Buying a House Online? How to Get it Done in 15 Steps
Disclaimer: All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners. All company, product, and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement or affiliation with HomeLight.
Buying things online used to seem like a complete novelty, but today it’s passé. What’s still novel? How about trying to buy a house online?
While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital home shopping tools, they’ve been around for some time. It is very possible for homebuyers to online shop for and buy a house in which they’ve never actually set foot. But, it will be different from a normal homebuying experience.
Agent John Leinaar works in Kalamazoo, Michigan, an area where many pharmaceutical companies operate. He’s helped several families relocating from other states purchase homes remotely, and he works with 66% more single-family homes than other agents in his area. He says that “relocation is the No. 1 reason why people purchase homes in this fashion. It’s become more common over the last three years because the common use of technology in day-to-day life has changed so drastically.”
It’s not only possible to buy homes online, it’s becoming increasingly common. Whether you’re relocating or unable to travel to a home, here are the steps to buying a house online.
Step 1: Figure out your must-haves and nice-to-haves
In a normal house hunt, you’d make a list of must-haves (three bedrooms) and nice-to-haves (a pool), but when you’re shopping online, it’s even more important. Sit down and put those vague ideas down on paper. Get very clear about non-negotiables and specific about variables like square footage in the spare bedroom.
Since you won’t be seeing the house until after it’s yours, actual data to drive a purchase decision is very helpful. It will help your agent bring you the right houses, too.
