Regarding COVID-19
Dear Clients,
As you know we are in pretty uncharted waters when it comes to the world events and real estate market with COVID-19. I strongly believe it is all of our responsibility to help flatten the curve so health care systems are not overloaded and those at highest risk from COVID-19 can receive the care they need.
The health experts at the CDC are recommending increased hand washing, cleaning surfaces and social distancing. So how do we sell, show or buy a home while being safe, responsible and social distancing?
Great question.
The usual approach to selling a home is to maximize the number of prospective buyers through the door until the right buyer falls in love with the home. This has to change … immediately.
To limit exposure for everyone means fewer people walking through homes and fewer times a seller leaves their home for showings. So this calls for a different strategy.
UPDATED: As your REALTOR®, this is my COVID-19 plan as of March 27, 2020.
Sellers
If you choose to remove your home from the market, I respect your decision and will remove the property from on-market status immediately.
Whether on market today or in the near future, I will increase the quality and amount of information available to prospective buyers online. This will result in fewer buyer showings - some will self-select out of seeing your home for 1 reason or another. But the buyers who choose to see your home will be more sure about your home and more qualified.
Improved online information to buyers
3D Virtual Tours: All listed homes will include professional photography, floor plans and 3D representations to allow prospective buyers to walk through the home virtually. This tour will be added to Zillow, Realtor.com and all the top property websites as well as available in MLS and on my website via a dedicated link.
Walkthrough Video: I will create a walkthrough video of your home and post on YouTube, social media and your property page on my website.
More photos: Available photos of "systems" and less glamorous parts of the property available on your property page.
Seller's Disclosure and list of Property Updates: Request you complete the Seller's Disclosure form and list of property updates. This will be attached to MLS and available to buyers upon request.
Open Houses
No open houses or broker tours will be scheduled of your home.
Showings and other appointments
Updated as of 3/27/2020 MLS PIN is strongly recommending holding off any in-person open houses and showings for the time being..
In-person showings are being decided on a property by property basis based on your particular situation and our mutual agreement on whether this is your best interest and whether people’s safety can be assured.
If you are selling a vacant home, we could selectively allow showings.
If you live in the home, I recommend we hold off in-person showings until such time the crisis has passed. Or if you have an alternative place to stay for a few days while your home can be shown, we can work something out.
If you are in a position to not wait, let’s talk about options!
Buyers
The good news is interest rates are historically low and there is no better time to lock in your mortgage rate! If your down payment funds are tied up in the stock market, please talk to your financial adviser and lender for options - there may be lower down payment mortgage programs that still make sense for you.
Preparation! I’d consider this an excellent time to make sure you are ready to buy! Get your pre-approvals updated. Talk to your lender to see if there are any other lending options you may want to consider
Research! We can still get around as long as we are staying socially distant. This is a fantastic time to drive and walk neighborhoods! Take a look at downtown areas, school yards, parks, shopping centers. Walk a neighborhood to see if this feels like home!
Searching for homes: We are going to be much more selective about which homes we want to see. It may take a bit longer but we'll research the home thoroughly and discuss with the agent prior to scheduling a showing.
Open Houses and Showings: As of 3/27/2020 MLSPIN is strongly recommending open houses and showings be put on hold until this crisis has passed.
Virtual Showings: via video recording or video conference are encouraged. I'm happy to ask a seller to walk a home or yard. I’m happy to walk a neighborhood if you are not comfortable or able to see it in person.
Stay Safe
We are all in this together. It is a time for us all to come together (at a distance), love each other, check in on family and neighbors, offer help to those who need it, put aside petty differences and most importantly, listen to the recommendations of the CDC and the medical and scientific experts.
If there are any questions I can answer for you about my plan or any real estate subject, do not hesitate to give me a call!
Be kind. Practice Empathy. And God bless.
