I wanted to take a minute to talk about buying a home during this COVID Pandemic. In Massachusetts, real estate is considered an essential business and transactions are still happening. There are still buyers and sellers out there but how we go about the process has changed a little bit.
If you are in the market to buy a home here are some things you need to know about the showings of houses. Seller and Buyer agents are trying to limit the number of unnecessary showings happening to keep buyers, sellers, and agents safe.
#1 Before you do anything else, get PREAPPROVED. If you are already preapproved make sure that you have an updated preapproval. Many people’s jobs and incomes have changed over the last several weeks and banks have tightened up on credit scores so make sure your approval is current.
#2 Watch the Virtual Tour. Listing agents have been posting virtual tours to eliminate unnecessary viewings of the property. There are many properties that can be ruled off your list just by watching the tour.
#3 Check out the Google Map street view of the home. I cannot tell you how many times a quick Google Map search of the home takes the house right off someone’s search list. Some people do not want to live on a road with a double yellow line or next to power lines. Google Maps allows you to see a lot of this stuff.
#4 Take a drive by the house. You might not like the location or the area or how far away it is from highways or the town center.
This should be obvious but, if you have been sick or you have been in contact with someone who has, do not make an appointment.
These are all great guidelines to follow even when we are not in the middle of a pandemic.
If you still want to make an appointment to see the house, then here is what to expect.
- Mask & Gloves must be worn by anyone entering the property.
- Only bring the buyers of the house. No parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts. We are trying to limit the amount of people entering properties. Do not forget most houses are have people living there so we need to be mindful of what we are bringing into their home.
- Kids should not be coming into any houses. I have two kids and I know that the more I tell them not to touch something the more they do, without even realizing it. If you don’t have the ability to have someone watch them or they are not old enough to stay home alone then I ask that they come, stay in the car and I will tour each parent separately so one can stay in the car with the kids, kind of like Kid Swap on a Disney Ride.
- Once inside the home do not touch doors, lights, closets, counters, faucets or any other surface except for stair railings if needed. Definitely not the time to be using someones bathroom. I have been bringing Clorox Wipes with me and wiping down any surface that I need to touch.
If you decide you want to make an offer on the property all paperwork can be done electronically.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. Please reach out with any questions. Stay Healthy & Safe!.
