The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact many facets of business, including real estate. If you are selling your home and don’t feel comfortable holding in-person open houses or showings, you still have options. Why not sell your home virtually with the help of your real estate agent? Here’s how.
1. Find an Agent You Trust
Communication is critical, especially when meeting face-to-face is impossible. Ask family and friends which real estate agents they have used in the past and who they would recommend. Look online, gather reviews, and do your research. Once you have settled on a couple, ask them about their experience and track record, as well as these questions regarding virtual sales:
- What virtual tools and programs do you use?
- How have you adapted your marketing approach?
- How will you keep in contact with me? With potential buyers?
- What is your timeline and comfort level?
- How many homes have you sold virtually?
2. List Your Home Remotely
Decide on a video conferencing platform you both feel comfortable using, such as Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting or Google Hangouts. This way, your agent can communicate with you regularly about progress if need be, as well as conduct virtual consultations where you can walk them through your property so they can view the layout.
3. Think With a Buyers’ Perspective
Take a walk through your home and think like a buyer. You may want to consult with a professional stager so it looks its best and makes the best use of space. De-clutter anything you no longer need, and rearrange furniture for better flow. Do paint touchups and repair anything glaring.
Your agent may be able to provide 3D interactive property scans to include in listings, as well as set up and conduct virtual showings that can include self-guided “open houses” and video check-ins.
4. Have Your Home Inspected With Modifications
You will still need a home inspector to come out to the property and inspect it. But if you don’t feel comfortable being present for that inspection, you can stay outside. Ask your inspector if they will bring their own hand sanitizer, mask and shoe coverings to wear. Ask them to wipe down toilet handles and bathroom and kitchen fixtures with sanitizing wipes. Inspectors can then send their reports and photos via email, and discuss findings by phone or virtual meeting.
5. Close Online
Depending on your local real estate office, you may be able to close online utilizing electronic signatures and notary services. You may also want to come up with an in-person yet spacious arrangement when it comes to signing closing paperwork, such as at a table outdoors, sitting in separate rooms, at opposite ends of the table, or in different cars in the parking lot of the lawyer’s office.
As you can see, it’s entirely possible to sell your home virtually when you have a trusted Realtor on your side!
Contact Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties
For more tips by a qualified real estate agent on how to sell your home virtually, contact Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties today at 832-626-4889.