Thinking about house hunting but not sure if now is the right time?  Is your house already on the market and now you’re in a total panic? Should you continue to show your home,  should you take it off the market? These are scary times, for everyone, but we are in this together, so let’s talk about how we can still function when it comes to real estate during these times!

Hey everyone, welcome back! It’s Cori  your local real estate expert with Monmouth County Dream Homes, powered by  RE/MAX Central located right here in Marlboro Township. If you want to stay up to date on all things Monmouth County and Real Estate then you’re definitely going to want to subscribe to my YouTube Channel.   You’re also going to want to hit the little bell icon so that you’re the first to know when my new videos are posted every single Monday

We’re all stuck at home we’re not supposed to be going out really at all, nevermind looking at  houses. I can tell you this, there definitely are not going to be open houses going on, at least anytime soon.  But you’re still in the market to buy a house. Maybe you’re already pre-approved, or you have an amazing interest rate that you don’t want to lose.  So what can you do? First thing don’t panic. This is the time when you MUST rely on a real estate agent to guide and help you. 

Choosing a real estate agent is key in any circumstances, but now choosing someone during a crisis like what we are experiencing is KEY.   I did a video on this topic not long ago, you may want to check it out!

Let’s tackle this first from the point of view if your  looking to purchase a home vs as a seller and already having your home on the market.  I will have a video coming out next week if you are currently trying to sell your home, so check back.  

I’m  sure you’ve had conversations with your agent about what you are looking for in a home.  This is a good time to reconfirm that you are all on the same page, and your agent knows EXACTLY what you are looking for.  I like to ask my clients to send me a list of the top 10 most important things in home, and we start there.

Now  your agent is going to email you listings of properties.  They may have been doing this in the past, but now it’s truly the best way for you to follow the market and begin your search for a new home.   You’ll go through everything they send you, reviewing all listings, and decide if anything at all looks interesting. If you see something of interest let your agent know.  

The next step, your realtor  will make an appointment to go see the house on your behalf.   I know it’s not traditional, but there is no need to come out, and travel, at least not yet.  Agents will then ask the seller to leave all of the lights on and leave all of the doors open.  This is to alleviate touching anything inside the house. Now here is where an agent can shoot some video and take extra photos.  I do this a little different. I”ll actually being shooting in 3d so you’ll truly be able to feel like you are walking through the home.

What do I mean by this, I’ll be using a 360 camera  so that you get to see not only each room but what does the house face,  what’s next to it what’s behind it. I am going to do my best to make it feel as if you are walking through the house.  

As I’m recording i’ll of course narrate for you, so you can get a true feel and experience it, like you are there with me.   Then I’ll send you this video via email. If you see something you think may be a great fit for you, we can make arrangements to schedule a safe, and secure showing for you.  And here’s how.

You’re going to drive separately and meet your agent at the home.  You’re not going to be in the car with your agent we’re going to maintain social distancing and remain at least 6 feet apart.  I will unlock the door you will go in you will walk through the home, and I am requesting that will touch nothing. I am also kindly asking that you wear gloves during your visit!

 Trust me, I know this isn’t ideal.  But it’s safe and that’s what truly matters.  Times are tough, and we are in uncharted waters, but that does NOT mean you have to put your home search on hold.   We are just going to change the way we do things for a little while.

If you are looking to move to the Monmouth County area and you would like a little bit of information, or you would like me to explain a bit further exactly how 3-d virtual house hunting works, just reach out.  I’d love the chance to show you a bit more. 

Thank you so much for joining me this week.  Please, stay safe, stay calm, and let’s all do our part so  hopefully life can return to normal in a few weeks.  

I will see you next Monday!