Precautions Taken When Showing Homes During COVID-19

It's an extraordinary time we're living in faced with the virus pandemic and stay-at-home order from our governing bodies.  People may be in transition, relocating to be near family, needing to down-size for financial reason or facing other circumstances requiring them to either sell or purchase a home at this time. For some, real estate activity is still taking place.

I gather a supply of items when heading out to show my Buyers any home that is currently on the market for sale - booties and latex gloves for all, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.  Ensuring that we have permission from the seller to show their home, my clients and I follow pretty strict protocols to ensure everyone's safety during the home search and purchase processes.

Showing instructions include:  

• Having Buyers drive by the property before arranging a showing to ensure they are comfortable with the location, neighborhood and exterior of the home.
• Only having the buying parties present at the time of showing (no friends or non-decision-making family members, and it is best to leave young children at home.)
• Riding separately to the showing.
• Upon arrival, maintaining six feet of separation.
• Sanitizing our hands upon entering the home and when we leave the home.
• Sorry, no bathroom breaks
• Wearing booties and taking them with you after the showing.
• Avoiding touching anything in the home including door handles, countertops, light switches, and blinds. The seller has been instructed to keep lights on and doors open for your viewing ease.
• If surfaces are touched, disinfecting the area or informing me of what was touched.
• One party through the home at a time. If there is someone showing the property when you arrive, please wait in the driveway of near the curb.

Generally, home inspectors, appraisers and contractors are open to having the respective client (buyer, homeowner, agent) present while they are at the home being purchased.  At this time, however, many of our service providers are requesting no one be present while they are conducting their business on the property.  This is quite different than what we are used to and require patience, understanding and cooperation from all parties.  

If you, or someone you know, are in need of making a transition at this time, let's talk about how best to go about meeting your real estate need while taking steps to keep everyone safe and healthy.