Buying remotely: Let the professionals be your eyes

More and more remote buyers are turning to buyer’s agents to help them source suitable properties, as they know they will be represented in the best light and have more of a chance in finding the right home that will meet their budget, wants and needs.

Sjanna Sandalova

Would you ever buy a house without physically viewing it? The answer is probably not and there's a valid reason why.

Whether you are purchasing your first home or second investment property, it is still one of the most significant purchases you will make in a lifetime, hence you need to do the due diligence to ensure you're making the right decision.

However for some, attending a viewing is simply not possible. If you're an interstate buyer, a FIFO worker, farmer, overseas investor or stuck somewhere because of COVID-19, but waiting to move back home, then hiring a professional to be your eyes may be the only transparent way in finding the right home.

More and more remote buyers are turning to buyer's agents to help them source suitable properties, as they know they will be represented in the best light and have more of a chance in finding the right home that will meet their budget, wants and needs.

Why not get a family or friend to view it?

Asking a family member or friend to help you select a property may be one solution, however it depends on their level of property experience, how much time they can dedicate to scouring the market for suitable properties for you, and how well they understand values in a given location.

They may also not be able to identify flaws in the property and may accidentally give away too much to the selling agent.

A buyer's agent covers all these bases and more including bringing you deals that you may not see yourself, understanding current local sentiment and the experience of walking through so many properties, that they are able to recognise tell-tale issues to avoid or the perfect deal when they see one.

Is technology enough?

Since COVID-19 struck, the use of technology has certainly improved with virtual tours and inspections gaining momentum.

So, is a video walk-through via the selling agent good enough to buy a property without anyone inspecting it on your behalf?

Well, it's important to remember that a property can look a lot different to the photos and videos. The selling agent is hired by the seller to show the property in a flattering light during the video walk through, and sometimes there are aspects that can be missed.

On the other hand, a buyer's agent's feedback, photos or raw video will give you an unbiased picture of the property, with its good and bad, not just the best features, enabling you to make a more informed choice.

You really can't and shouldn't underestimate the value of viewing a property in person, or even better, having a professional buyer's agent to view it with you, or if that's not possible, for you.

Remove the emotion and risk of buying 'sight-unseen' or not knowing areas well enough by employing an independent set of eyes and ears in a REIWA buyer's agent.