Buying & Selling Your Home: The New Normal (COVID-19)

Our daily lives have slowed down. Our province battles the second wave of COVID-19. However, the Fraser Valley real estate market shows no signs of stopping. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) recorded several consecutive months of record-breaking listings and sales. This occurred despite the pandemic. However, we are still looking for the best tips for buying/selling your home.

It is an excellent time to put your home on the market. You might also consider investing in a new property. I understand there may be some hesitation. Can you safely open your home to prospective buyers? Or can you safely attend viewings of properties? The short answer is yes. The real estate industry has proven it can conduct business effectively and efficiently. It strictly follows all public health guidance. These guidelines come directly from our provincial health officer. Below, I offer strategies for buying and selling your home – the new normal (COVID-19).

Selling Your Home During COVID-19

My clients’ health and safety are top priority. For this reason, open houses are currently on hold. This remains true until B.C. flattens the curve again. This aligns with guidance from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and the Real Estate Council of BC. The first part of my marketing strategy involves a comprehensive video tour of your home. I also create a thorough digital floor plan. Furthermore, I take beautiful photographs showcasing your property. Providing prospective buyers a clear picture is the first layer of protection. This helps filter serious buyers from casual browsers.

Private viewings are still permitted. Current health orders allow them. They are not considered “social gatherings.” All my sellers receive a Personal Protection Equipment basket. It contains hand sanitizer and a list of requirements for prospective buyers. These include:

  • Please hand sanitize before entering.
  • Please wear a mask.
  • Please remove your shoes.
  • Please refrain from touching surfaces.
  • Please limit the number of people in the home to the buyers and their Realtor.
  • Please do not have children in the home (excluding infants being carried).
  • Please refrain from using the bathroom.

Buying Your Home During COVID-19

As a prospective buyer during a pandemic, I recommend speaking to your financial advisor first. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. To know what kind of property you are in the market for, understand your loan limit. Know exactly how much you can contribute to a down payment. Reflect on your must-haves and dealbreakers. This helps you begin your search with clear boundaries. It saves time and reduces the number of viewings you will attend.

“As our region faces a current surge in cases of COVID-19 and gatherings are being further restricted, it’s important to emphasize that the real estate industry – one of the first to adapt successfully to the necessary safety requirements – continues to be vigilant in order to contain the spread. REALTORS® are strongly encouraging their clients to embrace technology and avoid in-person activities,” states Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the FVREB.

When you find a property you like, research it before viewing. Review all available photos and videos. Plan a drive-by of the property. Investigate the neighborhood. These are simple ways to ensure you haven’t missed a detail. Such details might lessen your interest in the property or neighborhood. As we work again to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in BC, only attend a viewing if you are seriously considering purchasing the property. Have an action plan prepared with your financial advisor.

I continue to follow guidance from the provincial health officer, the FVREB, and the RECBC. This ensures your health and safety while buying and selling your home – the new normal (COVID-19). I encourage you to keep up to date with the most recent COVID-19 information. It is an evolving situation.

COVID-19 Resources

It is a challenging time for everyone, and it is important that we all do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Realtors across BC have proven we can continue to conduct business safely and effectively. The dramatic spike in Fraser Valley real estate sales is evidence that Fraser Valley residents are confident in the health and safety practices that Realtors are following to keep their clients safe. Right now is an excellent time to enter the real estate market, as long as we be kind, be calm, and be safe. If you have any questions about buying or selling your home – the new normal (COVID-19)  feel free to give me a call at 604 302 0177.

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