How We Can Help
At this point in time, COVID-19 has impacted virtually every person in Canada and, by affect, the Canadian Real Estate Market. Even under the current circumstances, we still have many Sellers that want to list their homes for sale and Buyers that want to purchase homes. As a company, we have to adapt, take control and action to implement protocols in order for us to show homes in the safest way possible. For this reason, we have put a lot of time, effort and thought into how we can safely show homes during this fearful time. We are not doctors, lawyers or infectious disease professionals but after considerable discussion and research on recommended practices, we did come up with what we think is the best way to show homes while this threat still exists and may continue to exist for several months.
How Does It Work?
First, we are only allowing showings to be conducted for serious Buyers who confirm they have no symptoms of COVID-19 and who express a real interest in the property. We are not looking for window shoppers, tire kickers or people who just want to have a look at homes. Our conclusion is that the best way to show a home for the time being is by having “Showing Blocks with Controlled Traffic” with Buyers wearing a mask or cloth face covering, whenever possible, and agreeing to touch as little (or none) of the home as possible while viewing. As of April 3rd, 2020, the Centre for Disease Control has made the recommendation that people use cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19 - so we are also recommending it.
How Does This Help You?
This means that a home will be shown over one consolidated period of time rather than having multiple, scattered private showings at different times and days throughout a week. We feel this is safer because a Seller, realistically, will not come home after every single showing and thoroughly clean their home but after many showings over a few set hours, they would be more likely to come home and do one big clean. In the interest of further decreasing the amount of traffic through the property, we are recommending Buyer’s agents not to attend the appointment. If necessary, they will be encouraged to wait outside the home and video conference with their clients as they move through the home. This will require open communication with the Buyer’s agent before the appointment.
What Other Measures Does The Program Offer?
In the interest of further decreasing the amount of traffic through the property, we are recommending Buyer’s agents not to attend the appointment. If necessary, they will be encouraged to wait outside the home and video conference with their clients as they move through the home. This will require open communication with the Buyer’s agent before the appointment. Other protective measures that can be taken include having visitors wear slip on boot covers, rubber gloves, and other personal protective equipment that will promote a safer environment. By showing homes this way we hope to decrease the chances of spreading the virus and make showings safer for Sellers who need to sell, Buyers who need to buy and all the Realtors involved in the process.
For more details on how this program can help you in these challenging times call or text us at (905) 830-9111 or use the form below.