During these unsettling times, sellers and buyers are concerned about staying healthy and virus-free as we all are. To keep all parties safe, new procedures should be considered regarding the process for showing houses.
Agents are reporting that they are selling homes where the buyers have not physically been in the house and base their decision on the virtual tour found online. Some states have suspended showings because they are not considered essential services, and other states have not addressed the subject.
In the spirit of stepping up to do what is necessary, the following suggestions should be considered:
Buyers should view the pictures online first to see if the home meets their needs. Most listing agents upload enough images to get a good idea of what a home looks like.
Buyers should ask their agent questions that the photos don't address. Then, their agent can go through the listing agent to ask the seller directly.
It may be possible for the agent or owner to do a Facetime walk-through, which would allow the buyers to ask questions and direct the agent or owner where to point the camera.
When possible, buyers can make an appointment to see the home through their agents. They should meet the agent at the home in their own car. No children should attend showings.
Recommended safe distances will be maintained between the buyers and their agents.
Buyers should carry their own sanitizing wipes and or gloves and avoid unnecessarily touching surfaces. They should be disposed of in a trash bag in their car after they exit the home.
Social distancing and isolation may present buying opportunities due to a lack of competition. At the same time, the lack of inventory in many markets may keep prices high. Overall, home prices nationwide are stable and, in many cases, continuing to rise, which makes it a far less volatile alternative to investing in the stock market. Given that mortgage rates are at historic lows, there will probably never be a cheaper time to finance a home.
Please stay safe; wash your hands; practice social distancing and follow all the guidelines necessary to promote good health. We're all in this together!