Amid rising Covid-19 cases and in consideration of the health and safety of agents and clients, Bright MLS has temporarily loosened its restrictions on home listings which previously required properties to be shown in person in order to stay on the market. If you are a future homebuyer or have been perusing listings you may have noticed a rising increase in homes with virtual options, such as virtual walk-throughs and virtual open houses. With the current situation of the world today, real estate agents are forced to get creative when it comes to keeping business up. Some have even decided to live-stream tours of homes, allowing prospective buyers to sit back and watch while asking questions in real-time. Some agents are still offering in-person showings as well. However, extra precautions are in place such as sanitizing in between clients and limiting the number of people in a home at one time.
Other aspects of the home-buying process have updated procedures as well to incorporate social distancing and respect the recommended self-quarantining. Home inspections and settlements are two areas in which precautions are being put in place. Recently, inspectors are advised to be the only ones at the property while inspecting. Filming and taking photos of their inspection are ways they are ensuring clients are receiving the information they need and still being very much a part of the process. Now when it comes time to sign the paperwork and close on your new home you may find the room a bit emptier than expected. Realtors are now being asked to not be present during the settlement process and those that need to sign paperwork or present documents are being brought in separately to do so.
No doubt the current situation we are facing as a globe is drastically changing our everyday lives. But when it comes to buying a home, having a dedicated Realtor and Loan Officer in your court can make what seems like an impossible task at a time like this, very realistic. Due to technology and social media, you don’t have to put off your dreams of purchasing a home any longer!
