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Real Estate & COVID-19: What We’re Doing to Ensure Your Safety

05.12.2020 | Real Estate Market

As Ontario’s economy slowly reopens, many Torontonians are wondering what the coming weeks have in store. While there’s reason to feel hopeful, it’s also important to stay vigilant about social distancing efforts as we continue to flatten the curve.

During this unprecedented time, we at the Christensen Real Estate Group want to keep our friends, neighbours, and those within our networks informed about the precautions we’re taking. We’re part of your community, and we want to assure you that as we conduct business, public health and safety are at the forefront of our minds.

Here are some of the changes we’ve made in response to the ongoing pandemic…

Digital communications

A simple cough, sneeze, or handshake can spread Human Coronavirus, which is why health authorities have been advising us to engage in social distancing. That means staying home, and keeping two meters away from other people when you have to venture outdoors. Under these guidelines, in-person real estate interactions are out of the question. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

From your initial consultation with an agent right up until closing, you can take each step of the buying or selling process from home. Digital technology can connect you face-to-face with the other parties involved in your transaction, ensuring that everyone is up to speed. We use Zoom for video conferencing, because it’s free, it provides high-quality video, and it’s easy for our clients to use.

Traditionally, much of the paperwork required for a home purchase or sale tends to be completed in person. We are currently using DocuSign, a simple tool for signing documents electronically, to eliminate the risk of meeting in person.

The truth is, we’re just as committed to helping our clients make informed decisions now as we’ve ever been. For the moment we’re using technology to do that at a distance.

Virtual showings

The potential for COVID-19 transmission has made both buyers and sellers wary of home tours—and there’s good reason for that. While you can never be too careful at a time like this, there are ways to greatly reduce any potential risk associated with the process.

It starts with technology that allows sellers to virtually stage, show, and help home hunters get familiar with their property. These steps help separate the serious buyers from those who would likely conclude that the home in question isn’t right for them after viewing it in person. If you’re a seller, that means having fewer home hunters pass through your living space. If you’re a buyer, it means making one less unnecessary trip outside.

At the Christensen Real Estate Group, we use virtual-staging software to help sellers make their properties shine. From there, Matterport enables 3D tours, which give buyers a better sense of what a home is really like. Combined with floor plans that give home hunters the lay of the land, these tools limit traditional showings to when they’re absolutely necessary.

In-person safety precautions

There are times when a potential buyer needs to see a property before they’ll seriously consider purchasing it. When this situation arises, safety precautions need to be taken to reduce the risk to all involved. To start with, that means limiting attendees to those who will actually be purchasing the home.

For the safety of our clients—and the community at large—the Christensen Real Estate Group ensures that everyone who takes part in a home showing makes an informed decision. For both buyers and sellers, part of the process is signing consent and declaration forms that delve into possible COVID-19-related risks.

To minimize potential hazards, we also take steps to disinfect frequently-touched surfaces in homes when appropriate. We advise buyers on how to behave when inside of a property to avoid potential contamination, and offer hand-sanitizing products to further reduce the risk.

When it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19, the time for action is now. You can count on us to uphold the highest level of responsibility in our day-to-day interactions. Whenever we do business, we’ll take concrete steps to safeguard our clients—and our community.

For over 36 years, our clients have trusted us to minimize risk, offer unbiased opinions, and ensure their best interests are served. Contact us today to talk about your needs, by emailing us at evan@christensengroup.ca or calling us at 416-441-2888 ext. 772.

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