How do I sell my house Virtually?

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.

Contact me today to discuss.

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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:



Virtual Real Estate Services

Home, more than ever before, is our safe haven. Helping people find this comfort has always been a driving force in my passion for residential real estate. Spring is historically a time for many to make a move. It is a season I meet new people, tour many houses, and celebrate with my clients as they embark on new adventures… but this year is a bit different.

Have you been wondering how real estate has been impacted by the pandemic?

Although real estate business has not completely stopped, many people who have been considering a move this spring have decided to delay their plans due to the historic pandemic and social distancing orders.

I fully support those who are able to wait! If you don’t HAVE to buy or sell right now, it’s not a bad idea to pause until the authorities give us direction that it is safe to get back to business.

Personally, I have significantly reduced my ‘in person’ business activities in an effort to keep myself and my family safe. The good news is that we can still work together remotely with all the amazing Compass Real Estate tools to prepare for when the industry fully opens back up.

I recognize that there are those who are not in a position where they can wait. Job relocations and lease terminations have been the number one reasons that clients have reached out needing immediate housing services.

For those individuals who must sell or purchase a home, we are ready and able to serve them using virtual tools. Here is an overview of some of the services we have available.

Send me a message to learn more or to schedule a time to talk!

Home Buyers

For those who NEED to find a new home now, or even those who want to start the process now to be prepared for when the restrictions are lifted:

  1. Phone conference - step one is to schedule a phone call with Emily. We will review your wants, needs, and steps to get started.

  2. Mortgage Pre Approval - This is a critical step in the home buying process and can be done completely remote. Emily can direct you to some lenders who are set up to help you with online tools and applications.

  3. Compass Collections - Emily will use the Compass search system to set up a collection of homes for you to explore digitally. You can share thoughts and comments with Emily directly through your collection.

  4. Virtual Tours - Many listing agents are providing virtual tours in addition to the property photos as another way for home buyers to explore homes safely.

  5. E-Signatures - Contracts, Addendums, and Disclosures can all be reviewed and signed electronically

Note that there are differences from state to state on what services are allowed. This changes frequently, so make sure to check in with me if you want to know how PA and NJ are functioning.

Remote services that are available from lenders and title companies also vary.

I am happy to recommend companies that are set up to best serve you.

Home Sellers

I am more grateful than ever before for the amazing technology available to me. For those of you who read my blog posts regularly, you know I have always pushed the importance of having a strong digital marketing plan.

Most buyers begin their search online! This isn’t a new concept. In recent years, buyers have been touring homes on their phones, laptops, and tablets before they decide to schedule a tour in person. Most have already made a decision on how they feel about a property before ever walking through the door.

The tools are already in place! Nothing new! But we are now elevating these virtual options knowing that buyers may need to make offers without touring properties in person.

IF YOU NEED TO SELL YOUR HOME NOW, HERE IS A SNAPSHOT AS TO HOW I CAN PROFESSIONALLY LIST YOUR PROPERTY USING VIRTUAL TOOLS.

  1. Phone/Facetime listing consultation - I would schedule a virtual walk through of your home in place of an in-person listing walk through. Facetime would be ideal, but the other option would be for you to snap photos for me and we can discuss room by room on the phone.

  2. Comparative Market Analysis - As I always do with all listings, I will provide a professional comparative market analysis to determine the current value of your property. We will use this analysis to discuss how to properly price your house.

  3. Prepare to Sell - This is the same as always! After our virtual walk through, I will send you a list of items I feel would help your home show its best and attract buyers. You will work on preparing the home based on these recommendations. Check out my blog post on Preparing Your Home For Sale.

  4. Professional Photography - We will ask that you take a walk or go for a drive during the photoshoot to maintain social distancing. Professional Photography is the most important step! I will use the professional photos for both the Bright MLS listing as well as to put together a strong digital marketing campaign.

  5. Digital Marketing - Our Compass Marketing department has built some amazing templates to prepare professional digital brochures and social media ads for all Compass listings. We have the ability to host Virtual Open Houses, Create Virtual Property Tours, as well as Virtual Neighborhood Tours. We are also able to market the property within the large network of Compass agents using our Compass workspace. All of these options help showcase your property for buyers who are making decisions online.

  6. Compass Coming Soon - This is an amazing option to take advantage of at this time. Compass has a large network in the Philadelphia and South NJ region. We can market the property to that network of agents without accumulating days on market in the MLS. Contact me to discuss in more detail!

  7. E-Signatures - Contracts, Addendums, and Disclosures can all be reviewed and signed electronically

I want to be clear… I currently stay home for my health, the health of my family, and to help stop the spread of the virus in my community.

Business is definitely not operating in its usual ways, but I am still available and working with the tools I have!

I find that my clients are relying on my expertise more than ever. The way real estate business is being done is shifting daily and it is my job to stay up to date.

I have clients already under contract that I need to guide to settlement. I have clients who need help preparing for a sale or purchase in the coming months. And then there are those who are not in a position to wait it out and need the Compass technology to buy or sell now.

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. Know that I am still here to help!

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Philadelphia or South New Jersey, contact me today!