Though we find ourselves in uncertain, often strange times, we want to assure you that we’re adapting and doing everything we can to not only keep your house hunt or home sale going, but to keep you, your family, and all parties involved safe and healthy.
How we’re showing houses right now
In this time of social distancing and non-essential business closures, we’re using several careful procedures, as well as some great technology to continue to help you sell or buy a home.
Virtual tours and open houses
At this time, gatherings of more than 10 people are essentially prohibited by the government, so we’re conducting virtual open houses and home tours using photo and video technology like Facebook Live. This way, there is still a set time for many people to view a home without coming into close contact with one another, keeping sellers, buyers, and real estate agents safe.
Limited in-person viewings
If you’re looking for a home, Gino will go through all the options with you in a virtual space, either through video tours or extensive photos. While we are currently not allowed to go view multiple homes in the traditional sense, we can narrow down the options to one home and then take the necessary precautions before physically visiting that property.
Strict due diligence is conducted to ensure that no member of the sellers’ family is feeling ill in any way, no member of the buying part or the real estate agent is showing signs of illness, and that all occupants of the home or property are out while prospective buyers are viewing. There are also mandatory declaration forms that all parties must sign that confirm that they are healthy and well, and in-person appointments can only take place once the listing agent receives these forms.
While we’ll work together in a virtual capacity as much as possible during the purchase or sale of your home (while COVID-19-related orders are in place from the government), we understand that it’s difficult to make such a large purchase without first physically seeing the property, so we’ll do everything we can to help you narrow down your choices in order to minimize risk, and we’ll of course observe the two-metre social distancing recommendation during the entire visit.
COVID-19 precautions: It’s all in the details
The Gino Cipriano Team believes strongly in taking the time to go over the finer details, so we have some practices we’re adhering to in order to mitigate any risk during these challenging times.
- Limit physical showings to only those whose name will appear on the offer. Friends and family should remain at home.
- Practice social distancing throughout the entire visit and buying/selling process.
- Do not share personal items like phones, laptops, or tablets.
- No handshakes. Though it’s traditional, a friendly smile will do!
- Request that the seller open all interior doors (including closets) and leave all lights on to reduce the need to touch surfaces.
- Follow established hand sanitizing guidelines immediately prior to and after the showing.
- Put your hands in your pockets the whole time you’re viewing a home! This will help stop the natural urge to touch surfaces.
- Please notify the Gino Cipriano team if you become ill at any point after the showing.
All exterior door handles, lock boxes, and keys will also be sanitized using alcohol-based sanitizer in order to disinfect and thoroughly and effectively as possible.
Are homes in Winnipeg selling right now?
If you’re worried about whether or not you should be selling your home right now, you may be happy to know that many, many homes have been sold in Winnipeg since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak.
In March 2020 alone, 525 residential houses were sold in Winnipeg, along with 99 condos. So yes, people are still buying homes right now. They’re just doing so with all of the necessary caution that goes into keeping all of us safe and healthy, using the above procedures and practices.
Questions?
If you have any questions about how COVID-19 might affect the sale of your home or you’re looking to buy but aren’t sure where to start, call or text Gino at 204-955-5853. He’ll walk you through the process and put your mind at ease, while helping you find the home that best fits your lifestyle or to sell your home for the best possible price.