It’s been almost a month since The downtown Boston has been in lock down. The good news is that our collective efforts appear to be bending the curve. And talk with Boston Realtor circles is turning to how we should initially begin reopening real estate sales marker after the government lifts stay-in-place ban
We are currently unable to have open houses, broker tours, and most physical showings. Some Boston real estate agents are doing showings, but largely for vacant, condos (or in my case Beacon Hill apartments.) So what’s a safe, post-coronavirus strategy for Boston condos buyers and Beacon Hill apartment searchers to view properties while still maintaining their social distance and not spread the virus?
The ground rules for the Boston real estate market is that things will be anything but normal in the absence of a vaccine.
Until then, here are my recommendations for what will be the new normal in the foreseeable future:
Open Houses For Beacon Hill condos:
– By appointment so listing agent can control the number of people visiting the property and limit attendees to serious Boston condo buyers and agents.
– Buyers and sellers sign-in that they acknowledge the risks of physical showings during a pandemic.
– Buyers submit a current pre-approval letter/proof of funds from a lender to demonstrate that they are qualified to purchase before entering.
– Everyone wears face masks and disposable shoe covers, gloves ideal.
– Limit the number of people in the property at one time. Everyone will need to maintain a six-foot distance from one another, which should guide capacity.
– No touching appliances, doorknobs, etc without gloves on.
– Visitors waiting outside stay at least six feet apart.
Boston High Rise Condo buildings
– All of the above, plus agent needs condo association permission for open houses and showings.
– There should be a person opening the building door and escorting people to an elevator or staircase to reach the unit.
– Any movement within common areas (fitness centers, roof decks, etc) requires agent escort).
Beacon Hill Apartment Showings
– Agents and buyers should travel separately to a property (no carpooling).
– Agent opens up property, buyers enter separately and agent wipes down obvious touch points (doorknobs, light switches) with disinfectant, prior to locking up.
– Beacon Hill apartment real estate listing agent should schedule appointments to avoid multiple parties arriving simultaneously.
Boston real estate search
