Getting Ready to Show: Selling Your Home in a Pandemic

The pandemic has been a rollercoaster ride for those looking to buy or sell their homes. It can be unnerving to let strangers into your home for a traditional showing. Luckily, real estate agents and other housing professionals are coming up with creative ways to keep the market moving while still keeping everyone safe. Read on to learn about some pandemic-relevant tips that you can use to safely show your home.

Utilize Technology. From beginning to end, the home selling process involves a lot of moving pieces, professionals, and meetings. Instead of doing all this in person, opt for phone calls, emails, and even video chats for anything that isn’t completely necessary to discuss face to face.

Virtual Showings. To add to the previous point, consider how you can use technology to conduct virtual showings. Use professional-quality photos and videos for potential buyers to comb through, then schedule an electronic meeting with the more serious viewers. A savvy real estate agent can guide them through your home using a laptop or tablet, allowing buyers to ask questions and explore the space in real-time from the comfort – and safety – of their own couch.

Sanitize Well. In cases where a traditional showing is more appropriate, there are some steps you can take to minimize risk. For starters, sanitize your home before and after every showing. Take special care around high touch areas like doorknobs, countertops, and light switches.

Encourage Hand Washing. Take a cue from all the local shops out there and put out some signage and handwashing stations. This could be as simple as a printout next to your kitchen sink gently reminding visitors to wash their hands with the provided soap.

Offer Showing Kits. If that isn’t enough to quell your concerns, consider offering showing kits to potential buyers who enter your home. These could include gloves, masks, sanitizer, and even shoe covers for visitors. This is a great idea for homeowners who are high risk and need to take extra precautions.

Expect the Unexpected. Selling your home is never a sure thing. It is a process full of learning curves and speed bumps. During a pandemic, there is even more room for delays. More than anything, prepare yourself emotionally that this may take longer than expected. Social distancing, travel delays, or self-isolation requirements can all crop up unexpectedly.

Selling your home in the time of COVID-19 is not impossible. In fact, many home sellers and buyers are actively engaging in the market. If you’re getting ready to put your house up for sale, but aren’t sure what kind of changes you’ll need to adjust for, we are here for you. Contact our team for more information.