The coronavirus pandemic has made buying and selling a home virtually so much easier than it was before. The technology we are all using today gives us the tools to be able to do everything remotely.
Digital communication, from video calls to virtual tours, has never been easier. Even when life goes back to normal, this technology is going to stay and continue to grow, especially in real estate.
Over the past nine months, I have had the opportunity to do many virtual purchases and sales. This is so beneficial to my clients, especially those out-of-state, that I wanted to share a little bit about the process.
Out-of-State Buyers
It’s nothing new for buyers to start their search online, but more out-of-state buyers are choosing to do the entire purchasing process virtually with little to no in-person contact.
Four of my last five buyers were out-of-state. Our first conversation was done via Zoom or Facetime. I not only wanted to know what their wish list was for a new home but what was important to them in a community, and how to prioritize what they were looking for. I got to understand what they were looking for in their new home and neighborhood, and they got to meet me, ask me questions about our real estate market and my local expertise, to know if I was the right agent to represent them.
Once I had all their criteria, I set them up on an automatic search. As we know, homes are literally flying off the shelf right now. Many, especially the lower to middle price ranges have multiple offers on the first day. This is another advantage of doing showings virtually — we don’t have to wait to meet up in person and maybe miss our opportunity to even submit an offer.
Being a local agent, I was able to view the homes within hours. Scheduling a time to do a live virtual tour with my client is the next best thing to them being here in-person; they still got to go through the home with me seeing everything I see, they got a feel for the flow and the layout, and could ask questions as we went through it together.
After getting an offer accepted, we were then in the 10-day inspection period. This is when two of my clients flew out to be at the inspection and view the home for the first time. My other two clients did the inspection virtually and we face-timed them through the review with the inspector while walking virtually through the house. The buyer was able to ask questions directly to the inspector and the inspector was able to show them anything he needed to explain.
If the seller had agreed to do any repairs, I ensured they were all done correctly and I did a final walk through with my clients via Facetime, Zoom or other apps. The title company arranged a notary to do the signing in whichever state my clients live, at a time convenient for them. My hands-on approach, combined with the technology, makes anything possible.
Out-of-State Sellers
Four of my recently sold homes have also been sold virtually. Two clients were in Canada and they stayed home throughout the selling process. As soon as they decided to sell, I started getting the home ready. This included staging the home, moving their own furnishings around and providing some of my own staging items to make the home show its best.
My handyman did any repairs needed, I arranged a carpet cleaner, landscaper, cleaners and anything else that was needed to sell the home for top price. The professional photographer did photos and, on one of the larger homes, did aerial drone photos and a live video tour.
With buyers looking for homes online and buying them sight unseen, it is so important to provide as much online and virtual viewing of your home as possible.
Once an offer was accepted and if any repairs were needed, I arranged all the details with a handyman or professional contractor. If the homes were fully furnished, I arranged to have personal items shipped back to the sellers or assisted with the sale or donation of the home furnishings.
Whatever the clients need, my team and I can take care of everything so that the process is as stress free as possible. Also, know that virtual buying and selling with limited contact is not only available to out-of-state buyers and sellers. I offer all the same services to clients who live right here in Arizona.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home and would like more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Lorraine is a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent, has been a full-time Realtor for over 12 years, is an Associate Broker of KOR Properties, a Certified Negotiation Specialist, and is on the Professional Standards Board. You can reach Lorraine at (602) 571-6799.