7 Tips for Buying a House Sight Unseen Successfully

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of buying a house sight unseen was rare, limited to a small group of buyers without other options. Now, virtual technology tools and a rapidly changing housing market have made buying a home sight unseen a more common occurrence. 

If you’re hesitant about buying a house without touring it first, that’s understandable. But the key to this type of home sale is to research, prepare, and work with a team of exceptional real estate professionals so you can move into your dream home without any hiccups. Follow these tips to buy a house sight unseen successfully.

1. Get a Mortgage Preapproval 

When real estate transactions move at lightning speed, you need every advantage, starting with a mortgage preapproval in advance of your home search. You can apply for a mortgage preapproval from your loan lender, which will include everything from your potential interest rate to estimated monthly payment.

Your preapproval will let you know how much you’re qualified to borrow and the price range to search for homes. This tool also sends buyers a serious signal that you’re ready to start negotiations and purchase. Homeowners love to sell homes quickly and for the right price, so do what you can to prepare. 

Prequalification vs. Preapproval 

Don’t get confused: A mortgage prequalification isn’t the same as a preapproval. A prequalification is a superficial inquiry into your finances to help you see how much you can borrow. A mortgage preapproval is a letter that spells out the exact terms of your potential loan.

2. Work With a Local Real Estate Agent 

Since you won’t be in town to visit your potential new home, you need a trusted source to be your proxy. Local real estate agents can help you find your next home and navigate the long-distance closing process with ease. 

First, ask friends, family, or coworkers who live in the area for referrals. Then, research potential agents online. Look for experience that matches your situation, like virtual transactions, first-time buyers, and, if you prefer, agents that only work with buyers. Buying a house sight unseen requires your agent to manage multiple virtual applications (like live video and e-signature documents) simultaneously. Ensure they’re up to date with relevant tech platforms to keep you informed in real-time. 

You should interview at least two to three local real estate agents to find the right person for the job. Remember, you’re trusting them with every detail of your purchase, so you want to build a relationship with someone who is well-liked and respected by their peers in the area. If the listing agent can count on your agent’s professionalism, you’re more likely to have a smooth transaction.

3. Research Your Target Neighborhoods

Photo: Barbara Helgason / Adobe Stock

You’ve likely spent hours scrolling through home advertisements looking for the perfect three-bedroom, two-bath bungalow. But have you taken the time to research school ratings, local politics, or tax rates? Your neighborhood will become your community, so you should know what goes on daily.

Take virtual walks through the neighborhood and read local online newspapers to familiarize yourself with the area. It’s also a good idea to join communities like Nextdoor or Facebook Groups that serve your specific part of town. 

Keep your eye out for discussions on topics like:

• Air traffic

• Crime statistics

• Construction projects

• Distance to desirable shopping and dining 

4. Virtually Visit Your Top House Picks  

Buying a house sight unseen has never been more accessible. There are several ways to virtually visit the properties that interest you. First, make sure you’ve looked over every marketing material the seller posts online.

Take notes on the floor plans and 360-degree videos in addition to traditional photographs. The listing agent may also schedule a virtual open house, especially if your real estate agent communities your interest in the home.

Learning as much as possible about each property can help you ask the agents more detailed questions. Remember, you’ll also have sight-unseen neighbors, so ask for a video of the exterior property, including any views of your nearest neighbors.

Your agent will schedule a time to enter the house and give you a live escorted tour. Your agent can even visit multiple times and show you the difference in natural lighting during the day and evening. 

5. Make a List of Questions for the Agents

Don’t let your house’s unknowns keep you up at night. Make sure you pre-plan questions like, “Does it smell like pets or mold and mildew? Or, “Can you hear traffic noise?” Unfortunately, you can’t answer these questions from videos alone.

Here are some other questions to add to your list:

• What are the living space’s measurements?

• Does the paint need a refresh?

• Are the cabinets in good condition?

• Do the floors need updates?

• How old are the windows?

• Is the HVAC system updated?

6. Watch Your Home Inspection on Video

Real estate agents always advise scheduling a home inspection prior to closing to protect your purchase. So, it's essential to hire a local home inspector when buying a home sight unseen, especially since they may notice issues you haven’t. Talk with your agent about finding a respected local home inspector who is experienced working with clients who cannot attend the inspection. Some offer live videos and post-inspection discussions about their findings.

7. Decide Whether to Attend Closing Day 

After the seller accepts your final offer and the home inspections and appraisals are complete, you’ll start the home closing process. It might take a couple of days to finish depending on the parties' schedules. 

Your real estate agent, real estate attorney, or title agent can handle the details without you, but it’s common for buyers to attend closing activities. Many schedule their movers’ delivery right after they receive the keys. If you cannot attend the closing, don’t worry, it won’t turn into a home closing nightmare. Instead, you’ll sign plenty of paperwork through an online document service or send the documents through overnight delivery.