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One post I read this week summarized it nicely. “This past week has been the longest year of our lives.”
It is not business as usual in the real estate sector insofar as it isn’t business as usual in any sector anywhere in the world right now. Here in Toronto the real estate industry is still operating (as of this writing, March 18th) through this global pandemic. Why? Likely because housing is an essential service at the end of the day, and likely because people need a roof over their head. In addition, many look to real estate or gold in uncertain times as an investment, which our rock bottom interest rates are attracting. To support our buyer and seller and investor and tenant clients, I want you to know that I am here for you and that collectively we have rallied as an industry to do this as safely as possible.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE LAST WEEK: My brokerage, Sage Real Estate, as well as our real estate lawyer and mortgage broker partners have been phenomenal through this. Our brokerage pooled over 100 of us for feedback on what has been going on in the past 4 days. Some listings are getting no activity. Others at accessible price points are still receiving many showings and multiple offers. If you want a summary of the feedback as well as my notes, please email me.
FOR MY SELLER CLIENTS: You will see a new listing pop up from me this week. It’s a beautiful property that we took an abundance amount of care preparing for market. We have had it professionally cleaned with strict instructions on entry protocol, allow no double-bookings, no public open houses and de-sanitize door knobs regularly. If an agent books a showing on it, they and buyers will be pre-screened using the government guideline questions on your state of health. We offer a greater multi-media package than even a week ago, so if buyers would not like to attend, they can view the property via a 3D tour where they can “walk virtually” through the home. This is in addition to a portfolio of photos and video so you can see every angle from the comfort of home. Offer presentations will be strictly by email using Zoom video conferencing and electronic signatures (which have been legally binding and in almost exclusive use for several years now). We even have new clauses from our brokerage and lawyer partners for the schedules to agreements of sale for your protection in the event there are changes in the industry outside of your control as the weeks and months go on.
FOR MY BUYER CLIENTS: Many buyers are still buying and our mortgage and lawyer partners are still helping to execute and close them. Buyer showings can be orchestrated in small groups following the strict social distancing recommendations, or we can preview the showings on our own for you via FaceTime live or video recording. In the event that I am personally unable to show you a property, I will arrange a healthy agent in my office to show you the property, and connect with you via Zoom video conferencing afterwards for feedback, comparables and offer strategy electronically (should you wish to offer)
FOR THOSE WITH SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING IN THIS NEW AGE: To support social distancing I will be conducting my regular buyer meet and greets or listing presentations using Zoom video conferencing. And I am open for questions any time via phone or email.
SUPPORTING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY: We are all in this together. If you are in need of anything and don’t have the support you need, please reach out. If there is a silver lining in all this, it’s in how we are growing together as a global and local community. I’ve got you. xx Karyn |
How I Am Operating Through COVID-19 To Support You
