Buying Sight Unseen: Should I?

Buying sight unseen; should I do it? This is a question that comes up quite often. Buying a home is a thrilling, yet sometimes stressful experience. So much is factored into buying a home from the pre-approval to the inspection to the waiting game until closing. Throwing in other factors like buying your home from states or even countries away can definitely make it more stressful. With that said, it can be a very rewarding experience with the right realtor and the right information.

We've compiled a list of 5 things you should do to feel comfortable buying a home sight unseen!

1. Find the right realtor: When buying a home, it can sometimes feel like you're on a time crunch. Regardless, you shouldn't rush into choosing a realtor. Do your research and find someone who understands where you are and what you're going through. Since you won't be seeing the house in person until possibly after closing, you need to be able to trust the realtor and their knowledge of the area and market. Don't be afraid to ask them questions. 

2. Never skip out on that virtual tour: Your agent should FaceTime you or video chat to do AT LEAST one virtual tour of the home. Never miss this! Pictures can sometimes be misleading. By speaking with them in real time as you are viewing your home virtually, you can ask questions such as "Does the floor creek when you walk?" or "Is there an odor in the home?" Photos can only show so much but the live tour can show every single nook and cranny in the home. 

3. Ask your agent to use their senses in the home: This is crucial! When you view a home in person, you're using all of your senses to evaluate the space. Important things to ask your agent include: 1) What can you smell in and outside the house? 2) What can you hear from the house? 3) Do any appliances or fixtures look outdated? 4) How is the cell service and/or internet there? 5) Is there anything that stands out as a concern that wasn't shown in the photos?

4. Research the neighborhood: Do your research and check to see what all is in your neighborhood. You can ask your agent the distance from amenities such as restaurants, parks, and base. You should check information like ratings on school districts, registered sex offenders near the home's address, etc. The neighborhood can make or break a home, so do your research and ask your realtor about it. 

5. Invest the money and get a high-quality inspector: Whether you're buying a home sight unseen or not, the home inspection is a crucial aspect of the process. Just as you put in the extra effort to find a good realtor, you want to find a good inspector. If you aren't seeing this home in person, you want someone who is going to make you aware of every single thing in the home. Be sure to do your research and find someone who is reputable. 

Numerous people buy their homes sight unseen from thousands of miles away. It isn't something that you should be scared of, rather you should be knowledgeable in what to expect from buying sight unseen. Following these 5 tips, you should feel comfortable enough to buy sight unseen. It's an amazing feeling to finally arrive at your next duty station in your new town and move into a place that you can call your own!