Checking out homes in person is a fun and crucial part of the homebuying process. While it’s always important take special care when looking at homes, buyers will need to take some extra precautions in the age of COVID-19.
6 Tips for Checking Out Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
To protect yourself and stay safe, here’s what you can do—and expect—when it’s time to check out homes you may want to buy. These homebuyer tips can minimize the risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
1. Use online tools first, before visiting homes.
Like several other industries, the real estate industry has turned to digital resources to keep things moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. That means there are several online tools homebuyers can use to research and view houses on the market without ever taking a step outside their home.
Some options include Immoviewer and FloorPlanOnline, both of which offer 3D 360˚ tours, making them great options for virtual showings.
These tools can help you narrow down your list so that you only venture out to see your top choices in person.
2. Call ahead.
Several real estate agents have changed how and when they show homes during the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors®, about 40% have suspended open houses indefinitely.
Others have significantly limited showing hours or will only show homes by appointment to serious buyers.
So, call the listing agent ahead of time to:
- Get more details.
- Schedule a time to see the home, if possible.
- Ask about any special instructions, like areas to avoid, for example.
3. Keep your distance.
When you’re checking out homes, maintain the same social distancing you would in public places. That means:
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Do not shake hands.
- Avoid all physical contact with strangers.
Many real estate agents are specifically limiting the number of potential buyers they let into homes at any given time so that everyone can maintain social distancing while checking out a home.
4. Bring sanitizer and/or wear personal protective equipment.
While you should avoid touching surfaces as much as possible, you’ll likely have to touch doorknobs, appliance handles, cabinet doors, and other surfaces as you check out a home. So, make sure you protect yourself by:
- Bringing and using hand sanitizer.
- Wearing gloves and a face mask.
5. Take notes & pictures.
You may have limited opportunities in the future to come back to a home and see it for a second time. So, make sure you take notes, pictures, and/or videos of key areas. Also, get the real estate agent’s contact information and ask about the possibility of virtual showings in the future.
These resources and options can help you avoid venturing out more than you have to if you have follow-up questions about a home or you simply want to see parts of it again.
Given that experts are urging people to stay home and only go out for the essentials, this can be exceptionally helpful to avoiding exposure and taking action to try to stop the spread of COVID-19.
6. Work with New Home Gurus.
The experienced Realtors® at New Home Gurus can help you arrange viewings and, then, walk you through every stage of the purchase process that follows. From drafting an offer through closing, we are proud to work closely with homebuyers, providing them with support, guidance, and advice to help them get their dream home.
Plus, after closing, we split our commission with buyers. That means homebuyers who work with us can expect to get back an average of $4,500 to $12,000.
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Call (281) 668-8124 to Find Out Now
Our new home gurus are standing by, ready to answer your questions and explain the details of our commission-sharing program.