“Wow, Really? Realtors® are essential?”
I’ve been asked many times these past few weeks on how I will go about my business during these times. It is a time to adapt – no doubt about it. On Sunday, Real Estate Services was deemed an essential service.
No, I’m not in the cross-fires of being exposed to the virus due to saving lives but I feel a huge responsibility for those who need to dispose of or relocate for their well being.
Definition of “well being” : the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. I feel mental health is especially concerning during this time & I will do anything I can to alleviate the stresses to those who need to make hard life decisions to support their life – because for many, life as they knew it has (or will) change dramatically. “We need to adapt but stay healthy & happy while we endure & conquer!”
Consider this:
Client: We have been laid off in the past year. We have to sell or the bank will foreclose. Can you help me, Chas, I have 45 days to try and sell.
Client: Our child is suddenly ill and will be in Children’s Hospital for the foreseeable future, our family needs to move from High River to Northwest Calgary.
Client: Last year when laid off, I took a lesser paying job to make ends meet. Now My wife has been laid off. We NEED to sell. We can’t “hope” coronavirus is cured in 3 months because by then we will lose our home, our equity, and we will likely be bankrupt.
Client: I’ve already moved to Vancouver Island months ago on a job transfer & my family has stayed back until our Calgary home sells. We need to sell ASAP so that our family is reunited and our kids can register & attend their new school in September.
Client: We Must sell or we will lose our new build that will be ready in 30 days, and our life savings we used for the deposit.
Client: My pre-approval runs out in 30 days and my wife will be going on maternity leave in 4 months. If we don’t buy, we will lose our ability to purchase for another 2 years.
Client: My landlord is getting foreclosed on and we need to move. We see a home that meets all our needs, can you show it to us? We think it is the one that justifies the 43 homes you have shown us already.
Client: My parents health is deteriorating & we’ve made the decision to move across the country to spend these last years & hard times closer to them. Please help us sell as soon as possible so we can be closer to our family.
Client: Insert scenario of choice there are 1000 reasons why someone needs to buy or sell.
Unfortunately, we all know any bills, fees or mortgage payments that are temporarily deferred will eventually need to be paid. There will be thousands of people out of work or having to find new work, and thousands who have reevaluated their current property situation and may need to downsize and/or find a property that better suits their family needs. Do not underestimate the importance of HOME. Whatever and wherever that might be, there is no place like HOME and being with the people you love. “The choices we make today will pave the way for our future” Whether you like it or not, money will always play a factor in our lives and it’s up to you to make necessary choices that will pull you through hard times.
CIR and the Calgary & Alberta Real Estate boards have procedures in place during the pandemic that protect our clients when purchasing or selling a home. We can 100% adhere to the 2 meter social distancing rule & both buyers and seller’s have multiple options to feel as comfortable as possible during the process of their Real Estate transaction. I’ve included slides of the Seller’s Disclosure forms below as an example of only ONE of the precautionary measures we’ve implemented in our business. Open houses are NOT permitted as it is not easy controlling the distancing rules with individuals when there is “free reign” so to speak. There is much more to share with you – so please call me and let’s chat about your options.
I’ve also listed a few (of the many) things that can be done to minimize the risks when viewing properties:
Request health and recent travel information from potential sellers and their professionals before any showing to give the buyer an indication of any risk.
Request health and recent travel information from potential buyers and their professionals before any showing to give the buyer an indication of any risk.
Travel in separate vehicles to viewings to limit the amount of time spent in close proximity to each other.
Only show properties that the buyers are genuinely considering purchasing.
Take precautions during viewings, including wearing nitrile gloves or using alcoholbased, antimicrobial hand sanitizer, and not touching, doorknobs, cupboard hardware,light switches or other surfaces unless necessary.
If you feel you need to sell or purchase for your livelihood & well being, do not hesitate to give me a call. I am here for you, I’ve got your back & will do everything in my power to make you feel as comfortable & safe as possible. Let’s talk.
Your Friend & Realtor®,
Chas