Home Buying during the Conronavirus Outbreak: 5 Questions Answered

Everyone is being affected in some manner by the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus. During this time, buyers will have more questions than normal about the home buying process and their ability to buy a new home. While we can’t predict what the next few weeks and months will bring, the more we can educate ourselves, the better we can help buyers navigate the buying process smoothly during the pandemic. Here are a few common buyer questions, as they related to the Coronavirus outbreak and real estate, answered.

1. Can we still go see home listings in person?

– This is the hardest question to answer and it will depend on the home (is it vacant or occupied?), the seller, the agent and any fast-changing governmental policies put in place. Agents may be able to offer a Skype or FaceTime home tour virtually. Talk to your agent to find out what they have available for the buyers to pre-screen the home virtually before setting up the visit; they might have virtual tours already available which can help rule out those that don’t suit your needs.

2. How can I stay safe while visiting homes? – Everyone’s health has to be the priority; this includes the buyers, sellers, and agents. If you are going to see a home in person during this time, carry hand sanitizer and wipes to use before, during, and after the tour. Drive separately from your agent, meet at the homes. Remain at a safe distance at all times, 6-feet or more, during the tour. In addition, designate one person to open doors, drawers, and closets and use disposable gloves during the showing. Your agent may remain outside the room or home while you tour the inside. Whatever the situation, respect the requirements laid out by your agent; they are obligated to ensure safety measures are followed.

3. What happens if I lose my job during the escrow period? – Most real estate contracts include a contingency that protects the buyer in the event they can’t get final loan approval and close the loan. Typically during the process, this contingency is removed after a set time frame, or after receiving the loan approval. Since every aspect of real estate is negotiable, consider asking for the contingency deadline to be extended and in place until the close; talk through this aspect with the seller and their agent in advance to set the right expectation.

4. Will I still have access to the home during the escrow period? – It’s very common for the buyer to have easy access to the home during the escrow period; home inspections, appraisals and just measuring are all common reasons to visit the home during escrow. Consider grouping these activities whenever possible, and understand that only the listing agent or your agent may be present in order to keep the number of people at the inspections low.

5. Will I get a better deal if I wait to buy a new home? – We all know there’s no crystal ball, but with everything that’s going on, sellers on the market should be very motivated to sell. There are also historically low interest rates on home loans.

There is no way to predict the future, so if the right home comes along, it makes sense to consider it.