Ask a Mainstreet REALTOR® - How do I buy an Illinois home during COVID?

 

 Q: I’ve been putting off moving because of the pandemic, but my family has been ready to move out of our small apartment and into a home of our own for a while now. I want to start looking at homes, but still protect myself, my family and everyone involved in the homebuying process from the coronavirus. What do I need to do to safely buy an Illinois home during COVID? 

A: Luckily for you, Mainstreet REALTORS®️ spent 2020 hard at work making the homebuying and homeselling process as safe as possible in light of the pandemic. It is possible to buy an Illinois home during coronavirus without taking on excessive risk.

First of all, much more of the homebuying process happens online these days. While nearly all homebuyers choose to visit one or more homes before making a selection, more of the initial home research is done online in the age of COVID. 

If you’re looking for a home in Northern Illinois, www.MainstreetHomeSearch.com is a fantastic resource to do just that. On the site, you can browse home listings from thousands of Mainstreet REALTORS®️, and filter by the features, location and price point you are seeking. If you’re already working with a REALTOR®️, you can share listings that you like with them. If you don’t yet have a REALTOR®️, you can reach out directly to listing agents through www.MainstreetHomeSearch.com

Online research is a great way to narrow down your search when you want to buy an Illinois home during COVID. You can use your research time to get a better sense of what’s available around your preferred neighborhoods and in your budget, and then schedule tours only at the homes you are most interested in.

Secondly, Mainstreet REALTORS®️ will accommodate your level of risk tolerance. We all have different comfort levels and concerns during this pandemic. With my own clients, I go out of my way to make sure they are comfortable buying an Illinois home during the coronavirus. For different people, that may mean conducting more of our business virtually, providing extra layers of sanitation and more. 

Ultimately, your REALTOR®️ wants to make you comfortable and help you find the home you’re looking for. If you want any additional accommodations made to help you feel safe when buying an Illinois home during COVID, just ask.

  • Linda Dressler, President of the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®️ Board of Directors

Do you have a real estate question you’d like answered in our Ask a Mainstreet REALTOR®️ blog feature? Email Amy Robey at Amy@succeedwithmore.com with your question.