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24
Shopping for a Home During COVID-19
If you had dreams of home ownership before the pandemic and are concerned if you should pursue them, you aren't alone.
Fortunately, we also live in a time where we can take advantage of online resources and technical advances. Has the act of shopping for a home changed because of social distancing requirements? You bet, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Know that your dreams don't have to be put on hold, you just need to shift the way in which you go about doing it.
Consider the following tips to keep you, your family and the community safe while shopping for a home:
- Realtors are considered essential workers and while many are working remotely, technology such as video calls with screen sharing capabilities give you the ability to shop for homes online with your Realtor.
- Take advantage of virtual tours. Ask your Realtor about virtual options before asking to see a home. You should only physically visit a home if you are serious about the property.
- If you do decide to physically inspect a property, drive separately from your agent to adhere to social distancing requirements.
- Be considerate of the seller's home and wash or sanitize your hands before entry, touching as little as necessary. While many sellers will likely provide it, bring your own hand sanitizer and use it before and after you tour the home.
- Ask your agent to confirm with the seller's agent that they have not recently been sick or in contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19.
- Current recommendations require the wearing of masks and gloves. Consider bringing your own and throwing them away when you've finished touring.
- Reduce the amount of time spent with other people in the same room. Practicing social distancing can curb person-to-person spread.
When Not to Tour Homes:
- Don't physically tour a home is you are not serious about it.
- Avoid touring homes in person if you are currently self-quarantined because of illness or other reasons. Ask you agent to video chat with you while they tour the home so you can see it virtually.
- We do not recommend touring homes after returning from international travel or travel that exposed you to a large group of people in close quarters, like large events.
As the situation develops with COVID-19, Sprague and Curtis Real Estate is dedicated to taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus while continuing to provide the exceptional customer service we are known for. We are here to support homebuyers during, throughout and after these uncertain times.