In these uncertain COVID-19 times people will continue to buy and sell real estate, for many, many reasons…including low-interest rates…and, as such, Real Estate has been classified as an Essential Service.

I, and my profession as a whole, have adjusted our methods of serving you in this sensitive environment. Over the last year, we have been listening to concerns about buying and selling property and how to keep safe whilst doing so. We have been busy here in Ottawa, despite the ever-changing environment, and are so appreciative of our valued clients, friends, and family.

Here are just a few things we have initiated to keep our clients and community safe.

We are screening Buyers who want to see homes that are occupied. This means asking EVERY buyer about where they've been, if they've been exposed to anyone who's been exposed to Covid-19, and if they have anyone who is of high risk at home or in their care. We screen Sellers, Renters, and current Tenants so we're not unknowingly bringing you into a potentially infected residence.

We will be utilizing the power of social media. We do a post (and more!) for every property we list, and now we are also doing even more thorough property tours so we can share with those who can't come to see the homes.

For those who can't travel to view a home, this is exactly when we use technology! Buyer and Seller consults can be done via Zoom, Skype or Facetime etc. We can virtually tour homes in real-time. We've rented and sold properties without the Buyer ever stepping foot in the home.

We may ask you to stay out of your home a bit longer so we can get more people in, two at a time accompanied by their Agent, instead of everyone coming in a 60-90 minute window. Buyers are extremely active right now, particularly as the number of available homes are few and far between.

For Sellers, we recommend having Lysol Wipes and/or hand sanitizer at the front door. We will instruct all Buyers to wear a mask and sanitize their hands before entering the home.

If you have anyone in your home who may be at high risk, we absolutely trust that you will make the right decision about exposing the outside public to your home.

If you do not need to buy, sell or rent immediately, we will be here when it's comfortable to venture out. If you don't need to see a home now, we can wait! Homes will be coming on the market every day! The right home will be there when it's time!
As Real Estate Agents we are also concerned about your families, so we may try to accommodate showings with fewer people, do more virtual tours, etc. Especially to those who are caregivers for the elderly.

Here's what we know – the coronavirus is impacting all of us, even those who don't have real estate needs. Our economy relies on people and services; we support our local businesses. What we do TODAY to change the way we do business out of concern for our community – will have a direct impact and ripple effect on our future, including who gets exposed to the virus and all those business owners who are being financially impacted. Now, more than ever, if you need anything, from real estate direction, financial advice, tax advice, planning, travel, health, etc, we are here to connect you. And for those of you who are unable to go out into public, we are happy to help you get the things you need. We are all in this together, so please don't hesitate to reach out for help!

Signed, Helene