How to Buy (or Sell) a New Home During a Pandemic
The former Oakland Raiders completed their move to Nevada during COVID-19, and now they are the Las Vegas Raiders. If such a large and layered organization can do that, so can you. No Hail Mary pass needed.
Let me tell you how.
In the world of shelter-in-place, most businesses, including real estate, had to adapt quickly to the needs of their clients. We have had to create a new way of doing business using technology tools that have been available for years.
Not to brag, but I have years of experience representing clients buying and selling homes digitally. It’s part of our Concierge Service. The Oakland-San Francisco-Silicon Valley region, where I am based, is a real estate market like no other. Relocation is a fact of life in the hi-tech industry and academia, and there are many people relocating from across the sea who need a place to live in the Bay Area. Not everyone has the luxury of time or the convenience of geography to shop for a new home in-person, whether there’s a pandemic or not.
From start to finish, a real estate transaction can be done from a long distance. Listing, advertising, walk-throughs, open houses, and negotiations can be done virtually, as well as document signing. There are exceptions (aren’t there always?). For example, California lags in the online notary department, and grant deeds and loans need a notary. However, that’s an easy fix with overnight and/or same-day mail.
Popular digital tools for buying and selling homes include Zoom, FaceTime, videos, and photos. If you are selling your home, there will probably be some extra COVID-19 disclosures necessary. You also may need to be part of the virtual showing of your home if there is a shelter-in-place directive.
If you are buying a home, most likely you started your search on the Internet and most likely will take a digital tour of properties that interest you. This is not to say that an in-person visit is off the table. If that is necessary, be sure to follow the guidelines from your agent, such as wearing a mask and gloves, limiting the number of people touring to two, and the like.
COVID-19 has been challenging and continues to be so. I’m up for the challenge. If a NFL team can cross the goal line in these uncertain times, so can I.
Is there a real estate- or relocation-related topic you would like to discuss in this blog? Let us know at info@raidersrelocators.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
