Did you know a recent COVID-19 influenced survey found that 45% of home buyers in 2020 had made an offer without seeing the property in person? Realtor.com in April purported “24% of 1,300 consumers surveyed said they’d be willing to buy a home without seeing it in person.”
There are so many changes in the home purchasing process brought about from travel and showing restrictions due to COVID 19. Buyers need to move for job relocations and don’t have time or can’t make travel work in their schedules. They need housing and are reaching out for help. Are you there for them?
Sight unseen deals are nothing new, but until recently they were used mostly for investors, foreign buyers, or long distance home shoppers. With the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic there is evidence signifying they’re more than a passing trend.
In representing buyers who purchase homes sight unseen we have to practice extreme due diligence in making sure they are comfortable with their selection. Videoing both the exterior and interior of the home, including a 360 view of what the homes look like on the both sides and across the street. We are their eyes and ears. Coldwell Banker is always a step ahead anticipating new challenges and has a disclosure for buyers to sign when buying a home sight unseen.
I’m currently representing a lovely family from CT due to close in a few weeks. After trying on-line to find an agent who would take them seriously and actively look for a home for them, they called me. I was referred to them by their friends who live in Canyon Creek. They wanted to live in the same community and were frustrated with only one home on the market and missing out on properties that moved off market so quickly. They needed an advocate willing to make it a priority in finding them a home.
I suggested we branch out and investigate some other areas since they needed a home right away. I videoed a property new to market, we submitted an offer and found there were 11 other offers. A cash offer won who gave the sellers the moon and then some! Found another new listing and we submitted an offer and the seller wanted to stay in the home until the end of December to wait for their new construction home to be finished. We didn’t get that one either!
I always believe things happen for a reason. A home came back on market in Canyon Creek. I raced over, videoed, sent them the floorplan, seller’s disclosure, survey and we submitted an offer immediately.
It’s important to have a strong network with other agents and the listing agent had just sold one of my listings. I’ve always felt colleagues are my “forever clients” who I work with long after a transactions ends. When you work respectfully and courteously, agents want to work with you and your clients. Another offer came in but we won the bid…third time was the charm!
We are seeing many changes in the landscape of how we practice real estate. Embracing customers’ needs come first with a gracious heart. We can’t be fearful of solutions that might be out of our comfort zone. Applying our proficiency and experience allow us to earn meaningful relationships authentically and thrive!
“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” Pauline R. Kezer
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