Despite COVID-19, real estate listings agents in the real estate market remain relatively strong. The continued strength of the real estate market is due in large part to the excellent utilization of technology and innovative methods during the selling and buying process.
Of course, safety is still the number one concern, and listing agents have come up with creative ways to keep prospective buyers safe during the home showing process. The following is a review of creative ways that real estate listings agents are showing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How COVID-19 Has Affected Real Estate Listings
Although the real estate market remains strong, there is no doubt the COVID-19 outbreak has altered the way homes are listed, marketed and sold. The pandemic has forced real estate listings agents to offer fewer open houses and in-person home tours. Instead, many are temporarily transitioning to more of a digital approach, showing homes through telecommunication applications, videos and other methods that do not require the prospective buyer to be physically present.
The fact is safety is of the utmost importance during this time. An experienced real estate listing agent will understand how to put the client’s needs first and keep them safe during the home selling process, while also ensuring their home is still properly marketed and sold in a timely manner.
Ways Listing Agents Have Become Creative
COVID-19 has forced real estate listing agents across the country to evaluate their home-showing process and find ways to make it safer. At the same time, listing agents also have the challenge of ensuring the prospective buyer gets a detailed look at the home and has all their questions answered.
As it relates to showing the home, real estate listing agents are utilizing virtual tours, professional videos and remote closings to make the sales process safer and convenient. Of course, each listing agent will have their own process and methods may vary. However, the following is a complete overview of the more common methods listing agents are implementing to remain effective (and safe) with real estate sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual Tours
Virtual tours offer a way for prospective buyers to get a 360-degree view of the entire property. They can go through each room the same way they would during an in-person showing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this offers the most practical way for buyers to see the home.
Of course, many buyers may still be hesitant to purchase a home sight unseen. Some real estate listing agents are accepting offers contingent on the buyer’s approval once they have a chance to see it in person. Nevertheless, the majority of the work can be done remotely, and the prospective buyer can make their decision remotely, remaining safe from the threat COVID-19 presents.
Hiring Professional Videographers
Part of being a good real estate listings agent is understanding your limitations. While some listing agents may try to create videos of the home themselves, the best way to ensure the home is shown in the best way possible is by hiring a professional videographer. The Katie Zarpas Group pays for professional photography and videography at no additional cost to the homeseller. This can help the home sell faster during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professional videographers, particularly those with experience in real estate listings, know how to highlight the most notable features of the home. They can show every part of the home in a high-quality manner, including the exterior of the home as well as the interior.
Selling Homes Without Buyers Physically Stepping Inside
Some homeowners are purchasing their new home without ever stepping inside. Additionally, some are closing on the home without meeting in-person with the lender or selling agent. This is often possible due in large part to the hard work of real estate listing agents, who handle all of the closing tasks remotely.
If you are interested in a remote closing, it is important to choose a listing agent that has experience in the area and is willing to do what is necessary to ensure the buyer does not have to be physically present. A remote closing works by having the buyer sign electronically, although the agent may need to be present during certain parts of the closing process (inspection, signing, etc.).
Work with Experienced Real Estate Listings Agents
Our team at the Katie Zarpas Group can help you find the home of your dreams during COVID-19. We understand the importance of safety during this time, and we always put the needs of the client above all else. Give us a call today to learn more about how our listing agents can list, show and sell your home without you ever having to feel vulnerable to the coronavirus. You can reach us by phone or email, and we respond promptly to all who are interested.
The process of selling a home can be an arduous one, from accurately estimating the value of your property to finding creative ways to market your abode. Fortunately, there is one type of person who can assist you with a home sale: a listing agent. This individual’s primary responsibility is to adequately market your property until it is sold.
A listing agent aims to market and sell a property through any legal means. They can sometimes function as a clerk and place a property for sale into a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). There is an array of services that brokers utilize to set up contractual offers of compensation and handle information related to home appraisals (assessing the value of a property).
