HOME BUYING DURING COVID

When you decide to buy a home in the middle of a global pandemic, it’s natural to wonder what lies ahead. COVID-19 has reshaped nearly every aspect of daily life, and the housing market is no exception. Record-low interest rates, remote work and schooling, and changing lifestyle priorities have all fueled demand, while limited inventory continues to make competition fierce. Even so, with the right guidance from Jim Shaffer & Associates, home buying during COVID can be far more manageable than it first appears.

Home Buying During Covid

Purchasing a home in a seller’s market is challenging on its own, but navigating it during a pandemic adds another layer of complexity. By now, most buyers are no strangers to adapting under pressure—from tracking down household essentials to reorganizing daily routines. That same adaptability goes a long way when preparing for a move. Buying a home during COVID doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you understand the process.

The key to success starts with preparation. Before touring homes or making offers, it’s essential to understand your financial picture. Beyond the purchase price, buyers should plan for closing costs, potential repairs, moving expenses, property taxes, and insurance. Many first-time buyers find it helpful to explore educational resources like our home buying and lifestyle blog to better understand these costs before getting started.

HOME BUYING DURING COVID

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a perfect credit score or a 20% down payment to purchase a home. Most lenders focus on keeping your mortgage payment at or below 30% of your income. Getting preapproved is an important early step and can often be completed online. Comparing offers from multiple lenders—ideally three or more—helps ensure competitive rates. According to guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, multiple mortgage preapprovals within a short window typically count as a single credit inquiry.

Once preapproved, you’re ready to begin your home search. This is also the ideal time to connect with a local real estate professional. Working with an experienced buyer’s agent—often paid by the seller—can give you a major advantage. Your agent will help identify listings, schedule showings, and negotiate on your behalf. Buyers searching in specific communities benefit greatly from agents who understand local trends, such as those highlighted in our neighborhood guides.

Successful house-hunting starts with clear priorities. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, keeping future needs and resale value in mind. Tools like Google Street View can help you assess the surrounding area before visiting in person, and walking the neighborhood can provide valuable insight into the community. These steps are especially important when showings are limited or timed, a reality many buyers have experienced during COVID.

When you find the right home, making a competitive offer is crucial. In many cases, you’ll be up against multiple buyers. Reviewing recent comparable sales helps determine a strong offer price and can prevent surprises during appraisal. Resources like Zillow’s housing market research can offer additional context on pricing trends, but your agent’s local expertise remains invaluable.

Beyond price, personal connection can make a difference. Including a thoughtful letter to the seller can help your offer stand out. A short note explaining what you love about the home and how you envision living there can humanize your offer—especially when in-person meetings are rare. Sellers often appreciate knowing their home will be cared for by someone who values the community.

Additional strategies can also strengthen an offer. A higher earnest money deposit, a shorter inspection window, or flexibility on closing timelines can signal seriousness. In some cases, offering an appraisal gap guarantee may reassure sellers. Your agent will help determine which strategies make sense for your situation and explain the risks involved.

Ultimately, buying a home during COVID requires patience, preparation, and persistence. When the right opportunity comes along, the effort is well worth it. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or planning your next move, our experienced real estate team is committed to helping you succeed. If you’re curious about your purchasing power or long-term plans, you can also estimate your current home’s value as part of your strategy.

While you wait for the perfect home, there’s nothing wrong with embracing classic pandemic pastimes—maybe even watching a movie like The Money Pit. On second thought, that one might be best enjoyed after your future home passes inspection. For personalized guidance throughout the process, don’t hesitate to connect with one of our trusted local agents. Happy house hunting!