Even though you may be teleworking and the kids are allegedly studying online, the real estate industry in Texas is still humming along with low inventory, but I’m starting to notice a few bargains out there. Real estate is actually considered an essential service by Governor Abbott and due to the pandemic and there are some sellers out there eager to make a deal. With the time you’re not spending driving to work or activities, now is the perfect occasion to get out there and snap up some investment properties. Here are some to tips to make sure you and your family are safe while you view homes.

Cool features that sometimes come in a rental property.
  1. Do your homework first. Do all your research before ever leaving your house. Ask your favorite realtor (that’s me) to set you up with some searches and talk through the areas you’re interested in purchasing an investment property. Hop in the car and drive around some of the neighborhoods you’re considering. Remember, as a landlord you’ll have to visit these places fairly often think about the commute as you’re investigating.
  2. Online stalk, er, research properties first. So much information is available online. Your realtor has access to more of it through the Multiple Listing Service and other tools, but a lot of it is online and free. Google the address to see if you find information and see any pictures from any previous time the property has been listed for sale or rent. That may help you understand what has been done to the place. If you put the address in Google Maps, you can seen pictures of the house in question and move along to see all the houses on the street. It’s from a snapshot in time that’s not today, but it gives you a good idea. Be sure to zoom out on the map to see what other amenities or any weird stuff that you can’t see from in front of the house. The county also keeps tax records of all the properties so you can search to see what it’s taxed at currently, who owns it now and if it’s been bought and sold several times. Perfect sleuthing activity to justify watching Tiger King on Netflix.
  3. Consider a virtual showing. Technology has been around for a while to make it possible to see all the nooks and crannies of a property without actually visiting it, but the quarantine is making it so that every seller is using it. Companies like Matterport make super cool virtual tours that really make it feel like you’re there. Another group, Shoot2Sell, does virtual staging so you can see what furniture would look like in the space.
  4. Practice CDC guidelines if you do go out. It’s probably best to focus on empty properties rather than owner occupied during this time to lessen your risks of contracting or spreading COVID-19. You or your realtor should plan to bring some hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes to use after touching light switches and opening cabinets. Listing realtors are encouraged to leave all the lights on before showings so that buyers have less to touch. In general, practice the guidelines the National Association of Realtors and CDC have for going to places like the grocery store or the pharmacy.
  5. Drive separate from your realtor. Typically, the buyer is driven around by his or her realtor. However, during this time, it probably makes more sense to be safe in your own vehicle. Talk to your realtor in advance to get a list of the properties and set a schedule for meeting. Once you’re at the properties, keep your distance from your realtor, too. There’s no need for handshakes or hugs upon arrival, and once you’re there, plan to stay six feet away from your realtor. Everyone can get back to group hugs in a few months.
  6. Ask your realtor if he or she has been sick recently or traveled anywhere. Your realtor should be honest (likewise, you could cancel if you or a family member has been ill). If you really want to go shopping and your realtor has been ill, they likely have another colleague that can meet to let you in to the properties. This is normal and happens all the time.
  7. Close digitally. Depending on where you live, you may be able to most of the actual buying online, such as signing the contract and wiring the earnest money. Some deals can even be closed digitally without ever having to meet at the title company office. That said, if you do choose to or the bank needs you to close in person, limit who goes to the signing. In some cases, you may request that no one attend except the title officer to limit your interactions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has quickly changed how we conduct real estate, but deals are still happening. In fact, with super low interest rates (even for investors) and many sellers eager to make a move, now might be the perfect time to snap up a deal.