What Is It Like Looking at Real Estate Amidst COVID-19?
Owning a home in Tahoe has never been so desirable as it is right now. With more companies allowing remote workers for the foreseeable future, schools going virtual, and people looking to get out of the city during the COVID-19 crisis and into the mountains, calling Tahoe home is a great choice for now and always.
But how do you look at real estate during a public health crisis? How do you buy or sell a home when physical distancing is required and travel is limited?
Well, the California Association of Realtors has a plan. And here at Ormsby Real Estate, we are following the state-recommended guidelines for how to show, buy, and sell homes during this unusually challenging time. We know you’re excited about calling Tahoe home, or perhaps selling your Tahoe home, and we can still make those dreams come true.
There’s been a huge increase in virtual showings, be it by drone footage, Facetime showings of a property, and expanded photography and video services to see a home without actually being in it. So, that will be option number one for parties interested in seeing a home from afar.
But not everyone wants to buy a house they’ve never stepped foot into. Don’t fret. You can still see a home in person these days—there are just new rules and guidelines to follow. Group open houses are on hold for the time being. The state’s best practices guidelines offer instructions for how to enter a home, show a home, and sell a home. If you’re thinking about listing your home in North Lake Tahoe or looking at real estate to purchase in the area, you can rest assured here at Ormsby Real Estate, we will help you through that process as safely as possible and will be following all recommended protocols for how to do that.
In-person showings now include washing hands or using hand sanitizer immediately upon entry, wearing a protective face covering, practicing physical distancing and not gathering in groups, avoiding touching surfaces or items in the property, discarding all disposable gloves or face coverings after the visit, signing an agreement that lays out the ground rules, and following all federal, state, and local laws and stay-at-home orders. Only one party is allowed to view the property in person at a time.
Got more questions? The California Association of Realtors has a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding buying or selling a home in the age of COVID-19, and of course, we’re here to answer any additional questions or address any concerns you may have.
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