Despite the partial shutdown of certain commercial activities (restaurants, bars, fitness centers) in red zones across Quebec, all real estate activities continue, but with the necessary preventive measures put forward by the government.
Enhanced safety measures
“It goes without saying that, since the beginning of the pandemic, visits have been transformed to respect the physical distance and the new reality we are all living,” explains Katia Samson, certified real estate broker DA and president of Groupe Immobilier Katia Samson. To this end, a number of safety and hygiene measures are still in force, including a coronavirus declaration attesting that the person wishing to visit a property has not been in contact with anyone infected with Covid, and that they themselves have no symptoms.
In addition, several guidelines provided by brokers must be followed during visits:
- Masks must be worn during visits and at the notary’s office.
- One person at a time, accompanied by the buyer’s real estate broker.
- Two-metre physical distance.
- Occupants (vendors, tenants) must be outside during the visit.
- No children or people aged 70 or over during visits.
- Visitors must disinfect their hands with an alcohol-based solution before and after their visit.
- Avoid touching property surfaces during your visit.
Videoconferencing and virtual tours
As is the case in other industries for durable goods where the selling price is high, like automobiles for example, buyers of residential property now spend much more time exploring what’s on offer and researching online before making their final choice.
“Visits as a hobby on a Sunday afternoon are a thing of the past. If someone comes to visit, it’s because they’re really interested in making an offer to buy a particular property. They’re going to take a closer look at each room, the details, the finish and the exterior.”
At Groupe Immobilier Katia Samson, which offers an ultra-personalized service, the entire agency team has the experience and tools needed to offer a turnkey service to buyers who only want to make virtual visits before submitting their offer to purchase.
“The pandemic only accelerated the adoption of technologies that were already there. And that’s a good thing, because it makes it much easier for consumers to choose,” says Katia. “We are therefore able to accompany each customer by videoconference during virtual visits, and even the signing of the deed of sale can now be done remotely, as some notaries offer the service of remote signatures.”
No worries, then, for ultra-cautious buyers who nevertheless want to take advantage of a market that’s as active as ever. Pandemic or not, real estate agencies are offering their full range of services for autumn 2020!