If we traveled back in time a mere 45 days, few among us in the real estate business could have accurately predicted how quickly the novel coronavirus would impact the real estate industry. From social distancing recommendations to a statewide lock down with no end in sight, agents, buyers, and sellers throughout the Philadelphia region have had to adapt quickly. While the National Association of Realtors in Pennsylvania have publicly appealed for real estate services to be re-classified as an essential business, there are still some ways that homeowners and agents can make transactions happen.

Our friends from CT Homes have share some of the ways business is getting done in the age in COVID-19.

1. Virtual Showings

Over the past year many real estate agents have slowly shifted to how they preview and show their listings. In an effort to maximize their time they have started producing property preview videos. With these they can either send through email on demand or place on their website for public viewings. Doing this in the midst of a crisis isn’t much of an adjustment at all. The biggest difference is where the videos are coming from. Instead of outsourcing to a professional company many are doing it themselves or relying on the video skills of the homeowner. With enough quality video the footage could be sent to a videographer who may add music, lighting or other effects to give it the finishing touch. A two minute virtual showing often gives a prospective buyer all the need to decide if they want to pursue. Instead of open houses or MLS exposure you can drum up interest in your property through a quality virtual showing.

2. Leveraging Technology

Technology is constantly changing. It wasn’t that long ago that eFax was considered a game changer and scanning a document from your phone was a break through. Today some of the biggest deals are done with one party at a coffee shop or in flip flops from a beach house. As a seller you can leverage technology to perform almost all of the tasks involved in the transaction. On the most basic level you and your real estate agent can use Facetime or Zoom to iron out a negotiation or contract detail, instead of simply texting or emailing. When you have an executed contract your attorney can use e-signatures from a scan or fax, instead of having to meet in person. Real estate agents, attorneys and even lenders have quickly adapted to new closing guidelines and procedures. You may be able to sign every document, form and addendum you need to without leaving your home office.

3. Creative Marketing

In a traditional real estate transaction initial interested is usually derived from an alert on the MLS. From there a real estate agent springs into action and the process is started. In this current environment, instead of solely relying on the MLS, word of mouth or interoffice networks real estate agents are becoming more creative. The most common starting point is social media. With people working from home there has been an uptick on social media traffic. Real estate agents are using this to get organic interest in their listings. A video tour of the property coupled with a dedicated website with all pertinent information, facts and data is a great way to find the right buyer in this market. There are also email or text alerts to fellow agents, investors, attorneys and mortgage brokers. Simply put, if you list your home there is a good chance that marketing and exposure will not be an issue.

4. Virtual Staging

Don’t think that you missed your window to sell because you weren’t able to get your property staged. There are a handful of programs and apps that give you the ability to virtually stage your property. In fact, this may actually be more appealing to buyers because you can give them multiple options. With traditional staging you have one chance to make an impression. If what you and your real estate agent come up with doesn’t work you are out time and money. Virtual staging allows the buyer to play around with what they like for them and see the property through that lens. There are plenty of skilled computer and tech people who would love to give you some property ideas. Virtual staging will never replace the real thing but it shouldn’t be something that holds you back from presenting your property in the best possible light.

Currently, to comply with Governor Tom Wolf’s stay-at-home order, no in-person real estate transacting may take place. For more information, resources, and up-to-date information, visit https://www.parealtors.org/coronavirus/.

We are still buying houses.

For a virtual consultation and a cash offer on your property, call us at 267-435-9999.