With the current pandemic and shelter-in-place orders all around the state, buying and selling property has gone online. Here’s a guide to help you navigate virtual home buying and selling in the time of COVID19:
Tip #1: Hire a local real estate agent
Getting the help of a local real estate agent is essential during this pandemic. There’s a lot of uncertainty during this time, especially around buying and selling property. An expert realtor would know how to handle the constantly changing situation and can provide sound advice on your best course of action.
For the best real estate experience, hire the top-producing real estate agent in Santa Cruz County. Amber Melenudo is a highly proactive and hands-on realtor who provides services tailor fit to her clients’ needs.
Tip #2: Research the neighborhood diligently
Since everyone is h3ly encouraged to stay at home, exploring different neighborhoods to find the right fit has become more difficult. Instead of going out in person to check on what the community has to offer, take your research online.
Check out neighborhood profiles online to see what kind of amenities are available or to mine information about schools and the districts they fall under. Look up different community groups on social media to get a sense of the things to do in Santa Cruz CA, and what it’s like to live there. Also,use this opportunity to correspond with potential neighbors to ask their opinions about the community.
Tip #3: Study online listings
An online listing is a great marketing tool to really get your property out there. With stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders across the county, it’s best to showcase your property with great listing photos and an enticing listing description. Make an effort to highlight things like nearby attractions, general services, and the best places to eat in Santa Cruz, but be straightforward about the home’s features when creating your online listings. Avoid exaggeration.
For buyers, practice extra caution when looking at online listings. No seller will paint their property in a bad light. Parse through the sales talk typical of listing descriptions to see what is really on offer. Discuss the options with your real estate agent to see which ones are worth looking into further.
Tip #4: Use virtual open houses
Virtual open houses are great for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can view the property online and ask the sellers questions without leaving the safety of their own home. You may not be able to visit the property in person, but a virtual tour is the next best thing.
Sellers should make the most out of virtual open houses by promoting it online. Have a question-and-answer portion at the end of a livestream. You can also do one-on-one sessions. Just like a traditional open house, you can guide your potential buyer through the rooms and showcase the property as you usually would if your buyer were physically onsite.
Tip #5: Discuss e-closing options
E-closings vary from place to place and will also depend on what the buyer and seller can agree on. Once an offer is accepted, schedule a meeting with all relevant parties to discuss how the transaction will move forward.
Some choose a hybrid e-closing that involves a mix of virtual and in-person correspondence. Others are allowed a completely digital real estate closing. It’s important to note that remote notaries aren’t allowed in California so look at mobile notary options.
Interested in learning more about living in Santa Cruz California? Give me, Amber Melenudo, a call today at 831.661.5591, or send an email to amber(at)davidlyng(dotted)com and let’s start your real estate journey.