Buying a Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Things Have Changed

A lot of news and opinions have been said and spread in recent times. Depending on where you stand on things, it’s always helpful to get the update on what’s changed in the home buying process due to COVID-19.

I would urge buyers to take advantage of these times when interest rates are so low because we just don’t know how long they will last. Real estate has been deemed essential by Governor Inslee, so we can still tour and view homes in person. If you see a home online that caught your eye, please let me know, and I will gladly tour the home and can provide my own feedback and additional photos and videos for you.

For viewing a home in person, there are just a few precautions we are required to take to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. As always when touring a home, we will have to take off our shoes or wear shoe coverings. Additionally, I will have disposable masks and gloves available if you’d prefer, which I will provide for you. During this time, I also ask my buyers to not touch items in the house or open up cabinets and closets unless they have gloves on. These simple steps will help mitigate the risk for both you and the seller. As far as other steps in the transaction, you can still get the home inspected and do a final walk-through before closing. 

When submitting an offer on a home, I will have you sign an additional addendum that states if the signing appointment gets delayed due to a virus-related reason, we will be able to extend the close date by ten days. As you can see, apart from a couple extra steps, there aren’t many drastic changes to the home buying process. An added bonus for buyers right now may be the lack of competition as some buyers are postponing their home hunt. 

COVID-19 has no doubt changed the way we live our lives, but it doesn’t have to stop you from purchasing your dream home. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you would like to schedule a showing for a home. If you would like a copy of my home buying guide, please let me know by shooting me a quick email through my contact form, and I will send the PDF guide over as soon as I can.