By Ian Gerow
Before engaging in any real estate-related activities, I recommend that you read and understand the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to protect yourself. If in-person activities are required (electronically is preferred) and/or you are unable to follow through with the recommendations, I’ve put together a few things that may help you and your family stay safe during these difficult times. By no means does following these practices ensure your health and safety. Every time you go out in public, you are at risk of coming in contact with COVID19.
Amid COVID19 Pandemic Outbreak:
*All activities should be completed electronically, if possible.
*Always check to see if a 3D video or virtual showing is an option.
*If in-person showing is required, always meet your agent at the property, rather than riding in the same car to minimize risk.
*Ask that seller have every light in the house on, drapes and blinds be open and that every door in the interior be open.
*If home is vacant, ask that your agent go inside alone to ensure these tasks are are taken care of before you enter the property.
*Before entering or viewing a property, ask everyone involved, if they have been sick with the cold or flu, have or had a sore throat, fever, cough, shortness of breath or exhibited other COVID-19 symptoms, or been in contact with individuals that have or had experienced COVID-19 symptoms. If they answer yes, refrain from entering or viewing that property for a minimum of 14 days.
*Only a single agent and no more than two other individuals should enter a home at the same time. Take turns if necessary and always practice social distancing guidelines.
*If the size of the home makes it difficult to practice social distancing, make adjustments so that only a single agent and only one individual enters property at a time.
*If seller must remain on the property, ask that seller wait outside.
*When entering and exiting a house, always make sure to wear a mask, gloves, goggles, shoe covers and always use sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water or a minimum of 20 seconds.
*Once inside the property, always refrain from touching any surface.
*Once you have viewed the property, leave immediately.
*If a conversation with your agent, is needed, do so over the phone.
*When writing an offer, take advantage of an electronic signature service.
*Once an offer has been accepted, take advantage of electronic title/escrow service to open a new escrow.
*Once in contract, ask your agent to arrange for natural hazard reports, appraisal, inspections, and if necessary a quote from a contractor to be done and have those reports sent to you via email.
*Signing day, if at all possible try and sign electronically, if in-person is required, ask that drive thru service be available.
For any real estate questions, contact me:
Ian Gerow, 916.936.5056. igerow@jasonmitchellgroup.com
Our trusted partners with electronic real estate services available:
*Electronic Title/Escrow services
Amrock Title, 888.848.5355
*Mortgage/Lenders
Rocket Homes, 800.494.1855
Quicken Loans, 800.863.4332
New American Funding, 800.450.2010
Cardinal Financial, 855.561.4944
*Real Estate Agents
Jason Mitchell Real Estate, 480.522.1030
