With the coronavirus pandemic forcing us all to physically distant from each other, it’s having a major impact on who buyers start and continue their search for a new home. And while viewing the home itself is crucial, so is scoping out the neighborhood that you will potentially be calling home at some point.

While visiting in person is still an option, there are other ways to adhere to social distancing measures while still allowing the house hunting process to continue.

Here are some tips for checking out a neighborhood while still sheltering in place.

Read print publications and join social media groups that connect local residents.

Google Street View is a great way to see the neighborhood without leaving your couch.

How long you’ll spend getting to and from work every day is a big factor to consider.

Explore reviews from local residents, the costs of living statistics, and more.

Crime rates can give you a picture of neighborhood safety, which can also impact home values.

Rankings and reviews are key when finding the right school for your family.

Work with a trusted professional to make sure you’re always well informed by an expert.

As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do right now to stay safe from COVID-19 while also continuing your search for a new home in a great neighborhood. Consider any one of the above tips to help avoid having to grind your search to a halt while keeping on track of finding a new place to call home.

Need a Home Loan to Finance a Home Purchase?

If you’re in need of a mortgage, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a local lending firm serving the Pacific Northwest region including Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon. We have been offering a wide variety of mortgage programs and products with flexible qualification criteria since 1992. Please contact us if you have any questions or are ready to apply for a home loan.