Our new normal has brought about many changes. We no longer just ‘run to the store’ or ‘grab a cup of coffee with a friend’ like we did a few months ago. Instead,  we use technology and new social protocols when we leave home. As with everything else, the process of buying and selling homes has changed too. Whether you’re looking for your first home, you’ve outgrown that ‘starter’ home, or finally sent the kids off and are ready to downsize, here are some tips to help you navigate the new normal:

1. The ‘Open House’ has gone Virtual!

   Whether you’re selling or buying, you’ll likely be embarking on Virtual Home Tours. These tours are an extension of the pictures you see on popular sites, such as Zillow© or Realtor.com©.  In many cases, these are video walking tours of the property.

   If you’re the seller - consult your realtor on the best ways to have your home standout.  He/she will have suggestions on how to ‘shoot’ the best walking tour or may have an in-office expert who will come out to create the video. If you’re shooting your own video and have a newer smartphone, many of the tools are built in to create a great experience and quality images. Home shopping/buying during this time may mean you are putting in an offer without walking through the property at all.  So be patient, take your time, pay close attention during these virtual tours!

2. A Pre-approval might be the key to your Dream Home

   Consult your realtor for your home market’s specific requirements, make note that where ‘Pre-Approvals’ were once a ‘nice-to-have’, today they have become a necessity in this real estate market. Sellers are seeing multiple offers in a very short time period due to the speed of Virtual Open Houses.  To make sure your offer stands out - - as well as get in to see the home in-person -- a Loan Pre-Approval is crucial to showing you mean business.

3. Let your Budget by your guide

When thinking about that new housing payment, you have more variables to consider these days with COVID-19. Some questions to ask yourself:  If you missed 2 weeks of work due to illness or an injury, could you still afford that month’s mortgage payment? Would an unexpected hospital bill put you behind a month or more? Is your savings enough to get you by or would you need to use credit cards to stay afloat? If something happened to you, would your family be able to stay in that new home? Tough questions to be sure, but questions that need answered before you leap into that next home mortgage.

FED Benefits Center can help with the unexpected curves life can throw at you. If you are about to start the process of buying a new home, let us help put your mind at ease with a quick Benefits Review by calling FED Benefits Center at (800) 440-2468, scheduling your appointment here, or email us at admin@FEDBenefitsCenter.com.