For every one of us in Illinois, at 5PM on March 14, 2020, we experienced something that will most likely change our lives forever. The executive order to stay at home affected us in many ways including how Realtors were to list and show homes and consequently many changes had to be made. Fortunately, selling real estate has been considered an essential business and I am pleased to say that my business continues to flourish.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Whether you are buying or selling a home, safety has to be the first priority. Even as our state begins to open, many precautions will continue to secure the safety of our clients and us as Realtors.
SHOWING HOMES TO BUYERS
The Leavenworth Team will not show homes to a buyer unless they are willing to follow the safety precautions that we have put in place. Every client will wear face masks, and we provide shoe covers and hand sanitizer for everyone. Some Realtors are using gloves, but the CDC does not recommend it unless you put on a new pair between every home, as we would potentially be carrying contamination from property to property. We only show homes to the decision makers.
It was very difficult for me to tell a family who purchased a home in April that their 11-year-old daughter could not visit the homes in person that her mom and dad were considering and would not see until moving day. Using Facetime, we were able to engage her as we walked through the home virtually, but we do not show homes to minors. While in the car, we have our clients either drive separately, or sit in the backseat wearing masks while we sit in the front seat by ourselves and we still communicate perfectly well.
HOMES LISTED FOR SALE
The Leavenworth Team will not offer a home for sale unless the property owners are willing to follow the safety precautions as well. First and foremost, the sellers vacate the home during showings and turn the lights on and open all interior doors in advance so the buyers do not have to touch anything in order to see the home. We also provide disposable shoe covers and hand sanitizer for the visiting Realtor and their buyers. There are no open houses being held at this time and we only allow one showing at a time to limit the number of people in the home to just four. Most home inspection companies are placing a limit of attendees as well.
ADVICE: Don’t hesitate buy or sell a home during this crisis, just be smart and safe. Be sure that the Realtor® with whom you are working is doing the same by providing you and others involved with the appropriate personal protection equipment. Last but not least, enjoy yourself. Be safe and don’t let this nasty COVID-19 damper your joy of buying your dream home.
