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Buying or selling your home during a Pandemic
As our clients have always been our first priority, it goes without saying that guaranteeing everyone’s safety remains Number 1! Recently however, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought its own set of unique challenges to the Real Estate community, and you may be wondering what’s permitted, what’s not, and how we have risen to the occasion to support you.
Making sure you enjoy a positive and seamless experience, whether buying or selling your home, is key to your success and ours. Despite this unprecedented year, the Real Estate business, deemed an essential service, continues to thrive. And since we strongly concur with the old adage ‘seeing is believing’, we’ve had to make some modifications to ensure that your experience is both pleasant and safe.
While in person open houses are currently prohibited, you CAN still sign on to a “virtual” open house or private showing with us through video chat or FaceTime. We are using these technologies almost exclusively to jumpstart your buying and/or selling journey. Super cool Matterport technology allows us to virtually show your home in 3D, bringing the ‘tour’ to life. These tools go even further, helping us to stay connected with you from beginning to end, including our initial meeting via Zoom, the organization of staging, negotiations and the completion of transactions through our easy and efficient e-signature software, and finally, connecting for that final celebratory ‘handshake’!
Buying?
Even through Covid-19, we are always out there looking for unique market opportunities for you. Finding just the right property in just the right neighbourhood is as crucial to us as it is to you. And while we know that the experience can be emotional, it is important that you visit a prospective new home in person. Since property showings ARE permitted, we’re continuing to make that happen. First, we confirm with the listing brokerage that our client showings are not double booked, which respects the social distancing parameters we take so seriously. Conflicts can arise however, and if so we take action! We’ve literally been in a situation where bookings were improperly timed, and instinctively, we drove away. If safety is in question, we will re-book.
Masks that cover the nose, mouth and chin are mandatory for us and our clients and, prior to arrival, a requisite health disclosure form must be completed to confirm that no one has had symptoms of Covid-19, nor been in the company of anyone with the virus.
Selling?
Getting your house sold for the best price possible is our job. Covid-19 has not changed that. What has changed is HOW we sell your home. Using the most up-to-date technology, including Matterport 3D virtual tours, we reduce everyone’s risk knowing that only truly interested buyers are coming to your home. We have also amped up our protection practices, including hand sanitization upon entry and signage with directions to avoid touching doorknobs/handles during the visit. Similar to our buying protocols, we make it a priority not to double book, limiting a home showing to one agent and two potential buyers, and ask that children not attend. We strongly encourage our sellers to continue best practices surrounding cleanliness and to leave the premises at the time of showing. Again, all parties involved must sign the health disclosure form prior to entry. By adhering to these measures, you’re not only reducing your own risk of illness, but ensuring the well-being of your family and surrounding community.
Communication with you, whether buying or selling, is paramount. We’re just a phone call, text or email away!