After hearing from many of our clients over the last month, it is clear that the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we all do business—today and in the foreseeable future.
The good news is that for most pending contracts, clients across the country tell us that closings are still happening as planned. We are hearing stories of remote closings signed via e-signatures, FaceTime notaries, and even “drive-thru” closings to successfully complete transactions. The entire real estate community is pulling together to get through this crisis.
Our clients are taking the initiative, reaching out to their past clients to check in and see how they are doing during the crisis and providing an encouraging word. They are calling neighbors to see how they can help in this time of need. Networking in times like these, using Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, NextDoor, etc. is even more crucial than ever to stay in touch as well as meet new people.
There is plenty of time now to focus on projects that have been put off for months. This is an ideal time to do “spring cleaning” of your contact lists and websites. It’s also a perfect opportunity to update social media channels and add new content to websites to improve organic search traffic. Part of your cleanup should be a refresh of your online bios. Checking Zillow, realtor.com, LinkedIn and local Real Estate Board profiles could be surprising if you haven’t updated in a while. Is the information about you still valid? Make sure that your profile is current on your company’s website. If you’d like a good test to assess your public face, google your name + real estate agent. Remember: What you see is what your potential clients see.
Right now, agents need to be working with their sellers to get their houses ready to show in preparation for the economic rebound. Emailing helpful tips about prepping a house for listing, with suggestions for specific home improvement or repair projects may be useful and welcome information. Give your sellers guidance and timelines, including your usual staging and decluttering advice. Whether viewings are in person or virtual, houses must be in show-ready condition.
On the flip side, for potential buyers, coach and advise by asking questions now about price range, preferred school districts and neighborhoods. With the extremely low mortgage rates we’re seeing, some potential buyers might be ready to start looking virtually now, with thoughts of moving prior to the next school year. When they are ready to venture out and look in person, you will have things already lined up for them.
Real estate agents are a crucial part of driving our economy and continue to amaze us with the ways they adapt to this changing real estate environment. We communicate with our clients regularly to hear the latest from their markets and neighborhoods across the country and will continue to share their thoughts.
