Closing a real estate sale during a pandemic takes some creativity.

For many real estate agents across the state, it has meant using apps like Zoom and WhatsApp to guide buyers virtually through dozens of properties because open houses are not allowed. Potential buyers were able to view the homes without breaking quarantine or violating social distance protocols.

A family recently decided to buy a four-bedroom, 2,000 square feet home in Lakeside, which was on the market for $620,000. They did visit the property in person once, while wearing face masks, but avoided going in and out of dozens of houses because they had already done so over Zoom. After the visit, the family quickly entered into escrow on the home.

Video calling on FaceTime, Zoom and other applications have been used by real estate agents for years — especially in hot markets like San Diego where homes typically don’t stay on the market a long time. But, across the nation, it has become a necessity for selling homes during lockdowns.

Most states have deemed real estate agents essential workers because they fall under federal guidelines for economic security. However, open houses have been effectively banned because a large group of people could spread the virus. The fear of spreading coronavirus halted many open houses even before the California Association of Realtors told agents to stop.

Another way agents are reaching potential buyers is through virtual open houses. Unlike a typical showing, a virtual open house allows agents to create a sort of party atmosphere that one might expect at a real open house.

Established technology-heavy real estate operations have seen major increases in video tours. Agent-led video home tours were up almost 500 percent last week.

A showing between an agent and a buyer is still allowed in California as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.

Source: SDuniontribune by Phillip Molnar