You likely have seen many Realtors promoting Virtual Real Estate Services. If you were planning a home sale in 2020, you may be curious about exactly how you would sell your home virtually.
Like most industry’s, Real estate brokerages have adapted their business in order to continue to serve their clients amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
GOOD NEWS… If you were planning to sell in 2020, there are still plenty of qualified buyers anxious to take advantage of the low mortgage interest rates.
Selling during a pandemic presents some obvious concerns. The number one concern is having buyers tour homes when we are being asked to social distance. Because of this, we have stepped up our technology and implemented new safety protocols.
If you are a seller considering listing your property at this time, here is a brief overview of how this will work:
The initial agent consultation is something we would do via a phone call/video conference call. In this meeting we will discuss your property, your goals, and the virtual listing process.
Prepare your home for sale - This is still one of the most important steps in selling your home. We will discuss which projects you should address prior to listing. If you need financial assistance with completing the projects, we will discuss the option of utilizing the Compass Concierge program, which is available to clients of Compass Real Estate.
Photography/Videography/3D Tours - Professional photography has always been the strongest marketing tool a seller has. For years, homebuyers have started their home search online. Properties with professional photos have always brought stronger interest.
Photography is more important than ever. I would argue that it is essential if you are going to list your home in 2020. We need to allow the homebuyer to experience the home online.
Home Tours - We will no longer allow just any buyer to physically tour a home. If they are a qualified, serious buyer who has already explored the neighborhood and virtual tours available, we can extend an in person showing.
All in person showing will be limited to adults only. All parties touring the home must wear masks. Agents will be asked to wipe down the lockbox and doorknobs after they leave. Prospective buyers and agents must sign a COVID-19 Form that confirms they do not have, nor have been in contact with anyone with the virus.
Open Houses - We are not able to host traditional open houses. We can host virtual open houses and virtual neighborhood tours. This is a technique we use to help engage buyers and allow them to ask questions about the property.
Compass Network - As a Compass Agent, we have an extensive network and an active agent communication platform that allows us to share and market our listings with our colleagues. This is an incredible opportunity to reach strong agents who are working with qualified buyers.
Inspections - Most inspections are being conducted with limited parties present. Agents are not attending in person and it is asked that no more than 3 people are at the property. Home inspectors are following safety protocols to ensure the safety of all parties.
Settlement Procedures - Closings look a little different as well! Most documents are able to be signed using electronic signatures. For those documents that still require a wet signature, title companies have new procedures in place. Signing is staggered so that buyers and sellers sign at separate times. Only those parties whose signatures are required are to be present. If signing occurs in a conference room, the space is being disinfected before and after. Some title companies are even conducting ‘drive through’ signings!
If you have a home you are looking to sell in Philadelphia, Collingswood, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Oaklyn, Haddon Heights, Barrington, or a surrounding community, complete the form below: