Tips for Buying a Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic

1. Get Pre-Approved & Lock Your Rate Early

You can get pre-approved remotely so there’s no need to go to a lender’s office. Also, lock in your rate. We saw in early March how quickly interest rates can rise. Typically, a 1% increase in rate decreases your purchasing power by $10,000. And, if interest rates go down, many lenders will adjust your locked rate.

2. Conduct Remote Buyer’s Consultation

Video conferencing is a great way to practice responsible social distancing. We make it easy using Zoom, Skype, Facetime, and Google Hangouts.

3. Begin Your Home Search Online

We’ll subscribe you to automatic emails from the MLS to get new listings and updates before anyone else. But did you know you can control your own search on this website? Try the home search option after reading these tips and download our app to help you find the home of your dreams.

4. Conduct Live Video Walk-Throughs of Homes

We can request the listing agent or seller to walk through the home on a live video so that we can see the home without going there. If the seller or listing agent are unwilling to do this, someone from our team will be happy to do a live video from the home for you.

5. E-Sign Online Documents

We typically use Dotloop and Docusign to digitally sign paperwork. This should be the only way to handle documents through this crisis.

6. Utilize Personal Protection During Required Meetings

We have a supply of shoe booties, face masks, and hand sanitizer that we can use when viewing a home or for essential meetings such as with home inspectors and repairmen.

7. Consider New Contingencies

If we make an offer without physically seeing a home, we can make the offer contingent on physically viewing the home. In this way, you are assured to have your dream home under contract with the ability to cancel the contract should the reality of the home not match photos and videos.

8. Close Remotely or in Small Group Settings

Closing can take place in small groups (Buyers and Sellers separate from each other) to mitigate the spread of the virus. In some cases, closings can be done completely remotely with one of our recommended Closing Agents.

9. Deep Clean Your House Before Moving In 

The perfect time to deep clean your new home is before you move in, when it’s empty, and every nook and cranny is easy to reach! We have a list of recommended vendors to provide to you.

Thinking of buying a home? These are unprecedented times with many confusing and challenging things to consider. At Dan’s Family Homes, we remain on top of the latest news and education to deliver unparalleled service and advice to our clients. Let’s chat about how we can work together to meet your home buying dreams.