In recent years, especially with the onset of COVID-19, virtual home buying has become an essential tool for many buyers. Whether you’re relocating to the beautiful city of Arvada or exploring the greater Denver metro area, buying a home virtually offers the convenience of searching from the comfort of your own space. The process, though different from traditional home buying, can be just as effective—especially with the right guidance. Here’s my ultimate guide to virtual home buying in Colorado.
1. Find an Expert Agent
The most important step in any real estate transaction, virtual or in-person, is working with an expert agent. When buying a home remotely, you’ll need a Realtor who not only knows the local market but also understands how to navigate virtual transactions seamlessly. Make sure to do your research and choose an agent with a proven track record.
For instance, I specialize in the Arvada and Denver metro areas and have helped many clients successfully purchase homes remotely. Look for a real estate agent who is tech-savvy, responsive, and transparent throughout the process. Reviews on platforms like Zillow, Google, or even personal referrals can provide valuable insight into the agent’s reliability and expertise.
2. Harness the Power of Google Street View
One of the first things I recommend when buying a home virtually is using Google Street View to get an initial sense of the property’s location. Street View allows you to explore the neighborhood and surrounding streets remotely, which can help you evaluate the area’s safety, aesthetics, and proximity to local amenities like schools, grocery stores, and parks.
Google Street View also provides a look at how the home fits into its community, giving you an opportunity to virtually “walk” around the neighborhood. This tool is especially helpful for assessing the curb appeal of a property and getting a sense of what it would feel like to live in that area. If you’re new to Colorado or unfamiliar with the Denver Metro, this is an excellent way to get oriented with the surroundings before making a decision.
3. Request High-Quality Videos
While video calls like FaceTime or Zoom are convenient, they often don’t provide the level of detail needed to assess a property properly. Instead, ask your agent to provide high-quality video tours of the property.
A professional video walkthrough, recorded by the agent or a professional videographer, allows you to see every room and feature of the home clearly. The benefit of having a recorded video is that you can pause, rewind, and zoom in on details that might be missed during a live viewing. This can help you assess key features such as the condition of the floors, walls, and cabinetry, and can even help you spot things that might need repairs or upgrades before making an offer.
4. Virtual Home Inspections Before Buying
Virtual home inspections are a crucial part of the remote home-buying process. Choosing a licensed home inspector who offers virtual inspections allows you to receive a detailed evaluation of the property’s condition without needing to be physically present.
During a virtual home inspection, the inspector will typically conduct the inspection while streaming it live to you via a platform like Zoom. They can also provide a thorough report with photos and videos, highlighting potential issues with the home, such as foundation problems, roofing damage, plumbing issues, or electrical concerns. Virtual home inspections allow you to stay fully informed and confident in your purchase decision without needing to visit the property in person.
5. Coordinate with Title and Lenders
One of the most critical aspects of virtual home buying is ensuring smooth communication with the title company and lender. Both parties must be aware of the virtual process and be prepared for digital document signing and remote closings.
This is especially important when you’re working across different time zones or if you’re overseas. Make sure to notify the lender and title company ahead of time about your intentions to handle the process remotely. This early communication helps prevent delays and ensures that you meet deadlines for closing.
As your trusted real estate agent in the Denver Metro, I always help my clients coordinate with their lenders and title companies to ensure a smooth and timely closing process, whether it’s done virtually or in person.
6. Final Walkthrough Video
Before finalizing your purchase, it’s essential to do a final walkthrough of the property. In a virtual home-buying scenario, the agent can conduct a final video walkthrough for you.
This walkthrough gives you a chance to ensure that any issues discovered during the inspection have been addressed and that nothing has changed with the property since your last viewing. It’s a vital part of the process to ensure peace of mind before you sign any final paperwork. If the video reveals issues like damage, missing appliances, or cleaning requirements, you can address them before closing.
7. Explore Virtual Home Buying with Dempsey Group
As a real estate professional in the Denver Metro area, I understand that buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it virtually. However, with the right tools and support, it can be a rewarding and straightforward process. At the Dempsey Group, we specialize in making virtual home-buying journeys seamless and enjoyable.
We’re here to guide you step-by-step through the process, from finding your perfect home to securing financing, handling inspections, and navigating the closing process. Whether you’re in Colorado, across the country, or even overseas, we have the experience and tools to help you find your dream home in Denver.
Check out this video to learn why the Dempsey Group is the best choice for your virtual home-buying experience in Colorado!
FAQs About Virtual Home Buying
What is virtual home buying?
Virtual home buying involves purchasing a home remotely using digital tools like video tours, virtual home inspections, and online document signing. You can view the home, review details, and complete the buying process without physically visiting the property.
How do I know if virtual home buying is right for me?
Virtual home buying is ideal for those who are relocating or looking for a home in a different city or state. It’s also helpful if you have a busy schedule or are unable to visit the property in person due to time constraints. Working with a knowledgeable agent is crucial for a successful experience.
How can I trust that I’m getting all the details in a virtual home tour?
To ensure you’re getting the full picture, ask for high-quality video tours and detailed photos. Work with an agent who provides clear and comprehensive information, and consider a virtual home inspection for a thorough evaluation of the property.
Can I buy a home virtually without seeing it in person?
Yes, many buyers successfully purchase homes virtually with the help of skilled agents, virtual inspections, and comprehensive video tours. However, it’s important to rely on professional guidance and take the necessary precautions, such as doing a final walkthrough virtually.
Conclusion
Virtual home buying is becoming an increasingly popular and practical way to purchase a property, especially for those relocating or moving across long distances. With the right tools, technology, and expert guidance from an experienced agent like myself, the Lauryn Dempsey process can be smooth and successful. From utilizing Google Street View to conducting virtual inspections, each step of the process is designed to give you the confidence to make informed decisions remotely.
If you’re ready to start your home-buying journey in Colorado or if you have any questions about virtual home buying, don’t hesitate to reach out to me and the Dempsey Group. We’re here to help make your dream home a reality, no matter where you’re located.
If you are looking for real-time info on the local real estate market, follow Lauryn Dempsey on LinkedIn to get daily tips and insight. If Lauryn can help you strategize your next steps in real estate in the Denver Metro Area or elsewhere across the U.S., please book a call!