Using safety measures and technology to stay open for business

April 1, 2020

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While COVID-19 may have temporarily changed how we shop for homes, we as Realtors are following suit with our own precautions as well as innovative ways to connect you with the home of your dreams!

 

In addition to following CDC recommendations on hand washing and using hand sanitizer, we are maintaining safe social distancing. Like most people, I have also eliminated unnecessary trips from my day, focusing only on the office, grocery and drug store as needed.

 

When it comes to business, an agent’s top priority is ensuring customer safety. Some of the ways I am striving to ensure the real estate process remains safe include the following:

  • When showing a home to buyers, I let them follow me in their car instead of riding together as we would traditionally.
  • At home showings, I have made a practice of wiping the lockbox, key and door handles before and after each and every opening. I ask my customers not to touch anything in the house. I follow these practices when I meet appraisers and inspectors as well.
  • My title company partners are only allowing signers at the closing table.
  • While the Davidson Realty offices are closed, access is available by appointment only. If you would like to meet me at the office, I would be happy to set up an appointment.

 

Rather than shutting down, the real estate industry is also working to adapt by utilizing technology and digitizing many parts of the real estate process.

 

Shopping online is a great way to see what is available in your desired location and price range. The one downside is online real estate portals don’t always have the most up-to date listings. The best, most current listings are available only to licensed agents via the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). If you are looking to see great online listings, I would be happy to help you virtually!

 

In addition, I am learning about new ways to host online open houses. There are numerous online tools available, including through the MLS, to host walk-throughs of properties for prospective buyers or other agents online. If you are interested in seeing available homes but need to do so virtually, contact me and I will be happy to help.

 

Thanks to low interest rates, it is still a great time to buy! As such, lenders and title companies are innovating their processes to make the homebuying process—including closings—completely virtual.

 

I am here to answer your questions at (904) 501-1830 or mbarzaga@davidsonrealtyinc.com. Stay safe and healthy!

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About Mirtha Barzaga
For more than a decade, Mirtha Barzaga has consistently stood as a fixture in Northeast Florida real estate. She is recognized as a top contributing agent for Davidson Realty, Inc., specializing in homes throughout Jacksonville, St. Augustine and World Golf Village. She has earned recognition as Davidson’s Top Sales Agent of the Year, Top Producing Agent of the Year, and Top Listing Agent of the Year. Mirtha is a trusted guide for clients throughout the buying and selling process, boasting designations as a Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Distressed Property Expert and Nocatee Certified Agent. As a bilingual Realtor, Mirtha is pleased to assist Davidson’s Spanish-speaking clients. Learn more about Mirtha and see her listings by visiting her agent page or check out Mirtha’s website BarzagaSells.com.
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