In these “digital times” of the COVID-19 Pandemic, attention is squarely on helping our buyers and sellers with their real estate needs while maintaining rules of social distancing and other safe business practices. Capturing these opportunities requires a complete re-vamp of every process in the Real Estate transaction.
Real estate has been deemed essential by the Ontario government and it’s because we help to find and secure housing for people. Some homeowners sold their home and now need somewhere to live. And some people have purchased a home and need to sell their home. We try our best to show homes safely. An in-person showing can be accomplished with physical distancing, as long as everyone co-operates and has a good understanding of what six feet or 2 metres looks like. Doors are left open and all lights are turned on and then turned off again by the Seller. Gloves and wipes and hand sanitizer are available. Another way to show a home is through a virtual Open House. CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) is going to allow us to post a link so that anyone who is interested can follow along and ask questions during the live post. This will give buyers a more in depth “look” at a home that they may be interested in purchasing.
A home is something that buyers usually need to see and feel before they will be comfortable enough to make a purchase. Some buyers are comfortable with purchasing after a virtual tour and some sellers are willing to sell with the condition that the Buyer is able to walk through the home before closing and then firm up. And, it’s important to remember that home inspections and appraisals still have to happen and they have to happen safely. We are all working through these challenges and trying to come up with creative ways to help lessen any negative impact from the Pandemic for our clients. Please stay safe and well and stay home if you can.
Author: Heather Belsito, Sales Representative, The Golfi Team
