Buying a property without seeing it in person is hardly ideal. But, in the new world created by COVID-19, virtual touring is becoming increasingly common. Here are some tips:
1. Be realistic Try to establish upfront what you want and need from the next property before you begin your home search. That’s even more crucial if you are only seeing properties online.
2. Master online search tools
Whichever listing site you use, look beyond the property photos. On realtor.com, for example, the map feature offers various views of the property along with overlays providing additional information on schools, crime rates, distance to services and so on.
Google Earth enables buyers to view the neighborhood from varied levels.
3. Use phones for interactive visual tours
It’s crucial to use virtual tours as you zero in on properties.
At the end, you should be able to sketch a rough floor plan. After that, your visual tours should focus on details such as how well-lit various spaces are, whether there are cracks in ceilings or walls that don’t show up in photographs, finishes in kitchen and bath, and so on.
4. Bring in the surrogates — with tape measures
Ideally, have friends or family members who can view properties on your behalf and take the measurements you need most.
5. Write contingent offers
Sellers, naturally, are wary of accepting offers from people who have never seen the property. But the standard inspection contingency (and loan approval) periods provide opportunity for an on-site visit by the buyers or their surrogates.
Even buyers who have toured properties in person need to revisit them during the inspection period.
6. Talk to the inspectors
Home, pest and other inspectors make great surrogates. Talk one-on-one with the authors of the inspection reports and understand thoroughly.
7. Walk into a smaller, uglier reality
It is possible that the property will look smaller and emptier. It will look shabbier, as virtually all pre-owned homes do. It will smell like someone else’s home.
You can’t change those feelings, but they’re normal.
8. Grid paper rules
Know your first job is to measure the rooms and create a scale drawing of each room on the grid paper. The second job is to haul out the furniture measurements and start arranging furniture on paper before the moving truck pulls up.
Contact us at (480) 205- 2234 to get preapproved for mortgage while you look for the property of your choice. We can get you the best rates available and also discuss the loan choices that best meets your needs. | 
