What’s happening differently in Real Estate during the pandemic?
It’s been almost a year since the pandemic turned our worlds upside-down, and the world of real estate is no exception. I’m more aware today of exactly how many people it takes to work together toward the goal in a real estate transaction, and have been so encouraged by the professionals continuing to show up, pivot if needed, and get it all done day after day—no matter the challenges. I definitely count myself as fortunate to have been able to work throughout last year, but there are many changes that needed to happen in order to make my job and my client’s dreams possible!
It probably sounds obvious by now, but masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing are the most visible changes. Going into homes for showings is still possible, thankfully, just different. Masks and social distancing have become an easy practice. Realtors want to be respectful of our sellers by ensuring that all parties are masked when we enter the home. We’re also asking as few people as possible to attend showing appointments in order to stay under local city group gathering guidelines.
Honestly, with so many people shopping online prior to showing appointments, excess attendees haven’t really been an issue for me. By the time people are ready to open the door and tour a home, they have already made themselves familiar with the house online and through the agent, so they’re often already close to making an offer and don’t tend to bring extended family members or friends who won’t be living in the home. This actually seems to be helpful for decision-making by avoiding “too many cooks in the kitchen!”
Disinfectant wipes have become indispensable for cleaning door handles, cabinet knobs, light switches, countertops, and other high-touch surfaces after a day of showings.
Video walkthroughs are more important than ever. While pictures tell us a lot about a home, a video walkthrough provides even more details on the space, layout, and other elements without having to set foot on the property. My photographer can even fly a drone inside the home and exit the back door to get the feel of a real walkthrough of the house right onto the back patio or deck.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Realtors are doing even MORE due diligence on behalf of their clients. The pandemic has added a few extra tasks to our plates. I don’t see these tasks negatively as I’m still able to serve my clients, but they do make a difference in day-to-day operations. If that means prescreening ALL showings to ensure everyone is following guidelines for my sellers, or scouring Amazon for disinfectant wipes, I’m going to do it! I also think it’s important to ensure all inspection companies and/or people entering a property have a COVID protocol in place, and I personally like to check to be sure it’s actually being implemented.
Confession: closing day is my FAVORITE. Anyone who knows me knows I love a celebration. Sadly, these are the days that have changed the most. Remote closings are becoming a more readily chosen option—they may not be as fun, but they’re certainly functional and safe! Title companies are flexing and finding ways to close transactions that work for everyone. I’ve been a part of completely online closings, where the client logs into a secure portal and signs everything with a virtual online notary. I’ve seen mobile closings where the notary comes to you in person, wherever you would like—coffee shop, your home, outdoors, wherever! I’ve also recently attended an in-person closing with plexiglass and masks, but even with those changes to a more typical closing day, my little Realtor heart was so happy.
I suspect some of the changes we’ve adapted to will stick around long after the pandemic itself. I know photographers will increasingly be asked about video and virtual tours, and some folks may continue to request completely remote closings. Maybe people will also be more careful about illnesses in general when deciding to go into someone else’s home for a showing. Those are all good things! I’m so hopeful we’ll focus on the good and not merely the inconveniences.