Home Buying and Selling During COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) and the Alberta Real Estate Association  (AREA) have put active protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of home buyers, sellers and their agents. While now is still a great time for real estate in the capital region, if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, here’s what you need to know:

Social Distancing

Tour homes and meet one on one with your REALTOR® from the comfort of your living room. To help flatten the curve, reputable agents are taking to online applications such as Zoom or Skype to conduct virtual showings and attend to the needs of their clients. When an in-person meeting is deemed necessary, be sure to maintain a regular social distance of six feet while employing the use of gloves, hand sanitizer, masks, etc.

Electronic Documents 

All relevant documents should be handled electronically (completely paperless). Here again, your REALTOR® can meet with you via phone or video conference to go over the digital paperwork and answer any questions you might have.

See How to Electronically Sign PDF Documents Without Printing and Scanning Them for more help 

Photo and Video Services 

A good agent will offer comprehensive marketing services, which include quality photos and/or videos of your home. Your REALTOR® will suggest ways in which you can prepare your home ahead of time (more on that below) to reduce the photographer’s need to touch anything – which should include leaving all the lights on.

Home Showings For Sellers

To determine if you’re comfortable with showings, be sure to go over AREA’s Practice Tips Guide with your REALTOR® beforehand. Keep in mind, Open Houses are prohibited during this time. If you decide to proceed with showings, the Hold Harmless Agreement for Buyers and Sellers will assist all parties in having the discussions they need to mitigate risk and make informed decisions.

Before a Showing 

• Disinfect all common spaces using an antibacterial cleaner. This should include all countertops and surfaces, light switches, door, sink and drawer handles as well as closet and cupboard pulls.
• Open all bedroom and closet doors and turn on all the lights to reduce the need for visitors to touch any surfaces.
• Leave hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes at the front door.
• Post a note for agents and buyers asking them to clean their hands upon entering your home and instruct them not to touch anything.
• Before approving a showing, talk to your REALTOR® to ensure anyone attending your property has provided their responses to the Practice Tips Guide (above) and that you’re comfortable with their answers.

During a Showing 

• Usually, sellers can opt not to be home during a showing. During COVID-19, however, sellers are urged to use discretion.
• Before the showing, ensure you and those attending are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who is (your REALTOR® will confirm this with you ahead of time).
• Showings should be limited to one buyer and agent at a time. Children, extended family members and others should not be allowed in the home.
• Always maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and others.
• Buyer and agent conversations should be held outside of the home and away from the property.
• Safe hygiene should be observed by anyone entering the home with the wipes/ sanitizers provided.

After a Showing 

• Re-disinfect all common spaces using an antibacterial cleaner. This should include all countertops and surfaces, light switches, door, sink and drawer handles as well as closet and cupboard pulls.

Home Showings For Buyers 

To determine if you’re comfortable with showings, be sure to go over AREA’s Practice Tips Guide with your REALTOR® beforehand. If you decide to proceed with showings, the Hold Harmless Agreement for Buyers and Sellers will assist all parties in having the discussions they need to mitigate risk and make informed decisions.

Property Showing Protocols 

• Utilize photos and video tours whenever possible to reduce the number of locations visited. Request to visit a property only if you’re confident a showing could lead to an offer.

Note: Be sure to get pre-approved ahead of time 

• Before the showing, ensure you and those attending are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who is (your REALTOR® will confirm this with you ahead of time).
• Showings should be limited to one buyer and agent at a time. Children, extended family members and others should not be allowed in the home.
• Always maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and others.
• Safe hygiene should be observed when entering the home with the wipes/ sanitizers provided.
• Avoid touching anything in the home, including surfaces, doorknobs, handles, pulls and light switches.
• Do not use the bathroom during the showing.

To our valued clients, please note that the Terry Paranych Real Estate Group is still open for business. While we will be adhering to social distancing recommendations to ensure your health and safety, we would be happy to meet virtually or on the phone to answer any questions you may have regarding buying or selling your home.

Stay safe, happy and healthy, Edmonton!

The Terry Paranych Real Estate Group

Categorised in: Buying a Home, Selling a Home

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group