We are all dealing with the Coronavirus and it has changed how we normally do a lot of things. Grocery shopping, eating at a restaurant, going to the gym…Even buying a house has changed. If you have to move in the next 30, 60, or 90 days because of a job transfer, your family is growing and you need more space, or you recently retired and you are ready to downsize; here are my tips to help you safely find your next home while we are trying to avoid germs and dealing with the coronavirus.
Virtual Showings. Find a real estate agent that is familiar with technology and can help you see a property without leaving your home. I have been helping buyers who live out of the area look at homes for years through video. We will either schedule a video call, do a private Facebook live, or I will do a detailed video walkthrough of the property showing you the home as if you were with me. This video will be uploaded to YouTube as a private unlisted video for you to watch at your convenience, wherever you like and as often as you like. This high definition video combined with photos will help you find the right home virtually where we can then schedule a private showing once you see a home you love. I have had customers submit an offer from just the video tour and then arrange to see the home during the inspection period.
Avoid open houses. Instead of putting yourself in a situation where there are several people looking at the home with you, interview and hire an agent to set up private viewings for you. Working with me as your buyer’s agent will not cost you any money because I am paid by the seller when the home sells (it is part of our MLS agreement as a Realtor).
Don’t touch things in the home. As your buyer’s agent, I will walk through the home, wipe down the light switches and doorknobs with sanitizing wipes. I will also open bedroom & closet doors, along with cabinet doors to reduce the chance of you touching anything. I will also have latex gloves and hand sanitizers to use for each home we do see.
Right now, there are fewer buyers looking. For the last few years, we have had a very active market which meant the home you put an offer in on would more than likely have competing offers. Since there are fewer buyers right now, the chance of having multiple offers has diminished.
We need to have a plan. If you are ready to start looking for your next home, it is important to schedule either a zoom call or phone call with your Realtor to discuss the next steps. What areas are you looking for, the time frame you will be moving, and what the competition is like in the area you want to move. Then we get to work on finding the home and negotiating terms that will make sense for you. We just need to work a little smarter to make certain you stay safe and minimize your exposure to the germs while finding you your next home.
Some other precautions I recommend while house hunting during the coronavirus pandemic:
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Ask your Realtor how they are feeling before you meet to see a home.
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Ask your Realtor to see how the homeowner/occupant is feeling before you see a home.
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Tell your Realtor how you are feeling before meeting to see a home.
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Drive in your own car/vehicle to see the property.
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Have hand sanitizer in your car to use before and after looking at a home.
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Wash your hands in the home prior to leaving the property.
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Keep your hands in your pockets while inside an occupied home.
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Ask your Realtor to open any cabinets or closets you want to see.
Besides making certain you find the right home, it is important to minimize your exposure to the coronavirus. I have been helping people move into Cocoa Beach Florida and the Space Coast for years through video and can help you with your move too. I would love to hear from you. Call or text Eric Larkin with RE/MAX Aerospace 321.795.1854, comment on this post, or send an email to Eric@EricLarkin.com
About the author:
Eric Larkin is a Broker Associate with REMAX Aerospace. He lives, works, and plays in the Cocoa Beach area. Eric has been helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs since becoming a real estate agent in 2003. His focus is always on helping, answering your questions, and doing everything possible to make certain you have a smooth transaction from beginning to end.
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