Now that Georgia is gradually opening back up, industries all over are trying to navigate new guidelines and rules, along with varying comfort levels people have with being out and about. This is the case for real estate agents as well, who are accustomed to taking a very personal approach to the services they provide. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, many aspects of life must go on, and people still need to both buy and sell houses. So, the way we shop for houses has to change to fit the current shelter-in-place world we live in. But how exactly does one hold an open house in such a scenario?
Multiple Agents on Site
If you visit an open house, don’t be surprised if you find one agent inside the home and another outside to direct you and answer questions. Limiting the number of people inside a house at any one time is necessary to comply with occupancy rules put in place by many municipalities. The agent posted outside will likely keep a count of how many potential buyers are inside at once, and may ask you to wait before viewing the home. In the meantime, they can answer any questions you may have about the home and area. Similarly, after you have viewed the home, you can expect to be ushered back outside for follow up questions and discussion.
Appointments and Party Limitations
While in most cases, prospective buyers who show up unannounced won’t be turned away, they may have to wait longer than those who schedule an appointment time during an open house. Many agents will be encouraging scheduling for open house events, with 15 minute time frames to walk around and view the home the norm. At a seller’s request, open houses could be transformed into appointment only events so that surprise visitors are turned away. Party sizes will also be limited. Rather than walking the entire family around their prospective new home, parties of only 1-2 household members are encouraged.
Protect and Sanitize
Masks are the norm in open houses now. Expect to see agents and other potential buyers wearing face coverings throughout the open house. You will likely also be asked to either wash your hands or make use of readily available hand sanitizer upon entering the home, and again as you leave. This is for your safety and rest assured, everyone else will be asked to do the same.
Technology to the Rescue
Agents and buyers alike will also be employing technology to assist with the open house process. Many sellers’ agents are now live streaming open house events, making a tour of the home and information session available to anyone who would like to log in at the appointed time. In other cases, a prospective buyer may send their agent to the open house in their place, employing FaceTime or other video call programs to view the house from the agent’s phone.
While open houses may be yet another thing that looks a little different during the Coronavirus pandemic, the show must go on and open houses will still be held. Just like with other industries, agents working in real estate are adapting their practices in order to provide their clients with the exceptional service they are accustomed to.