Top 10 Tips for Buying a Home Virtually

The real estate market is now mostly online, with the help of the latest technology. This includes home buying and selling apps, virtual reality, and virtual tours. If you’re looking to buy a property, especially at the moment, you’re probably going to at least start the process virtually. Virtual viewings are increasing as they’re a safer, more convenient option for both buyers, sellers, and realtors. You’ve got to make sure you’re savvy enough to navigate the virtual housing market, however. Here are the top ten tips for buying a home online.

Make a list

Whether you’re buying a house for the first time or you’re more experienced in real estate it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Plan a list of questions to ask the real estate agent, or seller, and make sure you know what to look for during the virtual tour. Here is a basic homebuyer’s checklist to give you an idea. A virtual tour is a convenient way to view a property without being there, but you need to ensure you get the most out of it.

Try to look beyond the decor

During the virtual tour, try to look beyond the decor. Remember, if you buy the property you can decorate it as you please. It is, however, important to factor in the cost of any refurbishment. If you’ve never tried a virtual your before, here is a virtual tour demonstration to give you an example of what to expect. It’s really no different from an in-person tour, you just need to see if you can picture yourself living there. With advances in video conferencing technology, you will be able to get a fair amount of detail.

Get accurate measurements 

Even though virtual tours can be very useful, it’s sometimes hard to gauge dimensions. A clever trick is to count things like the kitchen cabinet doors and the number of pillows on the bed, so you can get a more accurate perception of their size. You should also, without a doubt, ask your realtor for all measurements of the floor plan and any furnishings. Get a tape measure and compare these to your existing home, and if you’re planning on moving furniture, measure these as well.

Is it energy-efficient?

During your virtual viewing, look for signs that the home is energy-efficient. You can also add these sorts of questions to your list to ask the realtor. Are there double-glazed windows, for example? Find out about the thermostat and whether there’s sufficient insulation. All these are ways to make a home more energy-efficient. You don’t want to end up spending a fortune on your utility bills, plus it’s better for the environment.

Research the area

If you’re unable to visit the area at first, make sure you do your research online. Whether you’re looking to move abroad and checking out a kota kinabalu house for sale, or simply don’t have the time to arrange a viewing in person until a later date, find out more about the neighborhood. Make a list of priorities here as well. Think of the amenities and facilities you need nearby, such as schools, shops, sports centers, restaurants, and nightlife. Read a few reviews online as well. You might also want to look into average house prices in the area and find out why certain locations are more expensive than others.

Plan a visit

Ideally, you will want to see the property in real-life at least once before you decide. It’s important to make the most of your trip, especially if you only afford to go once. Prepare enough time to take a tour of the neighborhood and explore. You will also need to be prepared to ask as many questions as you can. Check things like the functioning of the bathroom, water pressure, and other appliances during your visit.

Plan possible renovation ideas

It’s up to you how much you spend renovating the property after you buy it but you’ll want to plan for these future costs in advance. How much work will the property need? You can certainly add value to your home by renovating it, especially parts like the kitchen and bathroom, as long as it’s worth the investment.

Check for storage space

The house maybe be spacious and stylish but is there enough storage space? During your virtual tour, assess the closet space and ask if there’s any external storage, or a basement or garage. If the property is small, there are still plenty of storage ideas, that will help you make use of the space. Often it’s the storage space that makes more of a difference than the size of a room, for example. 

Look for important details

Check for every detail. Look at the shower, stove, and other appliances and find out any other practical information about the property. You’re looking for a comfortable place to live after all, and probably won’t be making any changes immediately. You can prepare a list of details you would like to see in your virtual tour and give this to the realtor or estate agency beforehand. Be demanding if need be, as you need to get a realistic impression about what it’s like to live there.

Is there anything missing?

Look for red flags such as if there are any important details missing from the listing. There could potentially be something wrong with the property if it’s not mentioned. Sellers are required by law to make potential buyers aware of anything that might negatively affect its value, this is known as seller disclosure. Take advantage of this and ask your realtor to get this information from the seller. There may be structural issues or problems with the plumbing or electrics, and the seller is obliged by law to let you know. Buying a home online is a more convenient way to do it nowadays, and this is why the virtual housing market is on the rise. As long as you’re prepared, you can get all the info you need. 

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