Covid 19: Tips to Staying Safe While Selling Homes 

Protocols, quarantines, vaccinations, travel insurance, and more are words the real estate world has never thought would be a part of the standard sales procedure. Well, no one ever thought these words would become a part of our daily vocabulary when selling homes. And with the resurgence of the virus in 2021, realtors and home sellers should not yet let their guards down. 

The good news is, there is still demand for homes, house prices are high, and mortgage rates are low. It really is an ideal time to sell homes. That said, selling a property can be safe when the correct precautions are taken to ensure the safety of all who enter the house and realty offices. 

Take these steps to ensure the health and wellness of all who enter the houses in these COVID-19 days and in the future. 

1. Preliminary virtual visits are a great way to get first impressions and so back to view individual rooms for consideration. Utilize video, Facetime, Zoom, and Skype to show homes. 
2. Spend the extra time and money on good video walk-throughs of the houses for sale. Post these videos on the real estate sights and more in-depth videos on places like YouTube and Facebook. 
3. Weed out the looky-loos and only allow actual showings after the virtual tour and serious buyers with preapproval. 
4. As the realtor, wear gloves and open cabinets and closet doors for your clients. 
5. Open Houses may be on hold for a while. But that is okay. You can market the home’s virtual “ open house” and create a bit of frenzy for the property with online and time-restricted open houses with bid submissions at the end. 
6. Complete forms and signatures digitally. That is easy these days with all the ways to communicate and verify documents. 
7. Closings can be remote as well if needed. 
8. Requesting minimal-contact inspections and appraisals is a relatively new and welcomed way to get through inspection. Suppose the lender and the area approve these options. In that case, many appraisal offices are happy to take on the drive-by and photo inspections. 

Maintain a Safety-First Attitude When Selling Homes 

Ensuring safe procedures for sellers and buyers is a positive way to gain the trust of both sides of the game. Of course, as a realtor, you will want to arrive a few minutes early and spray the doorknobs and the like with sanitizations spray. Bringing gloves and masks for those who will is an excellent show of preparedness. Here are a few more ideas to keep you, the buyers, and the sellers safe when selling homes. 

• Open all doors in the house to keep air circulating and prevent folks from touching all the doorknobs. 
• Likewise, turn on all lights so no one must touch the switches. 
• Require hand sanitizer for all who enter and exit the home. 
• Consider requiring masks for those viewing the home in person. 
• Limit the number and days for viewing the house to limit foot traffic and keep with social distancing. 

• Add thoughtful and respectful “ Do Not Touch” notes on all surfaces, including countertops, furniture, and bedding. 

When Selling Homes in the Caribbean 

Selling homes in the Caribbean can be a challenge all its own. Yes, the islands can be close and seem like one place. But, as you know, they each have their own governing bodies and, thus, varying protocols. It is best to know the COVID-19 regulations for each island for your client. That way, when you are making your way from island to island, there are no questions about the local rules and risks. 

Additionally, knowing the general market you are showing will help you determine the number of precautions you should take. Many people have taken a big hit financially this past year. So, whether you are selling a tiny bungalow or a large estate, the need of the people looking at the home will vary. 

As with every industry, many people are under much tension and are just ready to get back to normal. At Kayifi, we feel real estate can continue thriving when we are all practicing safety and respect. 

CITED: embracehomeloans.com