Inventory for homes is usually plentiful during the spring and summer buying months. It’s the time when home buyers are looking to move and purchase a home. During these difficult times, the ability to do this has changed a bit and although you can buy a house now, you will have to do it differently.
Real Estate is an Essential Business
Luckily the real estate industry is still seen as an essential business. People have to live somewhere. The inventory of homes however, is much smaller than usual for the spring. People are deciding to stay put and are putting off placing their homes on the market. Conversely, new homes are coming to market more slowly than usual. Some job sites have been closed due to the virus. Contractors are trying to keep their artisans healthy and are limiting the number of contractors on a new construction site. Thus, the rate in which a new home comes to market has slowed down by several months. The National Association of Realtors reported a decline in home buyer interest because of corona virus fears. In some cases, buyers have lost jobs or income and they must forgo buying for the time being.
Tips for Buyers
You can still find a home to purchase. Fewer homes are on the market. Couple this with historically low interest rates and the chances of finding your dream home diminishes. How can you help yourself out? Work with a reliable Realtor and/or Builder when you are in the market for a new home. Many Realtors have resources that allow them to find homes that are not listed to the public yet and this will give you a heads up on availability. Drive around the areas that you are interested in moving to. Look for construction sites for homes. Write down the name of the builder or Realtor and call them about their availability for purchasing a house. Another tip is to get pre-approved for your mortgage loan. This will allow you to move quickly when you do find the home you want.
Virtual Home Tours
Everything is now available to be done on-line. Realtors are able to live stream open houses and give tours of homes via video or live streaming platforms. Take advantage of this service. If you tour a home in person make sure it is on your list of most likely choices, wear a mask and gloves and keep socially distant. Request that the homeowners not be present if possible.
Many folks are refinancing their current loans. This means that many mortgage processors are very busy keeping up with this influx of work. When you decide on a new home, ask for a 60-day closing window, rather than a 30 to 45 day one. This will ensure that you can close on the loan. Offer to pay an additional down payment to make this happen. It shows a good will gesture on your part. Ask about an e-closing to make the settlement of your loan safer and socially distant.
Need a New Home in New Hampshire?
In NH, there are new housing projects that are moving forward despite the corona pandemic. Beote Construction is one builder that is working hard to bring new homes to the market. Currently there are homes available in Brookline New Hampshire and Merrimack New Hampshire. In Brookline, you can inquire about a beautiful 3- or 4-bedroom single family home at Clover Hill on Sawtelle Road. These lots are all large and set in a quiet country setting. You are just minutes to Nashua and the Massachusetts border here. These homes feature upgraded kitchens, beautiful dining areas, open concept floorplans, large closets, a garage and a deck. In Merrimack, you might like a 55 and older condo community called Overlook Estates. These homes have single-story open concept floorplans. Enjoy stainless steel kitchens with all the bells and whistles, a fireplaced living room, a 3-season porch, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. A garage and optional lower level are also available. Contact Beote Construction for more information or to learn about plans for new developments in Manchester and beyond.