For many people around the world, the home is a family’s most valuable asset.
Real Estate brokerages are trying to find a balance between serving their clients, while respecting the public health rules established by Alberta Health Services.
Dianne Lavoie is the Broker for Royal LePage Valley Realty and points out that the industry has been utilizing the internet for many years.
“There are numerous websites that clients can visit to view things like floorplans and photos to visualize what the property would look like,” says Lavoie.
However, Lavoie explains that the real estate sales industry is a very personable business.
“The internet and online world is very helpful,” explains Lavoie. “If you are sitting in Toronto, it is nice to know you can view that acreage just outside of Peace River, for example.”
“However, there is nothing that compares to an in-person viewing. I have had clients tell me all of the time ‘oh, this place looks so much different than the pictures.’”
Lavoie says her office was closed last week and the administrator has been working from home.
“We really are very, very aware of the (AHS) guidelines and we really want to do our part to make sure we get this curve flattened out as soon as possible,” mentions Lavoie.
The Grande Prairie & Area Association of Realtors has suspended all open-houses for the time being, and Lavoie says her Realtors are being very cautious in case someone wants to buy, or sell property.
“Before we would even consider a showing, we will make sure a seller is comfortable with someone viewing their home,” points out Lavoie.
“We are telling sellers to leave all lights on, and doors, such as closets open and that way, buyers can view the property without touching anything. Realtors have also been instructed to keep disinfecting wipes with them and wipe down any touched surfaces before they leave.”
She also points out before seeing a home, perspective buyers must sign a form saying they have not recently been outside of Canada, or are not showing any of the symptoms.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
