By Katie Wainman | April 7, 2020

Staying healthy is the number one priority across the country, including within the real estate industry. Many people are concerned that now is not the right time to buy or sell a home, but in reality, Realtors are making strides to ensure that the real estate process can continue in the safest way possible.

If you are currently on the hunt for your dream home, here are a few precautions you can take to make showing a safer process.

Drive Separately to Showings

Before COVID-19, it was common for Realtors and clients to ride together to look at houses. Now, it is more appropriate to drive separately, avoiding close contact with one another. Car surfaces can be full of germs if not properly sanitized, so it is best to avoid being another person's vehicle during this time.

Designate One Person to Touch Doorknobs, Using A Sanitizing Wipe

Prior to entering the home, designate one person to open any doors throughout the house. The less contact people have with handles, the better. It would be best if that person used a sanitizing wipe or cloth to touch any handles.

Sanitize Hands Before and After Entering the Home

It is important that you use hand sanitizer or wipes before entering the home, as well as after.

Avoid Touching Common Home Surfaces

Any other time, you might feel the need to run a hand across those new counter tops, or open up all of the cabinets and closets to see what kind of space you could have. However, during this time, it is best to avoid touching any common home surfaces. If light switches, cabinet handles or closet handles need to be touched, the person who is designated to open the doors should be the only on to touch these surfaces with a sanitizing wipe as well.

Take Any Used Wipes, Gloves, Shoe Covers, etc. with you when you Leave

Do not leave any personal protective equipment, such as gloves, wipes, masks or shoe covers, behind. Take them with you and properly dispose of them

Do Not Visit Property if you or Someone in your Home are Showing Symptoms of COVID-19

If you or a person that you have recently been in contact with are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you should follow quarantine guidelines. This might throw a wrench in your home search, but it does not have to bring it to a halt. - Contact your Realtor or visit www.RealEstateInBowlingGreen.com for more information about virtual showings.

For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.