Prime home buying & selling months are approaching... that means lots of movin' and shakin' is in a lot of peoples near future. Here's how technology is helping us adapt to home buying & selling during a pandemic. 

Almost everything right now is shifting to a virtual format. School, work, even virtual happy hour with your friends! One of the big changes we've had to adapt to are revisions to the common real estate transaction, which all vary by state and locality. Technology is making it possible for many of us to continue on the quest for homeownership, with some pretty ingenious ways. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the elements of the home buying process that have changed (for the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, and what you may need to know about each one if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home soon.

1. Virtual Consultations – Instead of heading into an office, you can meet with real estate and lending professionals through video chat. ( think xoom, Face Time, Skype, Google Hangouts etc) Whether it’s your first initial needs analysis as a buyer or your listing appointment as a seller, you can still get the process started remotely and create a plan together. Your trusted agent is still on your side.

2. Home Searches & Virtual Showings – According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Internet is one of the three most popular information sources buyers use when searching for homes. Your real estate agent can send you listing information and help you request a virtual showing when you’re ready to start looking. This means you can virtually walk through the homes on your wish list while keeping your family safe ( these virtual showings are really cool) As a seller, you can still have virtual open houses and virtual tours too, so as not to miss those buyers looking to find a home right now, without worry of strangers visiting your home. 

3. Document Signing – Although this is another area that varies by state, today more portions of the transaction are being done digitally. In many areas, your agent or loan officer can set up an account where you can upload all of the required documents and sign electronically right from your computer, any time... talk about CONVENIENT! Perhaps we will get lucky and this one will stick around once things get back to "normal". 

4. Sending Money – Whether you need to pay for an appraisal or submit closing costs, there are options available. Depending on the transaction and local regulations, you may be able to pay by credit card, and most banks will also allow you to wire funds from your account. Sometimes you can send a check by mail, and in some states, a mobile escrow agent will pick up a check from your home.

5. Closing Process – Again, depending on your area, a mobile notary may be able to bring the required documents to your home before the closing. If your state requires an attorney to be present, check with your legal counsel to see what options are available. Also, depending on the title company, some are allowing drive-thru closings, which is similar to doing a transaction at a bank window.

Although these virtual processes are starting to become more widely accepted out of sheer necessity, it does not mean that this is the way things are going to get done from now on. For now, however, technology is making it possible to continue real estate transactions. 
Bottom Line
You don't need to put your home buying dreams on hold due to Covid-19. If you're considering buying or selling, reach out to a great Real Estate Agent in your area. Word on the street is it's a perfect time for home buyers because interest rates are so low. Where there is a will, there is a way, right?! Once you find the right home, make sure you give Utility Helpers a ring- We take all the work out of setting up your utilities and find the best deals for your internet and TV services too. Remember, you've got better things to do. 



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