It’s stressful enough buying a home, especially if you can walk through the front door, open the closet, and stand in the backyard. Purchasing a property in Bend, Oregon without ever having seen the inside of it is an additional level of stress. However, thousands of people who buy out of state do just that each year. From afar, they fall in love with Bend, make plans to move, and buy a home without ever setting foot inside.
The positive side is that it’s possible to purchase property remotely in Oregon. It can work with technology, local professionals, and a disciplined process. Unfortunately, e-commerce has its own set of potential pitfalls, and when a buyer takes a few shortcuts, it can cost him dearly if he regrets the purchase.
If you are thinking about virtual home buying in Bend, Oregon, then here’s what you should know. Whether picking the right agent, reading an inspection report, or researching neighborhoods, here are ways to make a remote buying transaction a positive experience.
Why Remote Buyers Are Common in Bend
Bend has emerged as a hot spot for remote workers, retirees, and families seeking a new style of life. Many of these buyers are still living in another state when they start their search. They are hard to fly in for each and every showing, and they frequently have to move quickly when they make a decision.
The Rise of Remote Work Changed Everything
With people working from home, Bend’s market became much bigger. Now a California, Washington, or Texas employer can hire a worker in Central Oregon without having to relocate him or her. These buyers tend to have higher incomes than local wages and compete in the Bend market. But it also means that they are often shopping from a laptop, and not a car.
Inventory and Timing Create Pressure
Unlike 2021, when Bend seemed like a crazy place to buy a house, there are still well-priced homes that sell quickly. Homes that are left unacted upon will be sold to local buyers who can drive through and see it on the day it is listed. One of the reasons for all out-of-state buyers who make offers sight unseen in Bend, Oregon, is this pressure.
Before making a rushed decision, review the current market conditions in our guide to whether you should buy a home in Bend Oregon right now, including pricing, inventory, mortgage rates, and buyer negotiating power.
Technology Makes It Possible
Realistic video tours, 3D walkthroughs, drone videos, and video chats have made online shopping more tangible than ever. Getting a good agent to walk you through a home on FaceTime, take you out on the street, and answer your questions in real time. That’s much different than using a few still images.
The Risks of Buying a Home Without Seeing It
But it’s not an unheard-of option for buying something remotely, but it’s not risk-free. Once you know what to watch for, you can avoid it.
You Cannot Feel What Photos Hide
A small room can be large in appearance with a photo. They can camouflage water stains, irregular surfaces, and weird odours. They can’t pass on the sound of a passing train or the sound of the afternoon sun on a west-facing bedroom. These are things that are only noticed in person.
Neighborhoods Are Hard to Read From a Distance
You can see on a map where a house is located. It can’t tell you what the street is like at night. It can’t demonstrate the neighbour who has five barking dogs or the quick traffic that runs through the block. Neighborhood character is absorbed by being there.
Before relying on a virtual tour alone, compare the area’s lifestyle, housing options, walkability, and location through our Bend Oregon neighborhoods guide.
Inspection Reports Only Go So Far
A professional inspection has its own limits, and it’s a must-have for any purchase. Inspectors are not able to peer through walls. They can’t see all the eventualities. It’s important to understand exactly what the report entails for buyers who can’t do an in-person walkthrough after the inspection.
How to Buy Remotely the Right Way
The dangers are very real, but they can be controlled. Distant buyers with a disciplined procedure can buy with confidence.
Choose an Agent Who Specializes in Remote Buyers
Not all agents are software-ready. Find someone who has had some experience in virtual home buying in Bend, Oregon. Inquire about video tours, communication, and representation. A truly effective remote agent is an extension of your eyes and ears on the ground.
Use Live Video Tours Instead of Recorded Ones
The use of video recordings can be beneficial for initial screening, but it is not enough. Schedule with an agent to conduct a video walk-through of the place. They can open drawers and cabinets, examine the faucets, and inspect the area beneath the sink and the ceilings. If you do this live, you can ask various questions.
Order a Thorough Inspection and Read It Carefully
Avoid postponing the inspection. It is all the more significant for a distance buyer. Select the local inspector with the best reviews and have your agent be there during the inspection. Ask them to take more images and videos of items the inspector identifies. Read the report carefully, and ask questions about any part of the report that you do not have a firm grasp of.
