We are completing Week 2 of our new work-from-home routine. In the meantime, we’ve received a wealth of guidelines from the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors on how to conduct business during the coronavirus shutdown. Real-estate-related activities are not considered life-sustaining, according to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. Here are some key ways the near-shutdown impacts consumers.
Delayed Closings/Settlements
For buyers and sellers who are under contract or go under contract, PAR has issued a COVID-19 addendum that may be triggered depending on the details of the agreement of sale. Both buyer and seller must sign electronically that acknowledges the normal timeline for a closing may be interrupted and extended due to the pandemic. View the addendum here (PDF).
In addition, on March 27, a new temporary rule went into effect in Pennsylvania allowing remote online notarization of closing documents for transactions that were already in process as of March 6.
Can My Realtor Show My Property?
The following sales-related activities are not permitted as of March 19:
- Showings accompanied by agents
- Public and broker’s open houses
- Inspections
- Appraisals
- Repairs, unless emergency
- Photography/videography, interior and exterior
For additional information, please see these guidelines from PAR
Virtual Marketing & Meetings
Thanks to technology, we are able to generate interest and showcase properties on the market. For homeowners who wanted to list their homes this spring or summer, it’s time to rely on a realtor to help guide you on the market in your area, home prices and preparing your home for the market. Video chats and phone calls, 3D house tours and exchanges of electronic documents are our temporary means of working together.
Virtual Property Marketing
Know that we are continuing to market properties online and via social media, via video and 3D tours, blog posts and email marketing. Agents can still share properties with potential buyers. Here is a sample of 3D tours for current listings from Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty.
Virtual Open Houses
For those sellers who wish to participate in a virtual open house, contact your Kurfiss SIR agent and we will get you set up to do so while you stay safe in your home.
Property Video Walk-Throughs
We pride ourselves on very high standards for property photography and videography, and just as soon as we are permitted to, we will again send out professionals to shoot properties. In the meantime, Sotheby’s International Realty will provide special showcases for walk-through videos and virtual open houses. For those sellers who wish to submit a walk-through video to assist with marketing a property, please contact your Kurfiss SIR agent and we will provide our best tips on creating a brief video that we can then use on various marketing outlets.
Get Ready for the Market
If you have been considering listing your home this spring or summer, now is still the time to consult with a Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty agent. Through video chats and tours of your home, they can provide guidance on preparing your home for sale, send you comparable properties and market analyses (pre-coronavirus data) and create a dynamic marketing plan so that as soon as we are all able to safely conduct face-to-face business, we will get your home launched and professionally marketed.
If you have questions, please contact your Kurfiss SIR agent or the Kurfiss SIR office closest to you.
Bucks County Office: 215.794.3227
Philadelphia-Rittenhouse Square: 215.735.2225
Philadelphia-Chestnut Hill: 215.298.9415
The Main Line: 610.229.9011
Wishing you all a good weekend. Stay well.
Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty 