The internet has become the go-to place for making purchase decisions big and small.  From getting groceries ordered and delivered to buying vehicles and even putting offers on houses, we can make virtually any purchase online.

This accessibility means that more homebuyers are shopping for homes on the web and even making offers on homes sight unseen.  This tactic, while inherently a little risky, is becoming more widespread and may be a buyer’s only option at times.   So if you’re looking at buying a home sight unseen, avoid making these mistakes.

1. Not Doing a Virtual Tour

With as much technology at our disposal today, and real estate agents constantly posting content displaying their latest listings, virtual tours are a ubiquitous part of the homebuying process.  If you’re looking at purchasing a home sight unseen, make sure to run through a virtual tour online if available or have an agent conduct a virtual tour with you.

2. Not Shopping for Real Estate Agents

If you’re looking at buying sight unseen, then it stands to reason that you’re likely in need of an agent to handle your affairs on the business end.  What’s important, though, is to steer clear of the temptation to work with the first agent that comes across your radar.  It’s best practice to do some research, vet your potential agents, and choose the best agent for yourself.

3. Not Doing Neighborhood Research

Sometimes, neighborhood research is best done with boots on the ground so-to-speak.  But if you’re buying a home sight unseen, then you’ll have to do some research from a distance.  Do your best to research the area where your home is.  See where schools, grocery stores, hospitals, and other necessary things are in proximity to the home and look for any red flags.

4. Not Using Your Senses

One thing that you can never get from a virtual visit to a home is the overall feel for the place, not to mention the sights, smells, and sounds.  Once you’ve found a realtor you trust, it’s critical to have them do a live walkthrough of a home with you and ask them all of the things that you would otherwise look at, feel, and see for yourself.

5. Not Using the Best Inspector

Home inspectors are a crucial piece of the home buying and selling puzzle, and what they find within a home can make or break a deal.  If it’s up to you, use the absolute best inspector you can afford, and don’t be afraid to shop around to find the best.  Additionally, don’t shy away from having more than one inspector or requesting additional inspections for specific parts of the home.

6. Not Planning for Bumps in the Road

Buying a house sight unseen comes with some unusual hurdles.  What those hurdles are exactly won’t be revealed until you get into the buying process in earnest.  For that reason, don’t expect that you’ll make an offer one day and own a home the very next.  There will be some lag time, some hiccups, and some things that will need to be resolved, so give yourself some cushion for the unforeseen circumstances.

7. Not Having Financing Ready

One thing that can break a real estate deal no matter what is not having the right financial plan in place before you start shopping or making offers.  Make sure your finances are in order, you’re pre-qualified for a line of credit, and you know just what you can afford in monthly payments.  If you need help, then get in touch with the experts at Tidewater Mortgage Services!