Consider a Sewer Scope and Specialist Inspections
A typical home inspection doesn’t address all the details. A video inspection will do wonders to locate the main sewer line issues. Specialized inspections can also uncover parts of the building that are more concealed, like the roof, foundation, HVAC, and possible presence of pests. These are additional steps taken when purchasing remotely, but are worth the expense.
Drive the Neighborhood With Your Agent
Get someone else to take a tour of the neighborhood and see what the adjacent streets and nearby shops look like. Inquire about noise and traffic or anything that doesn’t feel right. You can learn things from a local point of view that you won’t learn from a listing.
Talk to People Who Live There
If you have the chance, meet some Bend people. Ask them about the neighborhood, schools, commuting options, and any facts they wish they had known before buying their property. Bend residents can talk openly on either online forums or social media.
What to Watch Out For as a Remote Buyer
While following a good process, there are some red flags that warrant further attention.
Overly Aggressive Pricing
When a house has a higher price than neighbours, find out the reason. When it comes to selling your home in a competitive market, where price cuts are common, an overpriced listing may be there for a reason. Never presume that the owner of the property knows something that you don’t.
Seller Disclosures That Raise Questions
Take a close look at the seller’s disclosures. If any part does not make sense to you, or is missing, ask for clarification. The agent will be asking questions on your behalf.
Buyers unfamiliar with Oregon transactions can also review our Bend Oregon Property Disclosure Guide to better understand what seller disclosures can and cannot tell you about a property.
Photos That Do Not Match the Description
When the pictures don’t match the description, or they appear to be staged in a manner that is concealing issues, go deeper. Request other pictures or a virtual tour of certain areas.
Pressure to Waive Contingencies
Some sellers will try to hurry the closing for their home with minimal contingencies. As a remote buyer, you should do everything to protect yourself. Do not waive inspections, appraisals, or finance contingencies unless you know exactly what you are doing, and you are ready to take risks.
Making the Trip Worth It
Try to visit Bend at least once before closing, if possible. Doing this will not only help you make your final decision, but you can also notice things you would not have noticed online. If traveling somewhere is impossible, ask an acquaintance to visit Bend on your behalf.
Schedule the Visit After the Inspection
If you are only able to visit once, arrange that to follow the inspection to see the house with the inspector’s findings in mind. Explore the neighborhood at different times of the day grocery shopping, going for coffee, or visiting the park – and feel what it is like to live there.
Meet Your Agent in Person
If possible, see your agent in person on the journey. This helps to make the remainder of the process smoother and more trust-based if you’ve built that link up face to face.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Home in Bend, Oregon Remotely
It’s not a good idea to purchase a home in Bend, Oregon before seeing it in person; however, you can do this if you want to. Experts, technology, and a commitment to thoroughness and not skimping on inspections or research help remote buyers do well every year.
The important thing is to pay special attention to the process. You’re in a big financial move without being there in person. This means being more reliant on your agent, asking questions, and being willing to walk away if it feels inappropriate. You will need to exhibit patience and diligence.
When executed properly, Oregon real estate investing from afar can lead to a new lifestyle in one of the most scenic regions of the nation. When it comes to a home you can love in a community you can be excited about, the effort is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Out-of-state buyers often buy remotely in Bend, as do many other buyers. It is best done with an experienced local agent, video tours, a detailed inspection, and as much local research as possible.
Adopting a disciplined approach makes the process much safer. Always take help from a good agent, obtain an exhaustive inspection, ask for live video walkthroughs, and never waive the contingencies.
Get in touch with people with telecommuting experience and gain insights about their method with video tours, the frequency of communication, and how they help clients who are physically unable to be present. A remote agent is prompt and reliable and does a thorough job.
No. Inspection waivers are particularly problematic for buyers in distant areas. You’re in need of expert eyes at the property. Today’s market offers plenty of opportunity to keep contingencies, particularly on a property that has been on the market.
Have your agent drive or stroll the neighborhood and note it. Look at maps online, community forums, and community groups. If possible, plan a trip before closing. Doing some research into the local community can also help you get insight that you can’t get from listings and photos.
That’s what inspections and contingencies are about. Once closed, you may have limited options if there are problems, except if the seller did not disclose the problem. An extensive examination prior to closing will be the best protection.
