Will the home inspector be given access to the house? If there is a septic system, will a septic inspector be permitted to do the inspection?
Even if inspections are permitted, you might not be permitted to be present, which means that you will not have the benefit on asking questions and actually seeing the inspector point out items, which is much more informative than simply reading a formal, written report. In such a case, find out if the inspector can take a lot of photos, or better yet, live-stream the inspection.
Will the appraiser be permitted to make a site visit? If not, will the lender be able to accept a drive-by appraisal?
Will your lawyer have access to public documents for the title search?
To accommodate Stay-Home orders, your lawyer can probably arrange for a remote closing.
These days I have been including the following language in purchase contracts:
“In case of delays or cancellation due to the covid-19 pandemic (such as appraiser or inspectors becoming ill or subject to stay home orders; or closed lab; or other unusual problems caused by the pandemic) Buyer shall not be in default or denied right to inspect because of missed deadlines. In such circumstance, both parties and their agents will work cooperatively to find workable solutions.”
Most importantly:
Real estate agents may not show property. If you have already seen a home, or if you are willing to make a purchase site-unseen, you could still purchase a home.
Pertaining to real estate, the Governor’s order says the following:
“Real estate sales and brokerage firms must suspend in-person operations under the Governor’s Executive Order. Real estate functions that can be conducted online, by phone or email can continue. And as previously directed by the Governor, employees should be working remotely. Property appraisals, inspections, title services and other activities that require in-person business are not permitted during the term of the Executive Order.”
The Vermont Association of Realtors®(VAR) has sent the following notification to members:
“VAR appreciates that Realtors® are trying to be creative to continue their business dealings, but any attempt to show homes, visit vacant properties, take photos or videos, or any other activity involving a Realtor® being out in the community, directly violates the Emergency Executive Orders. Those orders allow people to be out for a limited number of reasons. Knowingly violating a law may be potential grounds for unprofessional conduct.”