There are several ways to find a listing agent, although facts show personal connections remain important. The NAR’s 2018 report revealed that 39% of home sellers who enlisted an agent met this type of professional via a referral from friends or family. If you are satisfied with an agent’s services, you can then enlist this person’s help again in the future or potentially recommend him/her to a relative or friend. You can also try searching online or attend local information sessions on real estate trends in your area.
A listing agent works on behalf of the homeowner during the selling process on their real estate listings. Their primary goal is to get the most value for the home as possible, while also ensuring the home does not sit on the market for an extended period of time. The listing agent often negotiates with the selling agent. This takes responsibility away from the homeowner to ensure selling their home is as stress-free as possible. 
Every listing agent is unique. The first step is to find a listing agent that has experience in your local real estate market. An experienced listing agent understands how much homes in the area are worth, and they can use a range of resources to ensure your home is properly priced and marketed correctly. It is helpful to understand what separates an experienced listing agent from a rookie agent with little experience to make the best possible decision about who to hire to handle your home listing and sale. 
Communication is essential to being a good listing agent. One of the biggest mistakes rookie listing agents make is not keeping the client involved in each step of the process. This often leads to the client not being able to trust the listing agent or feel as if the listing agent is not working hard to sell their home. 
A listing agent can communicate well with the client, selling agent, and others involved with the sale. The agent understands the needs of the client and checks all other boxes. If an inexperienced agent does not have a quality understanding of the local real estate market, then they may not be able to secure the best sale possible. 
The way you advertise the home you intend to sell in your real estate listing can have an impact on how quickly the home sells. While a listing that is poorly advertised and not created to attract the most likely buyers may lead to the home sitting on the market for months, if not more than a year, a strong listing can 
Research is essential when crafting the perfect real estate listing. It is important for home sellers to know the market in their area. Each location is unique, and what is valuable to a home buyer in Florida may not be the same for someone in Virginia.
The second thing to consider is how much you are willing to spend to get buyers to see your listing. Remember, an investment can yield a huge return on investment if your home sells much faster and for more money as a result. In determining how much to set aside for advertising your listing, consider how you want to advertise, which may include social media advertisements (see below), Google advertisements, and offline ads.
Anyone who intends to sell their home should consider the benefits of working with a listing agent. Many do not have time to learn all that they need to know about the process of selling a home, and 
A listing agent understands the local real estate market. This means they know how much comparable properties have recently sold for and are currently listed for, the current status of mortgage rates, and much more. They use this information to help home sellers know just how much they can get for their homes.
Unless you have been through the home selling process on your own before, then you are likely not entirely familiar with all of the steps in the process. Home sellers who attempt to make the journey on their own often find out the hard way that selling a home is not an easy and clean process. Instead, there are many steps, lots of paperwork, and lots of negotiations and conversations.
One of the biggest considerations in the sale of a vacation home is handling the tax obligation you will have on any gain you realize on the sale. Before you list the home for sale, make sure you understand the type of property you own and the potential capital gains taxes you will owe upon a sale. Once you have this information, you can plan more clearly about listing it, how to market it, and the timing of all of it.
Now that you know what your tax picture looks like, you can figure out the best time to sell. You can maximize your sale price if you sell when the market is hot. For example, you will probably sell your beach property faster and at a better price if you list it during the peak of the beach season. If your property is not a seasonal property, consult your real estate agent about the best time to sell homes in the area. For example, in some locations, summer is the best time to sell because parents with children will not have to disrupt a child’s school year.
Stage the home
Find a real estate agent who specializes in vacation home sales and your particular market. Remember, the real estate agent’s job is to get the best possible price for your home. An agent who is experienced with vacation home sales in the local market is the best way to find a ready and able buyer for your home– fast. The agent should be able to set the price, advise you on what you need to do to get your home sold quickly and guide you through the entire process. It will make the selling experience as stress-free as possible.