How buyers & sellers can stay proactive in a post Covid-19 World

Here's How Home Buyers and Sellers Can Stay Proactive & Position Themselves for a Post COVID-19 World

As you can probably imagine, the coronavirus’ effects on the spring housing market have dealt a bit of a blow to buyers and sellers across the board. The majority of top agents have seen buyers putting their search on hold as we continue to obey shelter-in-place orders, and 22 percent of top agents have seen sellers take their homes off the market altogether.

But by no means does that deem the real estate market as dead. It may be slower, but you can still sell your place and find the home of your dreams. Follow these selling tips during coronavirus to make the best of a bad situation, whether your house is on the market or you’re looking for one to buy.

First, Check to See if You Can Sell or Buy a Home Right Now

The first thing you’ll want to do before listing or looking is call a real estate agent. Rules about home sales vary state-by-state and city-by-city right now. In some, real estate transactions are completely off-limits. Luckily, evictions and foreclosures are generally frozen nationwide, so you may be able to stay in your current home without much consequence, if you need to.

Stay Proactive with Health Measures

For those home sales that are deemed able to move forward, you’ll want to continue to practice social distancing for any in-person showings. Agents note that people are still hesitant to buy a home sight-unseen, so you can bet on at least one viewing! During that showing, insist that buyers and agents drive separately. Sellers, try to be out of the house if you can. Limit how many people are able to be inside at once to less than 10.

Everyone should follow CDC guidelines and wear masks, gloves, and booties (or walk on disposable floor protectors). Leave every door open and every light on to minimize the need for anyone to touch anything. And afterwards, deep clean and sanitize the home and wash your hands.

Alter Your Showing and Viewing Style

Just like you social distance with your friends and family over the internet, do the same for homebuying. Stage your home yourself, take photos, and create a video walkthrough for the listing. You can even do 3D videos to give a better idea of the space. Some agents are willing to come out and take the photos and videos, if you’d rather not do it yourself.

You can also host or attend a virtual showing, where the seller or agent walks the buyer through the home over video chat, or set up a virtual open house over Facebook Live.

Prescreen Potential Homes or Buyers

Use your agent to your full advantage here. Work with them closely to screen out potential buyers or potential properties based on the local area. Get detailed about how close parks and schools are, and if you want to be that far away or that close. Talk about traffic patterns and typical commutes.

Do a preliminary showing where the buyer drives by the house to check out the home’s exterior and the neighborhood. Sometimes that can make the difference in whether a home is shown in-person or not.