Looking for a new home online is a great place to start your search, especially now, as we navigate the era of COVID-19. However, house-hunting online should not be your end all be all, unless you’ve done your research properly. Good 
listing agents are excellent at highlighting the best features of the home, but keep in mind there may be more than meets the eye. To make the most of your time and efforts and gather a well-rounded picture of home listings online, keep the following three things in mind:
Stay Up To Date
When you start your search, make sure you find a site that pulls up-to-date listings directly from the multiple listing service (MLS) where real estate agents actively post their most current homes for sale. Many online resources update less often or fail to remove listings that are off the market, making it more difficult to sort through the clutter.
Reliable Information
Real estate photographers are experts at showing a home in the best possible light. Many use tools and strategies to boost appeal, such as a fisheye lens to make areas look larger and creative editing to make colors and textures really pop. But, often listings will not contain photos of unappealing parts of the home, like small closets or outdated bathrooms. When looking online for a home, make sure that you are able to view images of all aspects of the home, or that you can request access to further images or a virtual tour. Virtual showings are becoming increasingly popular, thorough, and effective. This means you can expect to see these popping up, just make sure the sources are reliable and information is accurate and thorough.
Be Confident In Your Decision
Once you find what appears to be your dream home online, call up your real estate agent and schedule a showing following proper COVID-19 protocol, or request a video walkthrough. You want to take the opportunity to vet the home as thoroughly as possible so that you can confidently make a decision. It is important to explore every part of a home before beginning the offer process. Your real estate agent will help you cover all your bases and will ask questions you may not have thought of.