Real estate was recently established as an essential industry during the current COVID-19 crisis allowing realtors to reinstate home tours. This has been a pivotal decision impacting realtors, potential buyers and sellers as well as the national real estate market. However, it is still important to practice safe social distancing and precautionary measures when touring a home is necessary. We’ve gathered a few precautions for both sellers and buyers to take during the home touring process.
For Buyers
Virtual tours and photographs can only portray so much, and at a certain point, touring becomes a necessary part of purchasing a home. In order to ensure your safety as well as that of the homeowner and your realtor, we recommend taking the below precautions when touring a home.
- Narrow down your list of potential homes before you begin touring to limit the number of tours
- Only tour during private showings and avoid open houses
- Bring hand sanitizer to use before you enter the home and after touching anything
- Wear a mask if possible
- Avoid touching anything in the home if possible. This includes door handles, light switches, faucets, etc.
- Do not shake hands with your realtor or anyone else at the property
- Sanitize your hands after leaving the home
For Sellers
We understand that during these times of uncertainty it is a challenging decision to allow potential buyers to tour your home. Though much of the selling process can be done virtually, including inspection and closing, most buyers will not purchase a home sight unseen. When touring becomes necessary, we recommend taking the below precautions.
- Before opening your home, take time to speak with your realtor about the precautions they are taking to keep you and the buyers safe.
- Only allow private showings, do not arrange open houses
- If possible, before leaving your home turn on all lights and leave all interior doors open to limit the number of items your realtor or the buyers will need to touch
- Place hand sanitizer on the counter to encourage guests to use throughout the tour
- Do not provide food or drinks for guests
- Diligently sanitize your home before and after each showing. This includes any and all items that a potential buyer may have touched such as light switches, door handles, faucets, seating in common areas, etc.
Call our team of experts today for more information on the ways Roxan Coffman Properties is keeping our clients safe during these challenging times.