It’s been a pretty turbulent few months for everyone here in the Triangle, especially for those looking to purchase a home. Uncertain market conditions and a fluctuating economy have forced many buyers to put their real estate dreams on hold. However, making a move is now easier than ever thanks to the latest virtual home buying resources!

What You Should Know About Virtual Home Buying

Although many industries came to a screeching halt during the global pandemic, real estate was not one of them. Thanks to some brand-new innovations, it’s now possible to find, tour, and buy a home from the comfort of your couch. Want to know how it works? Here are a few pointers to get you started.

Connect with a great local agent

Whether you’re buying a home in person or online, you’ll want to work with a local agent that knows the ins and outs of the Triangle’s top communities. And if you aren’t comfortable with meeting face-to-face, many agents now offer video conferences via platforms like Zoom or FaceTime!

Read up on an agent’s credentials and make sure they have the virtual home buying resources you’re looking for before you commit to working with them. Bonus points if they’re willing to take you on video showings (more on that later) or handle all the in-person details for you.

Virtual showings and video tours make it easy to explore homes

Virtual tours aren’t anything new, but they’ve certainly come a long way in the last few months! As you begin your search for the perfect place, try looking for homes that offer a high-quality virtual tour. Some listings even feature 3D tours, which allow you to “walk” through a space and get a better idea for the layout.

If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, try asking your agent to schedule a video showing of your favorite homes. To do this, your agent will use a video sharing app (like Zoom) to show you around a home. It’s the easiest way to see what a listing really looks like and ask questions in real time!

Sign paperwork at home with a remote closing

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, you can make an offer and close without ever leaving your couch. Electronic signing software and online notarization make it easy to navigate every step of the closing process from home. Just ask your agent if they offer these services ahead of time!

Want to complete some steps in person?

As North Carolina begins to reopen, it’s now possible to complete almost all aspects of the home buying process in person once again. If you’d prefer a partially virtual experience, you can always contact your agent to make special arrangements.

Start Your Virtual Home Buying Journey

If you’re eager to buy a home in the Triangle, we have the online resources you need to get started! Just reach out to HomeTowne Realty to learn more about the virtual buying process. We’re always here to answer your questions and help you find your dream home!