Solutions for Buyers and Sellers with COVID-19 Concerns

We all have Coronavirus concerns in this unfortunate and uncertain time. All industries are adapting and it can change by the hour. As of 5pm on March 24th 2020, Mayor Michael Hancock ordered an explicit stay-at-home directive for the City of Denver. Real Estate is on the list as an “essential professional service,” so the Real Estate Industry is open for business. Be assured we are all taking necessary precautions for everyone’s safety.

Some ideas and solutions to help buyers, sellers and others involved in the transaction. Ultimately keeping people safe from unnecessary exposure is the protocol.

Buying a Home -

Buyers and buyers agents need to spend more time doing research during the buyer consultation discussing neighborhoods, wish list, deal-breakers, buying power, budget etc.. Doing the research up front saves everyone time and helps both parties involved reduce the need to drive and walk through multiple homes. As buyers agents, we can:

  • Do virtual consultations

  • Preview the property for the buyer

  • Record or do live virtual house tours with the buyer

  • Have deep discussions with the listing agents about the pros and cons of the property to determine whether or not that property is something that the buyer should see

  • Request showings to be private and to not be disrupted or overlap with other buyers.

  • Electronic document signing

Selling a Home -

You want to sell your home quickly, but you don’t want swarms of people in your home. You only want the serious buyers over for a viewing. It is likely best to hold off on those open houses. In these unfortunate times, it is important we adapt and also maintain social distancing. As listing agents, we can:

  • Create detailed virtual tours.

  • Ask the buyer or the buyer's agent to really think clearly about the pros and cons, the deal-breakers and everything about the property in advance before going physically. 

  • Tell every buyer and buyers agent that the sellers have strong concerns about the CoronaVirus so please use your best judgement. If anyone is ill, they cannot come to your home.

  • Coordinate private showings where we are present.

  • Don’t allow showings to overlap with different buyers

  • Provide supplies for buyer and buyers agent to wash or sanitize their hands.

  • Recommend that instead of sending the whole family, maybe just send their Realtor or one family member for the first showing.

  • Electronic document signing 

Of course we hope all of these suggestions are very temporary precautions. Stay safe everyone! We will get through this together!

Jeannette Ivy