From Real Estate One: Yes, it’s still possible to buy your dream home

So, you have found a home that seems the perfect fit for you and your family – your dream home.

You love the area – probably the Ann Arbor area – have job security and want to take advantage of financing at historically low rates. Experts agree that buying that home might not be as easy as it was a few months ago, but it’s certainly the right thing to do — even now.

Real Estate One in Ann Arbor is adhering to the social-distancing requirements while still keeping both buyers and sellers close enough to make deals and realize their dreams and goals.

“While we can’t physically take you out to look at homes (hopefully, that will change next month), we do have options,” says Rob Ewing, president of Ewing Pros (Real Estate One). “First, we have our narrated video tours, or sellers may do a walk-through video conference call with the buyer.

“Further, we can actually write an offer with a COVID-19 addendum that allows the buyer up to three days to view the home after the ban is lifted and decide if they will remove the contingency and move forward with the transaction, including scheduling the contractor’s inspection, financing, etc.”

Ewing Pros of Real Estate One is using technology to help keep their clients safe when looking to buy or sell a home. The process begins with a “virtual meeting,” a video chat to help establish goals and put together a game plan.

Potential home buyers can tour a home virtually with video and 3D tours of the homes they are interested in looking at. All documents are processed electronically and the Earnest Money Deposit can be sent right from a computer or smartphone.

Inspection reports also can be sent electronically and there are many options available for closings to keep all parties safe in these challenging times.

The best advice is to stick to basics when looking to buy a house (from the Washington Post):

1. Determine how long you plan to stay in your new home. If it’s less than five years, look for a property where you can build value.

2. Find a place that meets your needs. Unless you’re getting a dream price, you may want to spend for the neighborhood and improve the home over time. (See No. 1 about building in value.)

3. Find the right neighborhood for you. Look for a good school district, as homes in those neighborhoods tend to hold their value better in a declining market and rise faster when the local market is strong.

4. Make sure the financing you obtain is on terms that work for you now.

For more information, contact Rob Ewing at Rob@RobertEwing.com