Adapting to a Changing Real Estate World

Everyone in the real estate industry has had to shift and change in many ways since COVID-19 came into our lives. I was recently interviewed about how I've been adapting, and I wanted to share my answers to a few questions that get to the heart of the matter:

How has your business changed?
For the first week or so after Harris County's "Stay Home, Work Safe" order went into effect, my business seemed to change every day. Thankfully, our broker meets with us all via Zoom every day so we are up on what the government is planning, what lenders are doing, safety guidelines, and could hear what other realtors were experiencing. It was a great way to troubleshoot and stay informed and feel connected since we couldn’t meet in person.

I’m using the same technology, but using it more often. I’ve done virtual open houses and showings before so that is not new, but they will probably become the norm.

What are your primary concerns?
My primary concern is to make sure my clients are safe and secure not only with regards to health concerns but from a business standpoint as well. I’ve had individual, candid conversations with selling and buying clients, hearing what they are feeling and coming up with a solution tailored to their situation. Similar to what I did before but with that added layer of health and safety.

What are your priorities?
With buyers, I’m prioritizing people who HAVE to move now or fairly soon. Since limiting exposure is the key right now, we have more virtual meetings or phone calls rather than face to face meetings. I try to vet homes in more detail before showings so that the buyer pretty much knows everything there is to know about that home, will probably make an offer on it, but they just need to see it. We have a safety protocol to follow as well. That includes gloves, booties, wipes, sanitizing hand gel for everyone going to see the home.

I tend to take only vacant listings right now. The risk to all parties involved it too great no matter how many doorknobs and light switches you wipe down.

People are still buying and selling homes, but they are usually people who must move and don’t have the option to wait.

How have you been personally affected?
I am so moved by and grateful for the generosity and creativity I have seen in the past month from neighbors, friends, colleagues and clients. To steal a phrase from Angela Blanchard: David and I won the human being lottery. We are getting paid to work. We are well. We have a home and are not starving or short on toilet paper.

If there is anything I can do for you, please reach out.