As military families all over the globe prepare for their next move, the process of finding a new home can often be daunting, especially when relying on the virtual process for buying a home.

While technology has made it easier to explore properties remotely, there are crucial aspects that might go unnoticed during the virtual house hunt.

Here are some things to watch out for and practical solutions to ensure a more comfortable purchase:

Scents:

One of the drawbacks of virtual tours is the inability to experience the ambiance of a home, including any lingering smells. To address this, consider requesting a live video tour from your real estate agent.

Ask them specific feedback on any odors or fragrances within the home – and not just in carpeted areas. 

Look for signs of attentive homeowners and verify that the home does not smell unusual.  While we all love beautifully smelling homes, a major red flag for us is an air freshener in every room or a bunch of lit candles!! 

The sellers could be covering for a larger problem.

Location, Location, Location!:

Virtual tours may not adequately convey the surrounding neighborhood or potential noise factors, such as proximity to busy streets, train tracks, or bus stops. To gain a better understanding, you need to learn about traffic patterns and noise levels – whether it be from your agent or from a spouses group.

Try and see if it’s possible for your agent to drive by the home during peak travel times to see what type of traffic your future home sees. 

This simple strategy helps families to confirm or deny the want for many homes!

Overlooking Small Adjustments:

Without physically visiting a property, it’s challenging to envision potential improvements or utilize unused spaces like attics or yards. To address this, tell your agent what you’re open to do project wise so they can be on the lookout.

You’re also welcome to invite a local contractor (get recs from your agent) to walk through the property for you to give you ballpark quotes on certain projects. 

Together they can compile some great advice on the ease, flexibility, and budget of smaller projects – all in all helping you envision the property’s full potential.

Nosey Neighbors:

Virtual tours most often focus solely on the property itself, neglecting the surrounding environment….including neighbors. Your agent can take pictures of the exterior of the house, and while doing so video any shared property lines between two neighbors. 

You can see how they keep their home and how close/far away they are from your property.  To gain insight into the community dynamics, hop on social media and check out the neighborhood group or yard sale page. 

Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask your agent to take a quick video of the drive in and out of the neighborhood, it can be helpful!

Picture Perfect:

Photos can be deceiving, masking imperfections and exaggerating the size of rooms. To avoid falling into this trap, request additional photos or video footage from different angles. Better yet, opt for a video tour where you can direct the agent to specific areas of interest and ask questions in real-time.

While virtual home buying has its limitations, there is a solution that addresses these concerns: partnering with a trusted real estate professional.

Here’s why:

• Expert Guidance: A seasoned real estate agent understands the nuances of virtual tours and can provide valuable insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. They can offer guidance on interpreting visuals, assessing neighborhood dynamics, and identifying potential red flags.

• Open Communication: Communication is key in any real estate transaction, especially when conducting virtual tours. Choose an agent who understands your needs and is readily available to address your concerns and questions throughout the process.

• Thorough Video Tours: A reputable real estate agent will conduct detailed video tours, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the property’s features and potential drawbacks. They can also provide additional insight on the property that may not be apparent from photos alone.

While virtual home buying offers convenience, it can still be scary! 

It’s vital for military families to be vigilant and proactive in addressing potential oversights. We work tirelessly to help out families by connecting you with trustworthy and depenable agents across the country that have proven their value time and time again. 

This service is free for our military families, and we would be honored for you to share it with anyone you know PCSing this season. 

By connecting with a knowledgeable real estate professional, you can navigate the virtual house hunting process with confidence and find the perfect home for your family’s next duty station. 

Good luck out there!

Editor’s Note: We are so grateful for the Homegirls and all their advice and wisdom! The team at Mission:Milspouse wish all the PCSers a safe (and stress free) pack out! The season is upon us!