You might think that now is not the best time to sell your property.  For some people maybe not, but for a lot of property owners, equity has been building at a nice pace for many years and historically low interest rates are allowing buyers to afford “more” property and this driving up property values.  The real estate market continues to move.  Of course, the marketing has to be different and we are embracing the new protocols.  Here are some suggestions from the National Association of Realtors  implementing in regards to showing property:

• Encourage buyers to narrow their property search through photos, virtual tours, and leveraging other technology to reduce the number of in-person showings.
• Be familiar with state and local restrictions based on whether a property is vacant, owner-occupied, or tenant-occupied, and consider implementing different precautions for occupied properties versus vacant properties.
• Discuss with a seller the precautions that will be taken when showing their property, and adhere to any specific requirements requested by sellers showing the property.
• Require property showings by appointment, in lieu of open houses, to reduce the number of persons in a property at any given time.
• Request both the seller and potential buyers to self-disclose whether they have COVID-19 or exhibit any symptoms. However, note that COVID-19 is also spread by individuals who are asymptomatic.
• Ask buyers to remain in their vehicle until you arrive at the property.
• For owner or tenant-occupied properties, request that the seller or tenant open all cabinets, closets, window coverings, and to turn on lights before leaving the property.
• For vacant properties, arrive early to open the front door, open all cabinets, closet, window coverings, and to turn on lights.

During In-Person Showings

• Adhere to social distancing recommendations, and maintain a minimum of six feet of space between persons at all times.
• Avoid shaking hands with clients.
• Limit the number of persons who may attend a showing.
• Require all persons entering a property to immediately wash their hands or to use hand sanitizer, remove footwear or wear booties, and wear a face mask or covering, and gloves.
• Instruct buyers and others touring the home to avoid touching any surfaces in the home, such as light switches, cabinet and door handles.
• Instruct buyers and guests not to use bathroom facilities at the property.
• Do not share phones, pens, or tablets or other personal property during the showing.
• Comply with any requirements of the seller during the showing.

After Showing Property

• Wipe down any surfaces touched during the showing with a sanitizing wipe or disinfecting cleaner, as requested by seller, and suggest the seller also disinfect the property.
• Wipe down the key and lockbox with a sanitizing wipe or disinfecting cleaner after use.
• Speak with buyers outside of the property or in a ventilated area while maintaining a distance of 6 feet, or arrange to speak by phone or email.
• Do not provide any paper documents, and instead follow up with any information electronically after you leave the property.
• Use hand sanitizer upon returning to your vehicle.
• Maintain a detailed log of interactions to enable contact tracing, to include names, dates, and locations of interactions, as well as a party’s contact information.