Even under normal conditions buying or selling a home can be a daunting task! Though, nothing about these conditions are normal. Right now we are feeling a slow down as fewer buyers are able to get out and look for a home and fewer sellers are wanting to risk letting people in. That isn't to say that houses aren't still selling, we are just going through some changes.
One of these changes involves how buyers and sellers are physically distancing themselves from real estate transactions. If you are braving the real estate market during the quarantine, here are some "rules" to help you navigate the current market.
Increase Your Online Presence
Technology has been our saving grace. We have now become dependent on online shopping. Showings and open houses are now being done remotely. Open houses with cookies and jazz music are now a thing of the past, being replaced by online conferences through zoom and livestream walkthroughs. Property tours are now done with a real estate agent showing potential buyers the home via Facetime and Skype, and virtual tours are popping up everywhere.
One-on-One Time
Even with the convenience of being able to see a home through the comfort of their Lazy Boy, few buyers would be willing to purchase a home without first seeing it in person. To accommodate this agents are meeting with potential buyers by appointment only and under strict instructions to minimize the number of family members entering the home and touching surfaces. These appointments are also made with the understanding that if anyone is feeling even slightly under the weather that the appointment will need to be rescheduled for another time.
Respect the Distance
When buyers and sellers do have to cross paths, even at separate times the social distancing rules are usually respected. While viewing a property in person buyers and agents skip the traditional handshake, and buyers are to minimize any touching of surfaces. Many sellers are going the extra mile to make sure that shoe coverings and hand sanitizer are available onsite at the front door. To maximize airflow sellers should open doors and windows, and minimize contact with surfaces doors to rooms should be left open and lights should be turned on.
Remote Closings
Title companies and lenders are making remote closings available! Rather than spend an hour in an office, you may be able to sign your closing paperwork from the comfort of your own home. This has been available to cash buyers and sellers for many years. However, with lender approval buyers who are borrowing are now able to sign through a digital signature program as well. Any documents that need a notary can be observed by a mobile notary at your home, minimizing your contact with others.
Everyone is working diligently to make sure that you can still purchase or sell a home during this crisis. With a few minor changes, you can abide by social distancing rules and still continue your home buying or selling process!