We are definitely living in interesting times. While a lot of things have changed, people still need to buy and sell houses so that at least has stayed the same. Buying a home can still be done safely and efficiently these days, however, there are a few extra considerations you might want to keep in mind. In Boise, the weather has been great thus far this summer and there isn’t a better time to be shopping for your first home or your next dream home. Here are some tips for you as you begin your journey. 

 

 

Technology Is Your Friend. Use it!

Luckily, we happen to live in an age where you don’t have to leave your couch in order to take a full tour of a home you’re looking at buying. If you have a smartphone or even a home computer or laptop, then you can do so much of the buying process from the safety and comfort of your home. Here are a few ideas:

  • Embrace smart features like 3D tours
  • Type the address of the home you’re looking for in YouTube’s search bar. There may be a full HD walk-through video of the house there already. Many real estate agents do this!
  • Ask your agent: Is there no video walk-through already? Ask your agent if they would mind connecting a Zoom call with you while they walk through the house you’re thinking about buying. It’s a great way to get a full walk-through remotely. 

Expect Competition

The Boise (and Treasure Valley) market has always been competitive and this year is no different. Competition and demand are just about as high this year as they have ever been, so expect to have to place an offer on a home quickly as someone else may have their eye on it. 

 

Social Distanced Open Houses

Many real estate agents are doing staggered or “by appointment” open houses. This might be a good and safer way for you to experience an open house in the new neighborhood you’re looking at. You can still go to open houses, it’s just a little different! While many agents are providing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for their clients, you may want to bring your own just in case. It’s always good to have backups. 

 

Do More Drive-By’s When Searching

While alone or with your partner in your car, you can be more safely away from other people and even more comfortable during the summer heat. If you find a handful of houses you want to look at on your smartphone or computer, why not plug them into your navigation system and give them a peek in person? There’s a lot you can tell about a house just by its neighborhood and surrounding areas and you can see exactly how the outside looks instead of having to rely on staged and photoshopped images. You can do a lot of the heavy lifting without even getting out of your car!

 

Even though things have changed, finding your dream home doesn’t have to! You can still get out there and buy the perfect home, it will just be a little different process. For all of your buying or selling needs, give us a call. We can’t wait to hear from you.