5 things about home shopping during COVID-19

Real estate has been deemed as essential business since shelter-in-place and showing activities have been allowed since March. To ensure social distancing and other safety measurements during this health crisis, the in-person public open-house and walk-in showings are still forbidden. Here are 5 things you need to know when buying a home during COVID-19.

1. Most real estate transaction related documents can be delivered electronically and signed digitally. DocuSign is commonly used for e-signature. If you don't want to create digital signature, you can use CamScanner phone app. to snap a picture of signed physical document and the picture will then be converted to a pdf. document.

2. Same as above, all information and marketing materials can be delivered electronically. When the agent wants to give you flyer, brochure, or business cards, ask them to send it to you electronically. Or simply take a photo of these materials.

3. Attend virtual tour or virtual open house as much as you can before you decide on entering the property in person. This eliminates your exposure to virus.

4. Before entering any property, visitors all need to review and sign a document called Property Entry Advisory and Declaration (PEAD) with Mandatory Government Showing Requirements including Best Practices Guidelines and Prevention Plan (BPPP). Loads of good information there, so don't just sign it, take a close scan.

5. Buyers, make sure to practice social distancing when you are in the property, clean your hands before and after entering the property, wear face covering, and most importantly don't touch any surface including knobs, faucet, and take any physical materials from the property; let your agent open the doors and turn on lights for you. Sellers, listing agent is ultimately responsible to ensure the property is disinfected before and after each showing. This is a conversation worth having with your listing agent if the agent hasn't brought up the topic at all.

#covid19 #buyhome #ownhome #sellhome #realestate #buyingahome #minhua_gu