Is there anything the real estate industry can do to prevent/minimize the spread of the coronavirus? While we are trying to handle one day at a time and making an effort to keep business as usual, concerns are raising from the government regarding social interactions, meaning that business meetings, showings, open houses, etc. are not encouraged, which makes it harder. However, that doesn't stop a business from going on. Best practices on how to handle real estate business under these unfortunate circumstances are presented and discussed in this post!
During these difficult times, disruption seems inevitable, but we can still get the job done virtually, right?
1. No meetings
This past Sunday Governors in several states have prohibited gatherings of over 25 people, which means that open houses are not allowed. This isn't joyful news but in order to stop the spread of the virus, it seems the right thing to do. Although prived showing can be arranged, minimizing the number of people that visit a residence at once.
2. Organize virtual tours
As we explained above, homebuyers might not be able to attend a showing but they could get a virtual tour. 3D tours are a great way to keep potential buyers interested in a property, plus, it is an excellent tool to use even after the crisis.
3. Go virtual
Besides a phone call, an email or a text, people can still communicate via a platform like Zoom, GoToMeeting and Google Hangouts. Be creative and keep in touch with a buyer, a seller, or an agent/broker. Negotiations can be held by these platforms and in an efficient way.
4. Keep your social distance
Part of the real estate business comes from socializing, being present at showings, meeting sellers and buyers, and driving around a neighborhood or city with a real estate agent. These practices cannot continue during these circumstances, keeping a distance from one another is a highlighted recommendation from experts. If socializing is absolutely necessary, then remind people the importance of not showing up if sick and no handshakes.
5. Promote Hygiene
Real estate offices are promoting personal hygiene, sharing hand sanitizer and having equipped restrooms to properly wash your hands. Besides, cleaning constantly desks, electronic equipment, carpets/rugs, and so on.
When visiting a house, real estate agents take all the necessary precautions to avoid risky situations and thus continue offering their clients the best service.
6. Follow indications
Among the pandemic crisis, can we actually "remain calm"? well, the answer is probably no, but we have to make an effort and try to do so. Scientists, politicians, doctors, and nurses, are all trying their best to stop the coronavirus from spreading even more. It is up to us, "the population" to follow all given indications to avoid getting sick and infect the elderly, who are actually the demographic that suffers the most by the disease.
Stay healthy and keep doing your usual (from home), and remember, in every situation, there is an opportunity, go find it!
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