How to Show a Property to a Perspective Buyer or Tenant

During this time of quarantine, life goes on. People have situations that they still need our services as real estate agents or investors.

If you are going to show a property use these precautions.

Prepare for the showing. Bring your Clorox/Lysol wipes with you. If you do not have wipes, get a plastic zip lock like bag with folded paper towels that you have sprinkled with alcohol 71%+. Bring an extra zip lock like bag to dispose your used wipes. Bring your hand sanitizer.

I think we should only be showing vacant properties until the shelter in place is lifted. I would not want to go into anyone’s home and be a carrier of this virus. So, I am addressing this for vacant properties only. If your seller wants you to show the property that is occupied, I would suggest that they video the home on their phone and send you the video to show to perspective buyer or tenant.

Arrive early for the showing. Use your wipes to clean the doorknobs and open the front door, wipe and open all the doors to the rooms, closets and exterior doors. Wipe the pulls to open the blinds.

Prepare the property like you would for any other showing but use your wipes.

Greet your people with a big smile. Remember to not reach out to shake hands. I know it’s an ingrained habit, be conscious. It’s going to be awkward, so step up and make a good impression that you have this in control. Try not to joke about the situation, as it is a sensitive subject.

Always keep the “social distancing” of 6 feet . This is not only for your safety but to be considerate for the other person. Limit the showing to the decision makers and reminded them gently of the 6ft rule. Go inside the property first and find a place to distance yourself. Tell them that you have opened all doors for them to see and you will close them up. Let them view the property on their own.

Suggest to the buyer/tenant that if they need to show the property to their other family members to take their time and do a video on their phone to share what they saw.

Close the deal like you always do answering their questions and reminding them of the services you offer and the process of buying or renting the property. Let them know that all the paperwork will be done electronically. Make them comfortable with working this way, as they might not have experience this type of method of doing paperwork.

Secure the property with closing blinds and doors like usual. Sanitize your hands after you get back in your car.

If your seller wants you to show the property that is occupied, I would suggest that they video the home on their phone and send you the video to show to perspective tenant

Hope this helps and stay healthy.