If you’re wondering whether you have to wait, it’s still possible to sell your home – here’s how!
If you were ready to sell your home, you might be wondering – like a lot of people right now – if it’s even still possible to sell your home during the current situation. While it’s true that the way real estate is being bought and sold right now has changed due to COVID-19, the reality is that people are still buying and selling real estate. So if you’d like to sell your home, you can! There are just a few changes – some big, some better – to how things will be done.
Fewer buyers, more serious offers
There are not as many buyers in the current market, as some people are choosing to wait and see and some are facing financial insecurity. But the buyers that are in the market for a new home right now are serious. They aren’t looking at homes “just for fun” and they aren’t just curious about what’s available. They aren’t out to waste anyone’s time, and they’re ready to buy. To make sure, agents are pre-qualifying buyers to leave only the serious prospects. And if buyers are out looking now, they don’t want to wait until the Covid-19 shutdowns are over, so they’re probably wanting to close in the next month or two. Good news for sellers!
Plus, since many sellers have chosen to take their properties off the market during this time, you may even find less competition for your home. There is less choice out there for buyers, so if your home is already on the market, there is no reason to withdraw it.
Agents are still here for you
They may be working remotely, but real estate agents are still open for business. They are still able to talk with you on a video call to advise you on how much your property is worth or give you an idea of the market in your area.
If physical showings are still allowed in your areas, your agent will prioritize the safety of your family and your property above all else. Only the buyer will be allowed to see the home, no large families or friends, and no children. Your agent and the buyer will use gloves, masks, sanitizers and wipes, and your agent will be the only one touching doors or light switches, and they will sanitize any areas they’ve touched before locking up.
However, if showings aren’t allowed – or you aren’t comfortable showing your property in person – your RE/MAX agent already has experience with the latest digital technologies so they can start selling your home online.
Virtual tours, real sales
Engaging photos and videos have been powerful marketing tools in the past few years, but they are more important than ever now. Good photos not only drive interest and offer more convenience to buyers, but they give them the in-depth look at your property they need to start making serious decisions. By hosting a video call view, your agent can take prospective buyers on a guided tour of the space, showing every detail and answering questions as they come up. And since online tours are easier for buyers, this means more exposure for you.
Time is valuable, especially stuck at home
Even if you decide not to list your home right now, there is still plenty you can do now to help your sale when you’re finally ready. One of the most important steps to prepare your home for sale is to reorganize and tidy up. Buyers can be put off by clutter, which can make rooms look smaller and darker than ones with clear and orderly surfaces. So this lockdown is the perfect time to go through each room, clearing out any clutter, re-evaluating décor and packing away some of the personal items you have on display.
If you have access to home repair stores, this is also a great time to tackle small upgrade or repair projects you may have been putting off, like touching up paint or retiling a bathroom. Your agent can take a virtual tour of your home with you and make suggestions for the kind of changes that can pay off with a higher price for your property.
Whatever you decide to do, your agent is here to help you understand your options and make the best decisions for your home and your family. So get in touch and let’s discuss the next step for your home!