How to buy a home virtually in the time of coronavirus

Buying a property during a global pandemic. It’s uncharted territory for all of us, but the real estate industry is finding creative ways to get around social distancing rules (like the ban on auctions and open homes) by going virtual.

Real estate agents are running virtual open home tours and auctions via video conferencing and signing mortgage documentation online.

If you’re thinking about buying a home right now, here’s how to navigate the process online.

1. Arrange a video call ‘meeting’ with your agent

Real estate listings have been online for a while now, so it’s pretty easy for buyers to get in touch with agents online.

Normally when you’re buying a home when there’s not a global pandemic, you would meet the agent in their office to talk about the kind of property you’re after. But with social distancing rules in place for the foreseeable future, this meeting will have to be done via video call.

There are lots of video conferencing programs out there, like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype, where you can conduct a meeting with your agent in your PJs from the comfort of your sofa.

2. Virtual home tours

With open homes banned for the foreseeable future under social distancing rules, agents have had to think outside the box and offer virtual open home tours instead.

But for those who would prefer being able to physically step inside their future home, you can still do this while safely practicing social distancing. Many agents are still allowing buyers to book private one-on-one inspections.

3. Sign real estate contracts online

E-signatures (the ability to sign documents online) has been used in the real estate industry for a while now, making it even easier for buyers to complete the home buying process in the new coronavirus world.

Many real estate agencies use Docusign and other cloud-based software, making it easy for their clients to sign real estate contracts online.

4. Apply for your home loan online

With online lenders out there like loans.com.au, it’s never been easier to apply for and get approved for a home loan from the comfort of your couch while you’re in self-isolation.

Applying online is easy. If you’re applying for a home loan with loans.com.au, start by filling out an online application. This only takes a couple of minutes to complete. After you’ve filled it out, one of our lending specialists will get in touch with you to discuss your application.

loans.com.au is still fully operational and our lending specialists are only a chat or a phone call away.

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