Buying a home in the digital age

Technology continues to revolutionize modern life, including the homebuying process. Here's a look at how the information age is enhancing each step of the way — from that first look at what's available to the final moment of closing.

Finding your next home online

Online tools make it easier to search for homes and sort out the options from your computer, laptop or mobile device.

Here are a few websites and services that can meet your house-hunting needs:

• Trulia® — You can search Trulia by ZIP code or metropolitan area. Based on your search history, Trulia can send you alerts on similar homes that enter the market. The site also provides price-trend statistics and lets you compare a house price with comparable homes in the same area. Trulia uses a matrix of maps that allows you to study quality-of-life indicators like the crime rate and schools.
• Zillow® — Zillow's database includes value estimates, changes in value over time, aerial views and prices of comparable homes. Zillow also provides the essentials like square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You can see if a home's value has changed because of improvements or renovations, and you can find a history of a home's transactions. That history can be useful when negotiating a price with the seller. Zillow gets its data from a broad range of sources, including multiple listing services, or MLS, as well as public records, real estate agents, homeowners and tax assessors.
• Realtor.com — Realtor.com is the official listing site operated by the National Association of REALTORS®. It lets you browse home photos, get updated listings, driving directions and more.
• Redfin — Redfin isn't just a website. It's also a brokerage service. Redfin's listings come from the MLS, which typically means they’re up to date.

Virtual house viewing

Not long ago, buyers could only see homes in person or by looking at low-quality photos on paper. Today, typical online listings feature dozens of color photos, sometimes in a 360-degree view that lets you take a virtual step into every room. Others take it a step further with a video presentation.

And that’s not all. Thanks to Google maps and similar sites, you can see a survey of the neighborhood that includes satellite or street-level views.

Making a deal

Innovation is also changing the experience of sellers. As a seller, you may get an offer from companies like Opendoor and Zillow in addition to an offer from someone working through a real estate agent.

Applying for a mortgage

Technology makes it easy to research current rates. You can crunch your own numbers and get competing offers from multiple lenders. When it's time to get prequalified, mobile and online applications let you do it day or night. You don't need an appointment at a bank during normal business hours.

Remote real estate closing

Sellers have been able to skip out on attending home closings in person for a long time. But that hasn't always been an option for buyers. Remote closings are changing that. Remote closings let you sign documents electronically, while waiting to receive other documents that require your physical signature.

Keep in mind that there could be some drawbacks. With so much jargon and legal wording, you may find it easier to ask questions if you're physically with the people who have answers. Also, remote closings aren't available in all states. Consult with your agent to determine if this is an option for you.

Moving into your new home

Chances are, you'll get an old-fashioned set of metal keys to your new home at closing. But smart home technology is starting to take over. You can invest in smart door locks, video doorbells, thermostats you can control with your smartphone and security cameras that send alerts to you while you're away.

Appliances are getting smarter too. As you shop for appliances, compare your options and see if some of the new capabilities are worth the extra cost.