Buying A Home During COVID-19

Buying a home in Tampa Bay during COVID-19 is different than it was before the pandemic, but don’t worry we’re here to help you successfully and safely navigate your real estate businesses during these challenging times, minimize the risk and keep your and our loved ones safe. We’re all in it together. We created this page to answer some of the most common questions about buying a home in Tampa Bay during COVID-19, help illustrate the real estate transaction process, and some of the things we do to keep you safe while looking for your dream home.

Can I still buy a home in Tampa Bay?

Absolutely! Our Tampa Bay market is still pretty strong and closings are happening every day.

Are real estate closings still happening?

Yes, real estate closings are still happening even under these new and unusual circumstances.

Can sellers have specific requirements for showing their property?

Yes. A seller generally has control over how their property is shown. This greatly depends on if the property is vacant or occupied. Most require property showings by appointment, in lieu of open houses, to reduce the number of persons in a property at any given time. Some of the things sellers may require are face masks or face coverings, gloves, Florida Realtors COVID-19 In-Person Access Acknowledgement form signed by the buyer before allowing access, etc.

Be considerate of the seller’s home. While many sellers will likely provide it, bring your own hand sanitizer and use it before and after you tour the home. You might also consider wearing disposable gloves for further safety.

What will you do to help me minimize risk and keep me safe during showings?

The list below is not an all inclusive list, but some of the things we do and recommend our seller clients do to keep everyone safe:

• The health and safety of our clients and homeowners is paramount. We use face masks and despicable gloves during showings and require buyers to wear face masks or covering for in person showings.
• All information is delivered electronically. We are discontinuing providing handouts or other types of paper promotional or informational materials until further notice.
• Offer Virtual Showings and video tours where available. We can walk you through the property “Live” via Skype, Zoom, Google Meet and other popular live video platforms, and tour you through the entire property and answer your questions as we go.
• For In-Person showings we advise our clients and consumers to schedule private individual showing appointments to visit a property with one of our Associates to avoid overlapping appointments.
• Touchless Showings – We will wear gloves and open the front door, cabinets, closets, window coverings, turn on lights, etc. so you don’t have to touch anything.
• VIRTUAL SHOWINGS are recommended for all parties who may be sick, show any signs of illness, or prefer not to personally visit a property.

How will I Make An Offer?

We will discuss the offer over the phone or virtually, whatever works for you better. Virtual option allows for a face-to-face meeting from the comfort of your home while screen sharing the offer so we can go over all the details together. We typically use Web conferencing services like Zoom or Google Meet. You can also sign everything electronically from your computer or phone.

Do I have to be present for closing?

You do not have to be. Most title companies will allow for mail away closings and have implemented their own safety procedures to ensure a safe and successful closing.

Health Guidance Information

The situation continues to evolve, so be sure to refer to the CDC’s website for up-to-date information and recommendations:

http://www.cdc.gov/covid19

Where our guidelines and procedures may become outdated or in conflict with new or updated government response and guidance for the health and safety of the general public, we advise all clients, consumers and real estate licensees to follow government guidelines. We may update or amend our procedures from time to time to comply with industry best practices, REALTOR Association guidelines, government regulations or guidelines, and recommendations from health experts including The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please don’t hesitate to call us at 727.902.0987 or 727.902.4059 if you have any questions at all. We are here for you during these very difficult times. Be safe and stay healthy!