6 Tips for House Shopping During a Pandemic
6 Tips for House Shopping During a Pandemic
Even though it may not seem like the ideal time to buy a new home, real estate sales have actually increased during the pandemic. With low interest rates and many people searching for more space, the demand for homes in Ottawa is high.
If you’re one of the many people who is considering a move, but are concerned that now is not the time, rest easy. We’ve got all the info to help make house shopping during a pandemic safe and worry-free. Here are our top six tips for house shopping during a pandemic.
1. Find Your Team
No matter when you buy a house, it helps to have a good team to guide you through the process. When buying during a difficult time like a pandemic, it’s even more important to have good support. With ever-changing safety regulations and a fast-moving market, trying to sell or purchase a home during Covid times is especially tricky.
For the best results, it helps to have a real estate agent who is familiar with the location and style of home you’re searching for. If you’re shopping for a home in the Ottawa area, our Realtors® know the city and are ready to help you navigate house shopping during a pandemic.
You’ll also need a mortgage broker, lawyer, and insurance agent to help you through the process. If you don’t already have these people in place, we’ll be more than happy to refer some great professionals to assist you.
2. Be Prepared to Shop Online
It’s a virtual world now, and shopping for a new home is no different. With pandemic restrictions in place, open houses and most in-person meetings aren’t happening. Thankfully, real estate listings have been online for some time, so it’s very easy to shop for a home online.
Talk to your Realtor® about setting up a notification for houses that meet your criteria. That way you’ll know right away when properties of interest to you become available.
3. Virtual Meetings Are the New Normal
Another change to house shopping during a pandemic is that most of your interactions will be virtual. You’ll see your real estate agent in person, but all other meetings and any documents you sign will be online.
4. Be Thorough in Your Research
In this time of social distancing, you should limit the number of homes you visit in person. This helps reduce the number of people entering a home, as well as the number of people you and your Realtor® come in contact with.
There are a number of steps you can take to help you better evaluate the homes you’re interested in.
- Look carefully at all the photos and read the full description.
- Fully explore virtual tours and take the time to review floor plans (if available).
- Look for additional media. Often there are additional photos available on a secondary website that can help you get an even better view of the home.
- Check out the location on a map to make sure you like the neighbourhood. You can also locate the nearest amenities and check transportation routes on online maps as well.
- Drive by the house. Be sure not to bother the current residents but take the time to see the house in person. This will give you the best impression of the location and exterior.
5. Safety is Key when House Shopping During a Pandemic
Just like everything else we do now, house shopping during a pandemic comes with social distancing measures. Be prepared to wear a mask at all times and sanitize your hands when entering a home. You’ll also have to refrain from touching anything in the house and keep viewings as short as possible. And you won’t have to worry about seeing anyone other than your real estate agent when visiting a home. There are no overlapping viewings happening right now.
6. You May Have to Move Quickly
With low supply and high demand, houses in Ottawa have been moving quickly over the course of the pandemic. That means if you’re not ready to act fast, the house of your dreams could get snapped up. Being pre-approved for a mortgage and having a house inspector ready to go could help you beat out another buyer. If you find a house you love, be ready to make an offer quickly.
Although house shopping during a pandemic may seem daunting, it’s definitely not a bad time to buy a home. Contact us to find out how we can help get you and your family in a home you love.