As realtors, one of the most popular questions we’re being asked is what we’re doing to sell homes safely during this time. Success in this market requires the ability to adapt to constant changes and creativity in marketing properties and reaching buyers. To address this, we created the 3 S’s of Safe and Successful Real Estate Sales During COVID. The 3 S’s are Students and Educators, Safety Protocols, and Strategic Marketing.
Students & Educators:
I am a lifelong student and have always made it a priority to keep up to date with the news that could affect the real estate market. I read information from the Honolulu Board of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and other Realtor organizations. This informs me about the real estate market here in Hawaii, and what’s happening across the country. It’s my job to help you understand what’s really going on. I’m staying ahead of the trends and educating my clients.
There is a lot of information out there about what’s happening with the virus and what’s going on in the real estate market. Some headlines can make things seem scary and persuade people away from buying or selling right now. While there was a dip in the market early on, activity has been increasing in line with reopening of the state. Additionally, the historically low interest rates, along with reduced inventory, have created a strong demand for properties from potential buyers.
Safety Protocols:
Safety is the top priority for all of us right now. The Honolulu Board of Realtors is requiring agencies to have safety policies for showing listings. As part of our team’s, our requirements include:
- Open houses limited to 10 people or less; separate groups must physically distance
- Any showings, inspections, etc. by appointment only
- Masks and gloves, if available; hand sanitizer otherwise
- Limit of 3 people per showing, including the agent
- Staying 6 feet apart
- Removal of shoes
- No touching anything in the home
- And of course, no visitors showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and must inform agent if they’ve traveled, or been in contact with anyone who is sick or quarantined
Strategic Marketing:
A great deal of research has been going into understanding the best marketing plans for these times. Our marketing department is compiling innovative ideas from a variety of sources and we’re talking to other agents to find out what’s working best for their clients. We are exploring new channels to reach potential buyers, as well as expanding our presence in established marketing areas and networks.
Students and Educators, Safety Protocols, and Strategic Marketing combine to create satisfied, successful clients. One of our clients who recently closed on her new home and wrote us a wonderful testimonial.
“Achieving a dream in the time of Coronavirus: While selling a house and purchasing another is never an easy endeavor, I ended up doing just that during the Coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to Caron and her team, we were able to sell my property relatively easily…but that was before the virus hit. I had my heart set up a particular property to purchase, in a specific area, and that was the challenging part. It took a while for the perfect place to come on the market, and the waiting was very stressful for me. And just as the pandemic hit, the place I had been waiting for became available. Caron helped me through the offer/counteroffer process, and in the space of just a few days, my offer was accepted. I was thrilled. Despite the challenges of the shutdown, Caron helped me every step of the way; whether working with my loan officer, contacting various people and services to help with my move, or helping with the many other details involved in purchasing a home, Caron and her staff were always available. Despite the situation with the virus, my entire purchase went through flawlessly. This purchase marks the fifth real estate transaction I have conducted with Caron. She helped me buy my first property in Hawaii Kai, then helped me sell that when I purchases the house I just sold. And now she has helped me into another home perfectly suited for me. She was instrumental in making my dream come true, despite the challenges of the day. If you are considering a real estate transaction during these difficult days, rest assured that Caron and her team will handle your transaction with the utmost care and professionalism.” – C. L.
