While many things have changed, some things will always remain the same.
First of all, we have to say how grateful we are to our team, our advocates, partners, broker, and you - our customers, who continue to support us and have faith in our abilities to shift during uncertain times and continue to provide quality real estate services and solutions in our communities.
With that said, many have been wondering what's been happening with the real estate business and how are we handling the changes; specifically, what are we doing differently today than yesterday?
It's important to know that even though the market has slowed down amidst the COVID-19 crisis, business has not seized altogether. Buyers still need a place to live. Sellers still need to be able to move on. And, everyone needs the guidance of the industry professionals to make it happen while keeping them safe.
So, to answer your questions...
Here's What the Homes by Ash Real Estate Team is Doing to Keep Business Going - Safely - for Home Buyers and Sellers
We'll break it down by client profile and process starting with...
Buyers
We are able to meet our buyers via Messenger Facetime or virtual meeting technology through Zoom to discuss the home buying process.
We will follow up with a handout that also covers the process and can do this either electronically or by US mail.
During that initial discover call we'll find out what the buyer wants in their new home and set them up a custom search directly from NorthstarMLS which gives them the most accurate, live, property activity status. This helps to ensure two things, and these two things are more important than ever before.
- They can stay focused on the homes that fit their needs, budgets, and criteria so they're not flooded with options outside of that and setting them up for a possible disappointment
- They are seeing homes that are still truly available for sale rather than outdated property activity that can take upwards of 24hrs to 72hrs to update on some other real estate inventory sites and can, again, set up the buyer for possible disappointment
Next, when a buyer finds a home (or homes) they are potentially interested in, we can request a visual tour of the property from the listing agent. As an alternative, I can also facetime safely with the buyer while at the property or take a live video myself of the property to send to them.
After reviewing the video footage, if the buyers still have a strong interest in a home, we can schedule a showing with the listing agent. The buyers will need to be pre-approved and ready to potentially close in the next 30-45 days.
During a home tour with the buyers, we will ask the listing agent to remind sellers to please leave all lights on and doors open so we don’t have to touch anything.
We bring Clorox wipes to wipe down door handles and lock boxes to keep all parties safe. And, we provide the buyers a Clorox wipe to wipe down anything they touch and to sanitize their hands with following the showing.
As far as Home Inspections and Final Walk-Throughs, the process is similar to a home showing. Buyers are asked to leave children at home. And, in the case of a home inspection, our professional partners are asking buyers to stand back while they go in and carefully inspect the property with appropriate gear on and video tape the inspection for the buyer. Buyers will receive a copy of that video and inspection report highlighting any findings within 24-48 hrs of the inspection.
When it comes time for the Closing, Buyers will have the option to do a drive-through closing with one of partner Title Agencies, Legacy Title, Inc., so they don’t even have to leave the comfort of their car or go into the office. This is more likely a temporary solution during the COVID-19 crisis and may not be an option in the future, but we're getting a lot of great feedback right now.
Buyers can also choose to sign in an office setting behind Plexiglas. The title agency team completely sanitizes the rooms used between each closing and provide a one-use pen for signing.
They can even complete closing paperwork outside – weather permitting, and at a recommended social distance.
Sellers
We are able to do Facebook messenger facetime, Zoom virtual meetings or facetime with an iPhone or laptop with a video camera so the seller can provide us a guided tour of their property; room-by-room, as well as outside and around the home. This allows Lisa the ability to see the home's exterior and interior, make notes of each room and any special features, as well as make any recommendations for updates or repairs that should be addressed in advance of an active listing for sale.
Most of the market analysis research can be performed online, but we can even do a neighborhood drive-by if we need further insight on the condition and benefits of the surrounding area.
When ready, we will email the CMA results to the sellers and then schedule a call so Lisa can walk through the information and findings with them.
They will also be sent a copy of a Seller's Estimated Net Sheet itemizing their expected selling expenses and bottom line. Here again, Lisa will walk through this document with the seller, line by line, so they understand what they're looking at and their options.
These reporting review meetings can be scheduled to happen over a traditional phone call, or using Zoom's virtual meeting software.
When it comes to home showings, the seller has the right to refuse showings at any time, but when it becomes necessary for a buyer to see the home, there are steps and measures we'll walk the seller through to ensure everyone's safety.
If they have the supplies available, we'll suggest they provide Clorox wipes, plastic gloves, and hand sanitizer for the buyers and buyer's agent to use.
We also recommend these same supplies to the Buyer's Agent as well as the advice to remind their buyers "no children" and to remove shoes at the door.
Sellers are asked to leave all lights on, and doors and window coverings open so buyers can avoid touching anything. Sellers should even consider leaving pantry doors or a few cupboards open if they have features a buyer may need to see to appreciate such as pull out shelving or solid core construction and tuck hardware.
Once a buyer tour is over, we recommend the seller then re-sanitize their counters, door handles, banisters, hardware, light switches and more... just to be on the safe side.
Same Benefits - Different Strategy
Our sellers still enjoy the benefits of a professional stager consult and professional photography, we're just doing it a little different this time.
Our professional staging partner(s) are offering virtual consultations over a Zoom meeting or Facetime application much like we do through the initial CMA consultation.
Our professional photographer will be scheduled once the home has been cleaned and staged so the photographer can proficiently complete the project and get in and out with the least amount of time and contact with the property as possible.
We've also started adding Matterport Visual 3D Tour and mapping of all finished areas of the house. This amazing technology allows online buyers to get a better feel of the floor plan and condition of the home before there's a physical need to see it during the buying process. It's a win-win for both buyer and seller!
When it's time to Close, Sellers are encouraged to pre-sign documents and before the buyer's scheduled closing time. They have the same options to utilize our partner's drive-through title service, or come in and sign behind Plexiglas.
The REALTORS and partners will not be at this closing to limit exposure to all involved in the process.
Sellers are advised to leave the keys to the home, garage door openers, manuals, and policies, etc., on the kitchen counter for the Buyer’s Agent to grab at their final walk-through.
The Buyers’ Agent will also remove any keys from the lockbox, and our team (as your Listing Agent) will remove the lockbox and schedule sign removal (if there is one) after the closing.
These are just a few of our adjustments during this time.
We may be working from different locations as a team, and utilizing new, fun, and innovative technology and platforms, but our level of service, top-level marketing, communications and counseling all remain in tact.
If you or anyone you know is looking to make a move in 2020 - you can be confident in referring them to the Homes by Ash Team to help them meet their goals.
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Lisa Ash,
REALTOR®, CRS, CDPE, SRES
Homes By Ash Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW
PH: 612.701.8368
EM: Lisa@HomesByAsh.com
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