Boston Real Estate for Sale
Searching for Boston condos for sale during COVID-19 is a little different from your typical day-to-day Boston downtown condo hunting. It includes a lot more technology and it certainly requires you to have a downtown Boston real estate agent that knows the market and who you trust. While this may seem like an unnatural time to buy and sell a Boston real estate, you might be surprised to know that the real estate market is holding strong. With areas like Beacon Hill and Boston Seaport being desirable places to live, work, and play, the low-interest rates and real estate is deemed an essential service, there are still people actively looking in creative ways
Here are a few changes and ideas that can help you be prepared when it comes to looking for a house during COVID-19.
Start Your Real Estate Search Online
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock lately, you have noticed there are lots of places you can go online to start your search for a new house. With many apps, websites (such as ours!), social media channels like Instagram, and individual realtor websites, there is no shortage of information. Narrow down your search here, and see what is out there in terms of finding a home – all while staying in touch with your realtor. You never know what information they may have, like a house that isn’t on the market yet but they know would suit your needs and budget!
Watch a Virtual Tour with your Realtor
Just because you may be in quarantine doesn’t mean you can’t get a great feel of what the condominium is like, virtually speaking. Many Beacon Hill and Seaport properties will include this virtual tour, or virtual video walkthrough link on their web listing.
FaceTime Real Estate Showings
Alternatively, if you are still interested in a property after the Virtual Tour you took while chatting to your realtor, why not ask them to go view it for you and take you on a more personal tour via FaceTime? That way they can FaceTime you themselves and help answer and describe anything you may want to know while eliminating the number of people in the house, and staying within the physical distancing perimeters. During these unprecedented times, realtors are being flexible in this area so don’t be afraid to ask what your options are if you really do want to see a house in person.
Changes During a Physical Showing
During the pandemic, there has been an update to the showing protocols to ensure that both buyers and sellers feel safe. This means that if physical showings are allowed, agents and buyers may have to travel in separate vehicles to the property, wear personal protection equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves, and use hand sanitizer, wipes and cleaning products before and after each show. Touching of anything during the walkthrough will be limited, if not politely asked for you to refrain. You may also be asked to fill out a form that asks you health questions and is signed by all parties of the showing before you enter the property.
Allow More Time for Communication
As with any other business sector, the real estate world is experiencing a lot of changes in the way business is being conducted since the start of COVID-19. That means everyone is working from home, and relying a lot more on technology – not only between agents and clients but between the buying and selling realtors as well. This goes hand in hand with any other aspect of purchasing a house, such as lawyers, banks, and home inspectors. Allow yourself lots of time, and stay in communication with your realtor so you are on the same page.
