Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we have seen a lot of adjustments in the Asheville real estate market. This affects the supply of new homes for sale, the demand for homes, and of course how we market and show real estate listings.
For the latest on market statistics, including current inventory levels, check out our real estate market update page. For more information on how we are responding to COVID-19 on a day-to-day basis, keep reading below.
How are we Conducting Real Estate Brokerage?
Virtual Showings
We are still scheduling in-person real estate showings, but we are also doing lots of virtual showings. If you’re from out of town or would prefer not to schedule an in-person viewing, please let us know. We can do live virtual showings with Zoom, Facetime, Skype, or Google Duo.
Sometimes, we tour homes or land that don’t have good cell service. In this case, we can take a video of the property and upload it to Vimeo or YouTube for you to view remotely.
For our company’s real estate listings, we are using 3D tours as much as possible.
Safety Measures for In-Person Real Estate Showings
We are also providing hand sanitizer and gloves for real estate showings. We do recommend that all clients wear masks while visiting homes for sale.
We are also happy to drive separately from our clients, or we can wear masks while in the same car as our clients. And for our seller clients, we can turn on lights prior to showings and request that buyer’s agents leave them on. We can also open all interior doors prior to showings. This ensures minimal touching of interior services.
We are also listed by the Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS as a COVID-Compliant firm.
Buying or Selling a Home under COVID-19 Restrictions
If you’re in the market to buy right now, keep in mind that some of the logistics of buying a home may be different while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing. Most of this has to do with actually touring a property.
As we have continued to write purchase contracts and list homes for sale, we have found that our industry partners (photographers, appraisers, lenders, home inspectors, surveyors, attorneys, etc.) are still working and scheduling pretty much as they were before social distancing measures went into effect.
But in the case that we do run into a delay while working to meet our clients’ obligations in a contract, the North Carolina Association of REALTORS has provided a “COVID-19 Addendum.” This document allows buyers and sellers to agree up-front to an extension of the contract dates if circumstances arise related to coronavirus that make it “unduly burdensome or impossible for Buyer or Seller to exercise their rights and/or perform their obligations under the Contract.”
The good news is that since real estate brokerage has been deemed “essential,” we are seeing very few delays. The main differences we see are with showings (wearing masks) and with closings. Closings are now being done remotely if possible, or even outdoors such as with our friends at GRCC Law in Asheville (see video here).
Let us Help you Navigate the Market During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re wondering what buying or selling real estate would look like for you right now during Coronavirus times, give us a call or contact us below. We are happy to help discuss your options and how you can still make real estate plans in 2020.
If you want to sell your home soon, this is a great time to work on sprucing up your yard, repainting, and taking care of deferred maintenance so your home will show well when the time is right to list it for sale. It’s also a great time to re-finance. Our Asheville lender friends are very busy with re-finances. If you’re considering re-financing to take advantage of great interest rates, ask us for recommendations for local lenders.
If you’re considering buying, now is a good time to get pre-approved. Home sellers will only consider showing their home to or entering a contract with a buyer that they know can get a mortgage.
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