We wanted to take a minute to let you know how we are handling the current recommendations from our community leaders with regard to our business here in the Athens and surrounding areas.
First, please know that we take this very seriously, but we also understand that sometimes you do not have a choice when it comes to the timing of your move. Job changes and transfers often make it impossible to time things ‘perfectly’, and I am sure we can all agree that right now, things are less than perfect. However, real estate is considered an essential service, so we are continuing to serve our clients.
Here are a few of the things we are implementing going forward.
For our sellers:
Wendy is our professional photographer. We do not outsource or use someone we do not know. If you prefer to not be home when she photographs your home, that is perfectly fine. While she is there, she can shoot a video tour as well, one that we can send to buyers when they request more information. It will be narrated with the highlights and features of your home as if she were showing it to a prospective buyer. If you would like to submit features, favorite things or any additional info about your home (memories and such) please do!
If you prefer to have one of us present when your house is shown so that we can log who is walking through your home, and ask them relevant questions regarding any symptoms, we will do our best to accommodate that as well. We will provide foot covers and Lysol wipes to people entering and exiting your home.
For our buyers:
Most of us rarely drive clients to and from homes anymore, but we will no longer be officially driving our clients. We will meet you at the properties you want to see. We will provide booties and Lysol wipes before and after entering a home if you would like them, and of course if the seller requests them. We can also offer a virtual showing via Facetime, Skype, Duo, WhatsApp and Zoom if you would rather.
Closings are currently still happening as scheduled but we do ask that if you need special accommodations, you let us know in advance so that we can make arrangements. Attorneys are doing everything they can to minimize risk and exposure-keeping buyers and sellers in separate areas, limiting the number of people in the office and disinfecting in between each appointment. You are welcome to bring your own pen, but if you do please make sure it is blue ink.
Between us, we have a combined 40 years of experience in real estate, marketing and sales. Wendy spent several years as a Cartus certified relocation agent working with military families moving from all over. Many of my clients are professors and investors, most of whom conduct the whole buying process from out of state. So in all honesty, we have been doing virtual showings and live tours for years. We are more than happy to continue to adapt as our clients need us to in light of the recent recommendations.
Please let us know if you need to utilize any of these services. We are happy to provide them.