Though things have certainly changed for realtors with the Greater Owensboro REALTOR Association since the COVID-19 pandemic, many have said they’re surprised by how good business has been.
Approaching home-buying from a more technological approach has been a transition for all those involved, but by limiting in-person interactions and keeping in contact with clients, realtors have been able to keep everyone safe without losing touch.
Some of the changes have even streamlined the process, according to GORA President Karen Gross.
“Instead of the seller doing [tours of homes], I’ve been doing them,” Gross said. “I’d go through and preview the house myself instead of dragging everyone out. If it looks of interest, I’ll go ahead and preview it for them.”
Gross is able to determine the level of interest from buyers based on a home’s preview before they take a walk-through of the space.
Though there was a little uncertainty for realtors in the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, clients have been very receptive to this new way of doing business, Gross said.
“It’s saving everyone time,” she said. “We want to be realistic with our buyers and sellers.”
When touring a home in-person, everyone who enters the space wears gloves and a mask. Everything is disinfected prior to tours, and homeowners are asked to leave all closet and bedroom doors open for the showing so that potential buyers and realtors don’t have to touch doorknobs.
Realtors are also using a variety of programs to create virtual tours that are as realistic and smooth as possible.
Though GORA doesn’t have their official March numbers yet, Gross said things are looking surprisingly good.
“Everyone needs a place to live, and everyone has an ideal time. It’s never the same for everyone,” she said.
Even offers and closings can be done electronically now. Gross said she talks to her clients over the phone and goes over the contract with them page by page so they don’t feel alone in the process.
So will these new methods change the future of real estate forever? Gross said she isn’t sure, but that it’s possible some of the changes will stick.
“I think people will be more open to it in the future,” she said. “It does help to preview a home before, but there’s no comparison to seeing it in person.”
Even during a pandemic, if someone is serious about buying a house, they’re going to go for it, Gross said. Most of the time, people aren’t working with realtors just to browse, she added.
One of the best things to come out of this situation for local realtors has been the sense of togetherness, even between different brokerages who normally might not work together.
“We know it’s a privilege to work with buyers and sellers,” Gross said. “We’re all trying to be innovative and share strategies with each other. We know how important our industry is to the economy.”
—–
Click here for all of our coronavirus coverage.
The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
