate is considered an “essential service” in our pandemic environment. Though it is riskier to walk through a property it is still being done with precautions in place and a limited number of parties in a controlled environment. In fact, residential real estate is booming.

One thing that certainly has changed is the way research is done before buying a home. Home buyers are viewing presentations virtually and asking questions over the phone, prior to actually visiting the property in person. This is actually a great thing because they can gather necessary information faster (such as square footage, price and new upgrades) and be more efficient in their search.

Further, social media is becoming more and more popular for new home buyers. There is a magnitude of information on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram and other platforms. You can view properties that are posted and request more information from several realtors at the same time by messaging them directly.

Information gathering has become easier and less intrusive, and is a great method for obtaining first, second or third opinions that relate to your specific circumstances.

More and more business is being done online and fast. Use online strategies for getting your questions answered and feeling out different options until you are satisfied. The way you communicate online is important. The right realtor will be knowledgeable, patient and enthusiastic to work with you.

It is a good idea to have a list of questions ready about all the properties of interest, relating to the condition of the home if its a resale. Plus, asking questions about the neighborhood and what was sold recently in a particular area is always a smart idea. New home buyers might miss the obvious due to genuine excitement and lack of experience in the process.

Just like buying a car for the first time, not being level-headed and instead, taken by emotion, is a common mistake that may lead to trouble and choosing incorrectly. However, listening to your gut instincts can also lead you to making the right decision.

For more information and tips on how to communicate effectively with your realtor, contact: nicole@prospect2win.com.