As we move through the stages of this pandemic, I hope everyone is staying well, safe and sound. The world is continuing to adjust and I hope you are too. I find myself working in the mornings, as usual, on the computer, and spending more time in the evening on fitness. With the days getting longer, I enjoy walking and seeing the spring flowers. From gardens to potted plants, there is something beautiful to see on every block.
In real estate we are all adjusting. I’ve started seeing more homes on buyer searches, yet our statistics show it’s still a seller’s market. During our virtual office meeting last week, we heard that buyers were socially distanced around the corner to see a particular listing.
I am working hard to keep my clients safe, and I’ll detail this below:
Aside from providing PPE if my clients don’t have it, I am following the rules set-out by Governor Inslee, and have only been allowing two people in a listing at a time, with social distancing. I recommend that buyers are prequalified by their lender or one of my recommended lenders so we have a pre-qualification letter and and ready to pounce (unless they are paying cash, of course).
I’ve also given virtual walk-throughs on Facetime, and have installed various other video applications on my phone.
At a recent listing appointment, the seller opened all the doors and windows for the walkthrough, and so I was able to move around the home, take pictures and notes without touching anything. I later sent a to-do list which she is working through. This includes increasing curb appeal, painting the living room a neutral color and fixing a few odd-and-end maintenance items.
Open houses are still virtual, and our marketing department is doing a wonderful job creating them for us in conjunction with virtual landing pages, as seen here. They have given the listing a dedicated web page using it’s address, and added other features. I can either be in the listing for a live walkthrough, or use other tools such as Powerpoint from my home office.
Photographers, inspectors and appraisers are also taking sanitary measures by wearing PPE and being the only person in a home. If surfaces are touched for any reason, they are wiped down.
The process of sending in an offer is the same as usual, electronic. Similarly, the closing documents are sent electronically.
While many of these procedures have been in place for a long time, now they have become necessary.
As part of our new virtual programs, our copywriter also created a new biography for me! I think it ties all aspects of my life together nicely. Everything we do in life contributes to what we do today, and the future.
Marketing is also creating seller listing presentation booklets to send for listing presentations.
Market Flash
Real-time links from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service data for Seattle show that we are still in a seller’s market.
