Selling a home is one of the most stressful tasks anyone can face in their lifetime. Doing during the coronavirus pandemic, and while parenting? It might sound impossible, but thanks to technology, selling a home has become easier since you no longer must host crowded open house events to pique the interests of buyers.
Although it is true that we are in turbulent economic times, housing prices in many areas are still relatively stable due to the fact fewer people are listing their homes. This also works in your favor because you will likely face less competition.
Many real estate experts also have said that the current housing market is well suited to withstand a recession compared to the market in 2008 because lenders have since tightened their lending standards.
Those things in mind, below is the essential information that will help you navigate the home selling process.
The rise of virtual showings
Now that most people are looking to minimize social interaction with strangers, sellers are virtually showing their home to buyers. These events are relatively straightforward. The seller's real estate agent often uses web conferencing software such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Facebook Live to broadcast a live walkthrough of the home.
During the virtual open house, prospective buyers can ask questions and even have the agent home in on, or revisit specific areas of the property.
In many cases when a seller's real estate agent prepares for a virtual open house, they will also create a comprehensive digital profile of the property. In addition to showing photos, the listings also contain detailed information to address common questions that buyers have.
Virtual open houses are invaluable for sellers because they help to ensure in-person showings are reserved for serious buyers.
Staying safe and healthy
When you are planning to welcome buyers into your home, there are a few selling safety tips to consider during this pandemic. The first is that you implement rigorous cleaning and disinfecting measures before and after buyers arrive.
This means disinfecting commonly touched surfaces throughout your home such as doorbells, door handles, handrails, light switches, and toilet seat covers. You should check the CDC website for a list of recommended products, and information on how to DIY your own disinfectant cleaners.
You should also properly stock hand washing stations throughout your home. Ensure that all liquid hand soap dispensers are filled with soap. Since COVID-19 is a virus, you do not need to go out of your way to purchase antibacterial soap. Most regular hand soaps should be sufficient.
If you have access to hand sanitizer, you can also place dispensers in areas of your home that are not near running water. For example, at your front and back doors. Providing hand lotion also is a nice touch alongside soap or hand sanitizer dispensers since frequent hand washing causes dryness.
Other safety measures you should take include requiring all open house attendees to wear face masks, and for everyone to maintain at least six feet of distance apart from each other. You also can work with your real estate agent to draft a COVID-19 acknowledgement form.
It is a document for buyers to declare if they do not have COVID-19 symptoms or have recently been in contact with the virus. If you use this, it must be provided to all buyers to comply with fair housing laws.
