Covid-free House-hunting Tips
Covid indefinitely stopped most of our plans last year, which was a great inconvenience to most, especially those planning to buy a new house. Since then, the real estate industry has explored ways to safely jumpstart the market and slowly accommodate people who want their plans to finally come to life. The pandemic might still be going on, but there are plenty of ways to buy a house without the threat of catching the virus.
Check new listings
The market never runs out of houses to sell. In fact, new listings have been coming and selling at a fast rate. Some homes don’t get the chance to get listed before they are sold. It is important to get access to off-market listings. Make sure your real estate agent has access to homes off the market. Most open homes are also conducted virtually now, giving you a chance to explore the home safely.
Choose the Right Agent
Having an agent is the best investment you’ll ever have when you buy a house. Real estate agents have the right tools and experience to help you find your right home. Their resources and vast network of connections help them find the right home for you, and even find homes that are not yet listed. You also have the opportunity to ask for options where you have the slightest physical contact, such as virtual house tours, e-documents, and online meetings, without worrying too much about how things might go since they already know what to do.
Clean and Safe
There’s always that feeling of security and assurance when you check out a house in person. Experiencing the home in person for the first time gives you the chance to examine, feel the environment and imagine yourself and your family creating the best memories that are yet to come. If you do opt for an in-person house tour, make sure to ask for proof that the house has been adequately sanitized for your protection. There should be extra masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer readily available. For an extra precaution, let your agent guide you in every area so that you won’t touch any doors or any surface in general.
Real estate agent online service. Virtual house tour safe from COVID
Virtual Tours and Online Meetings
Nowadays, homeowners provide plenty of options that let buyers check out listings right from the comforts of their homes. You can ask for photos or virtual tours to check out the house. The buying process also involves a lot of negotiation and document signing. You can choose to have it over video conferencing applications like Zoom and Skype during discussions. This way, everyone involved would have one less thing to worry about.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right home has never been easy. With covid still lurking in the background, you’d most likely think you’ll still have to postpone your plans. The good news is, you won’t have to wait much longer. With the market slowly adapting to the new normal, implementing safety measures, and following health protocols, you’ll be able to purchase your ideal home without worrying.
As a top producing agent with 20+ years of experience in the East Bay and with over 25+ transactions closed during the pandemic, I am able to assure my clients a safe journey throughout these stressful and unpredictable times. I have helped hundreds of clients buy their dream homes in the Greater San Francisco Bay area and the counties of Alameda and Contra Costa. My experience as a former appraiser allows me to help my clients understand the market. If you have any questions, I am here to be a resource for you.
January 24, 2023 
