In-person showings are making a comeback as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, but that doesn't mean buyers or sellers will be returning completely to business as usual. Expect an adjustment period, with some customers still cautious and others itching to get back to business. Taking steps to stay safe, sanitary, and proactive about health-related issues will still be priorities when showing homes. Support for agents during these unusual times is one reason why Homesale Realty is such a great choice for your career, and today we're taking a closer look at what to expect when showing homes as restrictions lift.

• Prepare to Practice Social Distancing
  While some restrictions are being eased, buyers won't necessarily want large numbers of people touring their home at the same time, and sellers may not be interested in being part of a large crowd in an enclosed space. So you may have to restrict the number of visitors who are in the house at the same time, to make everyone involved more comfortable. The exact number will depend on the seller's comfort level and on any remaining restrictions regarding public gatherings.

• Virtual Tours and Open Houses Still Play an Important Role
  Getting back to in-person showings is of course a high priority, but you can expect virtual tours to be an important part of the marketing mix for the foreseeable future. Virtual tours will remain a key research tool for buyers who remain cautious about COVID-19, and will help other buyers decide which homes are worth a visit. Providing a virtual tour can also help limit crowd size by giving buyers a deeper impression of the home from afar, while attracting in-person attendees who have already fallen in love with the home online.

• Open the Doors and Turn on the Lights
  Minimizing the number of times that buyers come in physical contact with parts of the home will be a priority, so it pays to be prepared. Before any potential buyers arrive, open all of the doors and cabinets in the home. Turn on all of the lights as well, and let in natural light when possible. This will allow buyers to see every part of the house, without having to touch many surfaces.

• Provide Sanitizer and Ask Buyer to Be Prepared
  In order to promote comfort and safety, make sure that hand sanitizer is available for any buyer who enters the home. You can request that buyers bring their own masks, gloves, and booties, or provide them with sanitary equipment when they arrive. While your preparations will help buyers avoid touching surfaces, it's also smart to remind them to limit what they touch when they enter the home.

• Clean and Sanitize Surfaces After Showings
  After a showing is complete, make sure that any commonly touched surfaces in the home are cleaned and sanitized. If you plan on driving buyers to showings in your own vehicle, make sure that door handles, seat belt latches, and other surfaces are disinfected, as well.

• Remind Buyers That They Can Still Close from a Distance
  If the buyer or seller of a home is wary of attending a closing or negotiation in person, then it's helpful to make videoconferencing available as an option. That way, there's nothing standing between a buyer and making an offer.

With COVID-19 creating a new normal in the real estate industry, having the right team on your side can make all the difference. Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to learn more about how we can help you launch a real estate career, or take your current career to the next level.