Everyday reality is very different than just two months ago before Virginia, and much of the country, went into lockdown. We have all been forced to learning how to do many things in new ways, from working remotely to how we engage with our friends or in public. Even happy hour has gone virtual!

For the last several years, we have helped buyers purchase homes remotely with our virtual home buying program. However, we have needed to adjust how we do business with home seller listings, settlements, showings, home inspections, and much more in these COVID-19 times. Technology is enabling our real estate process in Northern VA for home buyer and sellers continue on the quest for homeownership.

Below are just some of the necessary elements of the process that have changed (at least in the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing.

1. Virtual Consultations – There is no need to meet at the office or kitchen table, we can now meet through video chat. Whether it’s the first meeting to discuss initial needs as a buyer or your listing appointment as a seller, you can still get the process started remotely.

2. Virtual Showings & Home Search – For many years now the internet is the primary information source buyers use when searching for homes. We can send you listing information and help you request a virtual showing when you’re ready to start looking. We can also film video walk throughs when buyers get serious about a specific listing. This means you can virtually walk through the homes on your wish list while keeping your family safe. As a seller, you can still have virtual open houses and virtual tours , so as not to miss those buyers looking to find a home right now and avoid undo foot traffic.

3. E-Signing – This is not new to us since the last few years more portions of the transaction are being done digitally. Our team including the loan officer, and title agent can set up an account where you can upload all of the required documents and sign electronically right from your computer. However, final settlement still must take place face to face for the buyer side of a transaction, when the buyer is using a loan to purchase a home.

4. Money Transfer/Wire Payments– Whether you need to pay for an appraisal or submit closing costs, there are options available. You may be able to pay by credit card or wire funds from your account. Sometimes you can send a check by mail or a mobile escrow agent will pick up a check from your home if necessary.

5. Closing/Settlement Process – Settlement will depend if you are the buyer or seller and if the transaction is all cash or financed by a lender. Home sellers can settle by using a virtual notary from anywhere to sign final settlement documents. If your state requires an attorney to be present, check with your legal counsel to see what options are available. Northern VA home buyers taking out a mortgage to purchase will need to go attend settlement with the title agent. Reputable title agents are taking every safety per-caution for their clients and staff. In the past, your real estate agent would likely attend, however this has changed to keep the number of face to face contacts to a minimum.

Although these virtual processes are starting to become more widely accepted, some will only be temporary. Under the current circumstances, however, technology is making it possible to continue much of the real estate transaction today.

Bottom Line

If you need to move today, we have the experience, technology, and process that will make it happen. Let’s touch base today to discuss your situation so you don’t have to put your real estate plans on hold.