I understand that these are challenging times for many and I am focused on helping my clients, family and friends however and the best I can.
Here I have outlined some of my current Standards of Practice for buyers and sellers. I follow safety recommendations as stated by the CDC as well as guidance from NYSAR.
BUYERS-these Standards of Practice below are up and beyond and in-addition to my Buyer Services that I provide in a non-pandemic situation.
• Virtual Showings can be accommodated – this means only one party at a property at a time– For example seller, buyer, agent, inspector, appraiser, etc.– only one party can be at the property at one time whether for photos, video,showings, inspections, appraisals, walk thru, adding/removing lockbox etc.
• Social Distancing is NOT acceptable NOR can a seller, buyer, agent, inspector, appraiser can NOT be at a property together – ONLY ONE party at a time.
• Appropriate disclosures MUST be signed prior to this virtual showing as well as a CURRENT lender pre-approval letter(within the last 7 days)or proof of funds for Cash sale, be accommodated with buyer & seller signed COVID-19(coronavirus) disclosures. All virtual showings are at the approval and discretion of the seller.
Additional actions the Buyer can take prior to a virtual showing but are not limited to:
• Buyer review virtual tour/video if available.
• Buyer to drive by property to see if area is desired(do not walk the property unless showing confirmed, disclosures signed and virtual showing approved by seller).
• Buyer to confirm with buyer agent or seller agent what COVID-19(coronavirus) disclosures are available for buyer to sign and also any signed COVID-19(coronavirus) disclosures available from seller.
• Buyer to be provided any and all seller signed disclosures, i.e. Lead Based Paint, Carbon/Smoke, Property Condition Disclosure, Affiliate Disclosure, etc
• Buyer to be provided all property, city, village, school tax bills.
• Buyer should be in conversation either with Facetime/Zoom/Google Duo with their agent, sellers’ agent or even if the seller.
• ONLY ONE(1) PERSON should be at property at one time. If for any reason more than one should be present Buyer agrees to leave property and call immediately person that confirmed showing.
• Buyers must wear gloves, a mask and keep touching to a minimum.
UPON EXECUTED CONTRACT
• IF there is an inspection contingency within contract the Inspector will go to home ALONE to do inspection with their own standards of practice but not to be limited to; mask, gloves and antibacterial wipes. Look for inspectors who will Facetime/Zoom with their clients during the inspection. I have a list of referrals that can be provided.
• Prior to closing on a property, final walk through will be coordinated and agents are NOT allowed to attend the final walk through unless conducting it on behalf of buyer without anyone else present.
• Agents cannot attend closings unless essential to the closing. It should be noted that remote notarization is now permissible under the Governor’s Executive Order 202.7 and closings may be conducted virtually. It is the decision of the lender, seller’s attorney and buyer’s attorney as to whether a virtual closing and/or remote notarization or other methods are used to avoid person to person contact. and are coordinated with buyer, buyer attorney, bank attorney and title company.
SELLERS - these Standards of Practice below are up and beyond and in-addition to my Seller Services that I provide in a non-pandemic situation.
• Virtual Listing Appointments/Consultations most certainly and easily can be accommodated – I am equipped with Zoom/Facetime/Webinars and Google Duo to facilitate.
• An electronic listing presentation can also be sent to seller prior to our virtual meeting reviewing marketing strategies as well as services Christine Serafini provides. Every home is unique and every marketing plan is specific to a home and a seller's wants and needs.
• Seller can virtually provide a tour of their home to me as well as provide a list of improvements that have been made.
• COVID-19(coronavirus) disclosures will be provided and seller must review acknowledge and sign as part of the executed listing agreement.
• Under the guidance of Matilda's Law it is recommended that people over 70 and those with an underlying medical condition seriously consider the risks associated with listing their home at this time.
• Comparative Market Analysis will be completed and provided to seller. Additional phone calls or virtual conversations can be accommodated to discuss price and marketing strategies of the home.
• Seller & Agent agree on marketing price and services.
• Formal Listing agreement is prepared and sent to seller for electronic signature.
• Marketing Plan initiated and Seller is provided step-by-step.
• Furthermore, appropriate disclosures MUST be signed prior to this virtual showing as well as a CURRENT lender pre-approval letter(within the last 7 days)or proof of funds for Cash sale, be accommodated with buyer & seller signed COVID-19 Disclosures. All virtual showings are at the approval and discretion of the seller ONLY.
• Buyers must wear gloves, a mask and keep touching to a minimum.
UPON EXECUTED CONTRACT
• IF there is an inspection contingency within the contract, the Inspector will go to home ALONE to do inspection with their own standards of practice but not to be limited to; mask, gloves and antibacterial wipes as well as COVID-19(cornonavirus) disclosures reviewed, acknowledged, signed and returned to listing agent and seller. ONLY ONE(1) PERSON should be at property at one time.
• If there is bank financing involved a bank appraisal will be required. There are banks now allowing drive-by appraisals but in the instance this is not available, appraiser, with the appropriate COVID-19(coronavirus) disclosures signed, AND the approval of the seller the appraiser can conduct the in-person review of the home. ONLY ONE(1) PERSON should be at property at one time.
• Prior to closing on a property, final walk through will be coordinated and agents are NOT allowed to attend the final walk through unless conducting it on behalf of buyer without anyone else present. ONLY ONE(1) PERSON should be at property at one time.
• Agents cannot attend closings unless essential to the closing. It should be noted that remote notarization is now permissible under the Governor’s Executive Order 202.7 and closings may be conducted virtually. It is the decision of the lender, seller’s attorney and buyer’s attorney as to whether a virtual closing and/or remote notarization or other methods are used to avoid person to person contact. and are coordinated with buyer, buyer attorney, bank attorney and title company.
I am closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19(coronavirus) on my local community and the real estate market as whole. The above practices are summarized and at anytime if you have any questions, concerns or comments I welcome them. My Standards of Practice and expertise is most certainly not limited to the above and I will continue to monitor or expand my services continuously to accommodate SAFETY first and within the guidelines of CDC and NYSAR.
My best to you for your safety and well being.
Sincerely,
Christine Serafini
Christine Serafini CRS, CBR, MRP
Real Estate Salesperson, Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc.