Tips for Selling Your Home in the Days of Social Distancing

Just a month or two ago it was a great time to sell a home. Home prices were generally high, unemployment was the lowest it’s been in 50 years and mortgage rates were at or near historic lows. Then COVID-19 and struck and social distancing become the norm. Can you still sell your home?

Admittedly, today may be a more challenging time to sell a home. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Here are some tips on selling your home in the current environment while keeping all parties as safe as possible.

• Be patient. It may take a bit longer to sell your home with today’s economic uncertainty. Some buyers may be temporarily sidelined if they are worried about their job security. However, it’s important to remember that lots of people are still working – they’re working from home and getting a paycheck. And, there are buyers who were on the fence who now see an opportunity to get a great new house at a very low interest rate.

• Call off open houses. Instead, have your real estate agent schedule showings one person or couple at a time. Your agent can maintain a safe distance from the prospective buyers, yet still keep an eye on things. Realtors discourage home sellers from being home during a showing even during normal times, so it’s best that you and your family go for a walk or take care of some essential errands.

• Take full advantage of online and video marketing. Technology has made it possible for prospective buyers to see and appreciate everything your home has to offer long before they set foot inside. Make sure online photos really showcase your home. Ask your agent to create an online video so prospective buyers can get familiar with each room. Your Inlanta mortgage advisor can create a great single property website for your Realtor to show off your home’s best features.

• Let people know your home is sanitized: It’s understandable that people are wary of entering a stranger’s home in this environment. That means you’ll have to take extra steps to assure prospective buyers – and your real estate agent – that your home is safe. Sanitize your home before it’s shown – and let prospective buyers know you did. Hire a professional cleaning service if you need to. Place hand sanitizers and wipes around your home for visitors’ safety – and your own.

• Think positive: Remember, mortgage rates are even lower now than before the crisis started, and there’s less competition among buyers. So this is actually a great time to buy. Many prospective homeowners don’t want that opportunity to slip by. Motivated buyers will figure out a way to make it happen!

Remember, if you’re selling your home so you can buy a new one, we can help.  Our mortgage advisors work remotely and are always in touch when borrowers need them – by phone, email, text, chat or whatever channel you prefer. Our underwriters, loan processors and closers also work remotely to make sure your deal gets done. And remember if looking for a new home, it’s important to have a preapproval to strengthen your buying power. Reach out to one of our expert mortgage advisors to learn more.