Today Melanie Williams and I sat down together to outline how our team assists buyers who are unable to conduct a traditional in-person house hunt. With the increasing prevalence of remote home buying, our team has developed effective procedures to accommodate out-of-town buyers and ensure a smooth experience. Melanie shares the team’s approach, which involves thorough assessments, personalized property recommendations, virtual tours, comprehensive information gathering, and support throughout the buying process.
Procedure for Assisting Out-of-Town Buyers:
1. Needs Assessment:
The team begins by conducting a comprehensive needs assessment with the buyer to determine their priorities. They explore factors such as the preferred house type, neighborhood, location, and specific features, considering aspects like mountainside versus flatter areas.
2. Property Notifications:
Once the team understands the buyer’s preferences, they add them to a distribution list. This ensures that whenever a suitable property becomes available on the market, it is promptly sent to the buyer via email. Additionally, the team proactively monitors the MLS every morning, looking for potential listings that match the buyer’s criteria but may not have been included in the initial distribution.
3. Video Tours:
When the buyer expresses interest in a particular property, they request a video tour. The team schedules an appointment, visits the property, and records a detailed video showcasing both the interior and exterior. They aim to capture room layouts, visual details (e.g., countertops, flooring, ceiling type), and provide a comprehensive sense of the house’s flow. Although certain aspects, like smell or how low ceilings feel, may not transfer well through video, the team diligently notes any observations that could help the buyer make an informed decision.
4. Information Gathering:
The team also contacts the listing agent to gather additional information that may not be listed, such as the age of systems, roof condition, and the last HVAC servicing date. This information is relayed to the buyer to enhance their understanding of the property.
5. Contract and Inspections:
Should the buyer decide to make an offer on a property, the team assists in drafting a contract that protects the buyer’s interests, considering their limited visual experience. If the offer is accepted, the team coordinates inspections, relying on the expertise of home inspectors to identify any issues not evident in the video tour. Melanie ensures she is present for every inspection, including those conducted by specialized inspectors (e.g., structural or plumbing), to oversee the process and obtain the inspection results.
Conclusion
Team Nemec understands the unique challenges faced by out-of-town buyers and has tailored their approach to provide exceptional support. By conducting needs assessments, sharing personalized property recommendations, offering detailed video tours, gathering comprehensive information, and attending inspections, they strive to ensure that buyers have a positive and informed experience. The team’s personal experience as buyers from out of state allows them to empathize with their clients and provide guidance throughout the entire process. For those seeking real estate in the North Alabama area, the team encourages reaching out through their website or contact details provided.