Selling a home during Covid may bring about some questions. Is it even a good idea? Are people still interested in buying homes during the pandemic? Luckily, I’ve been through it and I’ve got some tips for selling your home during a pandemic.
You can still sell your home during this time, providing the estate agency market is open. Houses for sale are still selling, regardless of the pandemic. Not only are they selling, but they are selling quickly. Ours flew out the door! If selling during a recession is cause for hesitation, take some time to review your financial situation as well as the market you are trying to sell in.
Keep in mind that there are other homeowners just like you who are wondering if selling their home now is a good idea. Because of this, there is a chance you may see a decrease in competition as people are unsure about selling. As far as it is safe to sell, there may be some modifications that need to be implemented in order to keep the health and safety of your family.
Skip The Open Houses
Before the pandemic, this was a great way for you to get the word out about your listing. During these times, an open house may not be the best idea. You may not be able to hold open houses because it goes against COVID-19 precautions. There is a high chance of people gathering in large numbers in close quarters. Instead of offering a traditional open house, maybe consider doing a virtual open house.
Hire a great photographer that can take professional quality photos of your home. Homebuyers will be able to click through the pics as if they are physically walking through the hallways and bedrooms. Another option is to schedule a video chat using Zoom or Facetime. You will be able to show your home using technology in real-time.
Use Showing Kits
We understand that having a potential buyer walk through your home is inevitable, especially since the chances of them purchasing your home without a walkthrough is slim. For that reason, it may be a good idea to create showing kits that you can give out to your potential buyers before they enter your home for a showing. The purpose of the showing kit is to decrease the risk of being exposed to the virus. The kit could include things like hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, disposable facemasks and shoe bootie covers just to name a few items. Do not worry about inconveniencing anyone because your health and safety matters.
Encourage Hand Washing
As this is the most effective way to defend yourself against the virus, you should encourage hand washing any chance you get. Put signs everywhere there is a sink, reminding people to wash their hands. This could be above or by the kitchen sink, in the laundry room and in the bathroom. Provide plenty of antibacterial hand soap and paper towels. You want to make handwashing easily accessible to everyone. You should remind people that are paying your house a visit as many times as it makes you comfortable.
Disinfect, Disinfect, Disinfect
Even with your showing kits and your constant reminders to wash their hands, you may still have to take the extra step of disinfecting before and after your showing. You never know what lengths the person went through to make sure they are not spreading the virus into your home. You have to take those matters into your own hands, making sure to disinfect those areas that are frequented the most. Those areas are typically doorknobs, drawer pulls, countertops, light switches and faucets. Wipe those areas clean before and after every showing.
Get Yourself Out Of The Way
If you are worried about contracting the disease and you are totally uncomfortable with having people over your home, consider moving out completely while you are still showing your home to potential home buyers. In between the time you sell your place and move into your new place, rent a home nearby. This is a great way to significantly reduce your in-person contact. Your real estate agent should be able to help you find a good place to rent, preferably on a month-to-month basis. That way whenever your home sells, you will not be contractually stuck to the rental property.
E-Offers Are Still Offers
Typically when a home buyer puts out an offer, they present it to the seller’s agent. Your agent will then share the offer with you, and you all may go over it together. Because of COVID precautions, this step may not be possible. There are ways around this. Your agent can email you the offer and you all can set up a time that is convenient for both parties to go over the offer together. If it looks like an offer you can and would like to accept, ask your agent to mail you the original contract as you are not able to e-sign the contract. Once you have signed it, you can send it back to your agent.
Be Patient
Life is unpredictable, especially now. Be patient and expect delays. Things may come up that could push back your closing date. Those things may be caused by travel restrictions, social distancing guidelines and other situations that are beyond your control. Maintain your patience. Be flexible and understanding. Keep in mind that other things may be harder to schedule like appraisals and home inspections. Worst case scenario your buyer may become sick, which could prolong the transaction.
Let Your Potential Buyer Do It Alone
It may not be a good idea to do the home inspection with your potential buyer even though this may not have been a big deal if things were normal. You want to avoid any close physical contact as much as possible during this process. If there is anything you want to communicate with your inspector, leave them a note.
