How are Realtors adjusting to COVID19?

A: Let’s face it, we’ve all had to adjust to a world with COVID19. Buyers have always started their search online, but now they are getting used to doing drivebys and virtual tours before signing a waiver to access a vacant home. Some are even writing offers site unseen. Most buyers are also getting reapproved by their lender as reserve amounts are increasing.

Some sellers are no longer sellers, while other sellers are learning to become more patient with the process. Sellers who still live in their home are frustrated at a standstill while shelterinplace orders prevent showing an occupied home.

In regards to agents adjusting, I think it’s sink or swim. I am seeing a larger contrast of agent quality. For example, Susan and I are providing professional 3D virtual tours and 4K videos on all of our listings. One of our listings even received multiple offers three weeks into quarantine — 331blackfield.com. I have been watching many other agents take far less professional approaches — such as making video tours themselves on iPhone, uploading them to YouTube, and fumbling their way through a slapped together email.

While I applaud creativity in a time of hardship, I believe sellers will seek out techsavvy agents who aren’t afraid to invest more than ever to represent their interests in the selling process.

C.J. Nakagawa, Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty, 4154072151,

sf2marin@gmail.com.

A: Buyers, sellers, and real estate agents are navigating the delicate balance between wanting to do business while ensuring everyone stays safe and complies with local and state ordinances.

Many sellers have delayed listing their homes because they can’t be safely shown while the sellers are in residence and/or staging and preparation has gotten delayed.

Sellers with vacant homes ready to show are eager as they sense the timeline for selling during this period will be much slower.

Buyers are being more selective about the homes they pursue given the listings must be vacant and buyers need to complete liability forms and submit financial documentation to demonstrate they are able to purchase prior to showing. There are more hoops to jump through to schedule an inperson showing to ensure they are for serious parties only. Buyers are adjusting to the market’s slower pace and there isn’t the usual pressure regarding timing to view and submit an offer for a home.

Natalie Kitchen, Compass, 4156524628, natalie@teamhatvany.com.

A: Like many other small businesses, the coronavirus is pushing us to adjust and improve our process to help our clients navigate the changing market.

When shelterinplace first went into effect, home showings were deemed nonessential and were not allowed. To adjust, we included a virtual walkthrough to our home marketing plan, along with photographs and a video tour.

Using a 3D camera we can capture every surface of the home, allowing potential buyers to tour the property without having to step inside. Even though showings have now been deemed essential, the 3D home tour is a great way to help a buyer decide whether to take the next step and walk through inperson.

For a more indepth look at how coronavirus has impacted home values and changed the buying and selling process visit our latest blog article at www.RatooshGroup.com/blog.