Buyers: Should You Put in an Offer Sight Unseen?

When the market heats up and the competition is crazy, potential buyers are sometimes tempted to make a sight-unseen offer. That means making an offer without viewing the property in person. Sight unseen offers are common in this era of online shopping and advanced technology. And with the global COVID-19 pandemic keeping more Americans physically distant, homebuyers are more willing to put an offer on a home without physically seeing the property.

However, putting in an offer sight unseen can be risky. If you're considering this approach, do your homework and let our real estate agents help on the ground so you can make your offer safely, smartly, and without any hesitation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Know What You Want
  Some homebuyers have an ambiguous idea of what they want in a home and tend to rely on that gut reaction when they walk into a home. Unfortunately, for buyers shopping sight unseen, this isn't an option. You need to have a clear picture of what you want in your dream house. This includes things like the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, floorplan, type of windows, and how close you want to be to amenities. Have a list of must-haves and deal-breakers to help guide your search.
  
  
• Find a Dependable Agent
  Having an excellent real estate agent by your side is crucial in any home-buying process. But when it comes to buying sight unseen, it becomes critical because you'll be putting another layer of trust in your agent. To easily navigate unknown terrain, you need to hire a top local agent who is ingrained in the community, is well-versed in the area, and has experience working with long-distance clientele. It needs to be someone who can look over the property objectively and help you see what you can't like obvious repairs, potential maintenance issues, or reasons to walk away.
  
  
• Have Your Agent Take You on a Video Tour
  Technology is an integral part of a long-distance home-buying process. Many South Bend homes for sale online will have an array of listing photos and virtual walkthroughs to guide potential buyers through the home and give them a sense of whether it's worth a closer look. If you like what you see so far, have your agent set up a virtual home viewing via Zoom, FaceTime, Google Duo, or other video chat services. With this, you can get a more intimate glimpse at what you're buying, point out details, or ask questions. And you can also ask your agent for extra photos and a recorded video that you can watch and evaluate at your convenience.
  
  
• Scope Out the Neighborhood
  If you're buying sight-unseen, you may find the house of your dreams, but what about the whole area in general? Because you're moving to a completely unfamiliar territory, Google Earth and Google StreetView are invaluable tools that can help you get acquainted with the neighborhood before you make an offer. Simply input the address of the home and zoom in to see details of the area. Look at the grocery stores, green spaces, restaurants, and community centers.
  
  And while you're at it, use Google Maps to check how close the home is to your new workplace, the highway, your kids' school, gas station, or other key stops. Other helpful online tools include Walk Score, Neighborhood Scout, and Area Vibes to look up crime rates. You can also rely on your agent to understand the parking situation, noise levels, or traffic congestion.
  
  
• Do Your Due Diligence
  You must do your due diligence before making an offer and forking over your down payment. Request a full home inspection to check for any signs of pests or issues with the plumbing, electrical, or roof. If you find any major issue, you can use the information to negotiate or walk away from the purchase. Bring in a list of professionals, including your real estate agent, inspectors, and attorneys to protect you throughout the process and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Our real estate agents want your home-buying journey as stress-free as possible, even if you're going to make a bid sight unseen. Contact us today for professional and trustworthy help from our team at Cressy & Everett Real Estate.