Professionals Real Estate 
5 tips for buying during coronavirus lockdowns
We’ve all had to adapt and do things a little differently since social distancing became a way of life, and trying to buy a property is no exception.
But while open homes and gatherings for auctions aren’t able to continue at this time, the property market is still very much open for business.
Properties are still being sold and there are a lot of people out there in need of a new home.
In fact, if you’re in a stable financial position then low mortgage rates make the current environment an ideal time to get into the market.
But how do you go about hunting for a home with the current restrictions in place?
Go on virtual inspections
Viewing properties online has already been gaining popularity over the past few years, and now there’s even more property information to be found online than ever before.
Most properties now offer photos, floor plans, videos and 3D virtual tours to help make it easier for buyers to decide if a property is right for them.
Another option available is a virtual walkthrough of a property. This allows you to inspect a property in real time with an agent, and ask them exactly what you want to look at, and it gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about a property as they come up.
Private inspections of properties are also still available and can be arranged at a time that suits you.
Research the neighbourhood
It is a little more complicated exploring a new neighbourhood with current restrictions in place, but there is still a lot you can find out online.
You can use Google Street View to take a look around neighbourhood streets and get a feel for the area without having to go for a drive.
It’s also worth checking out online reviews of a suburb or community Facebook pages to see what locals have to say about the area. They can offer a lot of insights and valuable information that you might not have thought about.
Shop around for the lowest mortgage rates
Mortgage rates are the lowest they have ever been in history, meaning it’s a great time to shop around and find a great deal.
Keep in mind that the home loan with the lowest mortgage rate isn’t necessarily the best though. You should also factor in things like fees and features such as an offset account or redraw facility when comparing loans.
Bid at online auctions
Property buyers can now take part in auctions from the comfort of their homes using virtual auction platforms. The whole process is still live and you can see the bids as they happen in real-time.
The thought of bidding for a property online may seem a little daunting at first, so it’s a good idea to watch some live auctions first and get a feel for how they work.
You might also like to have a chat to the selling agent to ask for advice and get them to help explain the process.
Talk to agents and stay up-to-date
There have been a lot of changes in the world of late so it’s understandable if you’re a little confused about what that means for buying and selling real estate in Australia.
If you have any questions or concerns about a property purchase it’s best to get in touch with the selling agent who can offer you the most up-to-date advice.
