How To Safely Tour A House for Sale

Added precautions help protect you - and those around you - as you search for the perfect home.

After a tumultuous spring changed the course of many homebuyers' plans, the summer selling season is in full swing with in-person showings and, in some places, live open houses. Erring on the side of caution is key when touring houses for sale during the COVID-19 pandemic - for your safety and that of the homeowners.

To start a safe search, hop online before heading out the door. Right now is the perfect time to use virtual home search tools to narrow down the properties you're most serious about. After doing so, here's how to stay safe - and what to expect - while touring a house you may end up calling home.

Come Prepared

Many homes listed by Portland metro Realtors will provide booties, hand sanitizer and possibly gloves for you to use while touring the home. This will allow you to open closets, cupboards and doors while exploring what features and storage space the home has to offer.  However, there may be a time when those items are not available in a home, so it may be best to bring your own wipes/hand sanitizer/gloves to use both before and after touching any surfaces.  In all cases, it is best to bring your own mask to wear while touring the home.

Abide by Safety Measures

Drive to the property yourself rather than in the Realtor's car. This will reduce the amount of time spent together in confined spaces. And keep a safe, six-foot distance between yourself and anyone else in the home. 

At most homes, the showing appointment times are being scheduled so there is only one buyer at at time viewing the home.  There may be times when you will need to wait outside due to local orders, or seller requests, to limit the number of people inside the home at one time. Abiding by the requests makes for a swift, hassle-free process and helps keep everyone safe.

During this time of uncertainty, all Sellers will request that you not enter the home if you have felt ill during the last 2 weeks or been in the presence of someone who is exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

Respect the Agent's Wishes

The listing agent is responsible for communicating the wishes of the seller - especially under unusual circumstances like COVID-19.  Remember, you are entering a home - someone's safe space - during unsettling times. 

Unusual times call for unusual rules. Your agent may have special instructions, like asking you to drive by the property first before arranging for a home showing, or having you ask for assistance before touching doorknobs or pulling open cabinets or drawers. If you seem to be feeling under the weather, stay home and contact your agent to set a different time, access a virtual tour, or use a platform like Zoom or FaceTime to tour you through the home.

In my experience, since the beginning of this pandemic, both buyers and sellers are being very conscientious about safety and respecting each others needs under these unusual circumstances.

Adapted from Leah Curtis, RE/MAX LLC Blog 7/28/2020