(Guest post)
Homeownership is at the heart of the American dream. However, navigating the Oregon real estate market and moving here from DC can be a huge challenge. And it will be even tougher to manage if you cannot handle the aspects of buying a house in person. However, there’s no need to worry or stress. We’ll provide you with tips for buying a home sight-unseen where every detail is handled without your presence. Take a look at how to handle this tricky situation without falling into some common pitfalls.
Make sure to research the area
Your top priority will be to locate a suitable area for purchasing a residence. You must be aware of the overall location where you choose to purchase your home, even if you cannot view the property personally. If you are interested in Umatilla County, you can access local forums and social media platforms that can help you find out more about this area. Also, you can use those platforms to ask the locals about their experiences living in the area. To further help you out, here are some of the best places to live in Umatilla County:
- Hermiston
- Pendleton
- Umatilla
- Milton-Freewater
- Echo
- Stanfield
Find the right movers
Yes, you should start searching for movers even before buying a home because relocating from DC to Oregon can be quite complex. Thus, you should join forces with interstate movers who offer high-quality yet convenient relocation services. However, since these experts are in high demand, you have to book them early. So, do your homework and find the right team for your relocation needs.
Take advantage of virtual tours
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has advanced numerous businesses, and the real estate sector is just one of them. However, its impact on this particular industry is outstanding. Virtual tours are now something ordinary, which was not the case in the past.
Virtual tours will provide you with the arrangement, a complete overview, and the overall state of the property you’re trying to buy. Nothing stops you from exploring every room as if you were there in person.
Hire a local real estate agent
You might not be present, but you still need someone in the area where you want to buy your home. And why not trust an experienced local real estate agent? They can provide useful insights that will be hard to find on your own and can take care of everything for you. From finding the neighborhood to negotiating a realistic price and helping you avoid the price of perfection, there’s so much a good real estate agent can do for you. Of course, make sure to find a reputable expert with positive reviews.
Request videos and photos
We already mentioned the option of virtual tours. However, getting photos and videos showing almost every corner of the home will be a must. High-quality images from different angles can tell you more about the home and its condition. Make sure to pay attention to areas that can be considered critical. Among them are the roof and basement. It can help you assess the home’s state more accurately without ever being present. Pay attention to details and make sure you’re picking a home that fits your needs.
Get a home inspection
One of the more important tips for buying a home sight-unseen is again to involve professionals. This time, you want to have experts inspect your home. After going through the virtual tour and checking out the photos and videos, it’s time to get someone to inspect every small detail of the home. Home inspectors can spot things like plumbing issues, structural concerns, electrical failures, and any other problems. Above all, a house inspection will guarantee your stress-free existence and assist you in averting future costly home repairs.
Understand the local housing market
Having a good understanding of the housing market is something you need to consider. Here are some concrete numbers that we can provide you when it comes to eastern Oregon and our general area. If you plan to buy a home in Umatilla County, the average home price is around $313,000, while in Morrow County, the average is around $302,000. Always check out open listings and recent sales to better understand the local market, wherever you might be interested in buying a home.
Consider the community and amenities in the area
The right area can make all the difference. That’s why you want to consider all the amenities and benefits of your neighborhood and the general area. Locations such as parks, schools, medical services, and other establishments will be essential in the neighborhood where you wish to purchase a property, depending on your demands. Of course, keep in mind that purchasing a property in a given neighborhood can get more expensive with more upgrades. Examine every possible amenity and make sure the neighborhood where you plan to purchase a property has all you require.
Conclusion on buying a home sight-unseen
With these tips for buying a home sight-unseen there won’t be too many reasons to stress. Handle every detail with precision, call the right people, and take your time before you make a move that will potentially create irreversible consequences. It’s definitely not every day that people buy homes without visiting them. However, with the right mindset and approach, we’re sure you’ll find your dream home and be more than happy with your purchase.
