Many homebuyers begin their search online, and after the events of 2020, we’re seeing that trend continue to grow — some homes are even being purchased sight-unseen. How do you know what you’re getting into from an online listing, and are there underlying clues to help you identify if a home should be on your list of contenders? Take a look at some of the things to keep in mind when house hunting online.
Neighbors and Neighborhood
Unfortunately, an online profile won’t give you a great look at the next-door neighbors and the neighborhood in general. The listing won’t feature information like if the open land behind the home is zoned for commercial use, city use, or residential use. Driving through the neighborhood at different times of day can give you inside information on if the area is generally quiet, if there are lots of kids and young families in the neighborhood, if the neighbors take good care of their lawn and property, etc.
HOA Fees and Restrictions
Some online listings give you information on the HOA dues you’ll be required to pay as well as how often you pay those dues, but you’ll want to double-check with a REALTOR® to make sure that the dues fit within your budget. Remember that HOAs often have guidelines on what you can and can’t do with your home. If you’re thinking of adding a deck or garage or making any changes to the home after moving in, check that it’s compliant with the HOAs Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).
Property Taxes
Property taxes can easily be overlooked and aren’t always easy to find on an online listing. Remember that yearly property taxes need to be factored into your budget and can have a considerable increase in how much you’re devoting to your home payments each month.
When house hunting online, it’s a lot like online dating. You can easily fall for the clever wording and beautiful pictures, but remember to keep an open mind and look at all aspects of the home. What you see online may not be everything it’s painted to be in-person. If you need help deciding which homes to swipe left on and which homes to swipe right on, contact Prism Realty. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home, we have the knowledge, insights, and tools to help you on your real estate journey.