This relocation buyer wasn’t planning to buy via FaceTime when he contacted me… they were going to start looking when they got into town several weeks later.
But I connected them with a lender right away to get ready and he got pre-approved much quicker and easier than he expected.
Once we knew the price range I set up an MLS search for areas of interest so they could start getting a feel for the market. As they started looking, they were finding homes they liked and decided to try a FaceTime tour and see how it went.
He said the way I held the camera and framed the shots really helped them understand the property… it wasn’t just like walking around with FaceTime. He made an offer on the first house we saw, but didn’t have the winning bid. They decided to continue their FaceTime search, and his next bid was a winner!
His offer was subject to inspection, and the inspector also FaceTimed with him to explain the house so he felt comfortable moving forward.
There were multiple offers on every house we saw… yes, competition is fierce again this year and only likely to get worse. But they were glad they got into the market early, and closed on their new home (rather than just started to look) shortly after they arrived in the Twin Cities.
Timing was perfect, closing between work trips… and before vacation trips to Japan and Norway.
Are you hesitant about viewing homes via FaceTime? It has become so common it is now even part of the details of the showing request.
If it fits your situation… maybe a house you are interested in is coming on the market when you are unable to see it in person… give it a try. You have nothing to lose, and could have lots to gain!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
