Real Estate Coronavirus Tipsheet

Here are some tips for home buyers and their realtors on how to house hunt during the pandemic.

For Buyers:

1) Refine your search criteria. Of course you've already talked about the features you want in a house, now is a chance to redefine what you need. What is most important? What are deal breakers?

2) Get a floor plan. For some this isn't the most intuitive way to understand a space- it's a great time to learn!

3) Ask for a video walk through. If your realtor can Facetime you through, that's even better.

4) Don't go house touring if not all decision makers are present.

5) Use your realtor! Ask them their impressions and advice.

For Realtors:

1) Video walk through of house (either live or recorded). Move slowly. Narrate what you are seeing. Tell the audience what they can't see- for example, is the yard flat, is there street noise, natural vs artificial light.

2) Bring a tape measure!

3) Get your clients as much information as possible ahead of time. Information on: the neighborhood, previous ownership, easements or restrictions, etc.

4) Challenge and guide your clients. Make sure that the house they are interested in seeing really fits their needs.

5) Use a Matterport 3D camera. This allows someone to virtually tour the home at their own pace, looking in all directions. It also creates a digital floorplan allowing clients to understand the full house layout.