Real Estate & COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, despite being considered an essential service, real estate is not business as usual. Below we have answered some frequently asked questions regarding how we are working during this time. Remember, please stay safe and reach out if you need anything.

Are realtors still working?

Yes, real estate was deemed an essential service and we are still able to work. However, the way we conduct our business has been impacted. Offices are closed, and we are working remotely from home.

In order to maintain physical distancing some procedures have changed. All contracts are signed online via DocuSign. Virtual or live video-chat tours are available in place of showings. All meetings, negotiations, and offer presentations will be conducted over the phone or video chat.

Can I sell my house?

Yes, you can list your house right now. However, we do not recommend listing your house unless you need to. To prepare a house for sale, we do need to enter the house, as well as professional photographers, and potentially a buyer’s agent. As the government has mandated social distancing and isolation, for everyone’s protection, we recommend listing once these measures have been lifted.

If you are interested in selling your home in the future, now is a great time to prepare. We can arrange a video chat or phone call to get started! Use your time at home to make minor cosmetic changes (if you are able) like painting, and de-cluttering. The more prepared you are now, the quicker we can list your home when the measures are lifted.

My house is listed, should I suspend or cancel my listing?

If your house is already listed, and you are comfortable with it, we do not recommend suspending your listing. It does not cost anything to you, the client to keep the house listed - you never know when you may attract the buyer for your home. Everyone is online now, more than ever - we’ll make sure they see your listing online!

If your house is listed, you do not have to allow in person showings. Showings can be conducted via video-chat tours, and offers can be made over the phone, and contracts signed via DocuSign.

Your health should be your main priority, do what is best for your safety and the safety of others.

Can I buy a house?

You are able to buy a house, however all business will be conducted online. Showings of houses will be conducted via virtual tours, or live video chat tours of the property. Offers will be presented via phone call or video-chat, and contracts will be signed via DocuSign. Property inspections will be conducted with only the inspector present (you will not be permitted to attend the inspection), and results shared with you via phone call or video-chat. There may be instances where in person showings are allowed (example: a vacant home).

If you have been recently laid off due to COVID-19, keep in mind this may affect your mortgage approval. Before buying a house, make sure to get pre-approved, and know what you can afford.

If you are planning on buying a house in the near future, you can start the process now. Contact a mortgage broker, or lender and find out how much you qualify for. We can set you up on The Sawatsky Search, an automated search based on your criteria (location, price, number of bedrooms etc). Every time a house matching this criteria is listed you will be emailed the listing where you can view pictures, virtual tours (if available) and details about the house. See what’s out there!

I sold my house, will it close?

Real estate services were deemed essential for this very reason, to make sure properties that were sold are still able to close. Services involved in the real estate transaction like realtors, banks, lawyers, and the land registry office are all essential services and still able to work in order to close on your property.

However this is not a guarantee, in any real estate transaction there are a number of factors that can result in a property not closing, for example a buyer’s financing not coming through due to the bank appraising the house for less than the amount purchased.

Be prepared for your house to close, if there are any issues your realtors and/or lawyers will be there to guide you.

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If you have any other questions, please reach out! We will update this page as the situation changes.

And please, if you need any help right now, know we are here for you and want to help you in any way we can.

Stay safe, and stay in touch!