How to Survive When Buying a Home During a COVID-19 Outbreak




The pandemic has been ongoing for years now, and it seems that the end is still far from sight. However, life moves on. There are tasks that people have put off because of the public health crisis that they now want to get done, and that includes buying and moving into a new house. Although there is still an outbreak of COVID-19 across the United States and many parts of the world, the real estate market is brimming with activity. People are buying and selling their houses.

But, to be safe, here are some tips that can help you dodge infection and find your dream house.

Get Vaccinated

The kindest thing you can do for yourself and others around you is to get the jab. Obtaining the vaccine is easy and almost painless. Most importantly, it can protect you from being hospitalized with a serious case of COVID-19. It also lowers your chances of catching the virus and passing it on to your loved ones and others you encounter in the house buying process.

Do as Much as You Can Online

In the past two years, the real estate market moved almost all of its processes online. It’s easier to find listings on the internet, and real estate agents are using social media to show off available houses in lieu of in-person visits and walkthroughs.

You should also request that meetings, including negotiations and contract signings, be done online. Video conferencing apps such as Zoom make it possible for people who are apart and staying in different spaces to still communicate and discuss the topic at hand.

Utilize Professionals to Help You

There are many professionals that can aid you in your house hunting process. Moving experts, such as U-Haul and PODS, are there to help you pack up and transport your things from your old home to your new one. Some agencies can even do the entire move for you, which is a huge time saver during this difficult period.

You can also get a mortgage broker to seek out the best lenders for your needs, then assist you in the process of applying for a home loan. Real estate agents can also help you find a dream house in your price range, and they can help you negotiate with the sellers so that you get exactly what you want without the hassle of having to visit multiple available listings.

These professionals can ensure that you minimize contact and interactions with other strangers who can pass on the virus to you and your loved ones.

Follow Basic Health Protocols

When you do have to visit the house you want to buy, or have movers pack your belongings in your old home, you should follow safety standards such as wearing a mask (N95, KN95, KF94 are the best) and, of course, maintain a safe distance away from other people. These will reduce your risk of COVID-19 infection.

If possible, you should also open windows and doors to improve the ventilation indoors. The circulation of fresh air in your home guarantees that aerosols and droplets carrying the virus will be dispersed, protecting everyone from exposure.

It’s also still recommended to wash your hands frequently and sanitize high-traffic areas such as doorknobs. While COVID-19 rarely spreads through fomites, other illnesses can survive on different surfaces for a long time. If not COVID-19, you may catch the common cold or the flu from touching objects that others who are sick have come into contact with.

If You Have Symptoms…

Stay at home and isolate! Cancel plans to meet with movers, sellers, and agents. You don’t want to pass on COVID-19 or another virus to people who care about you and those you encounter. Everyone has a duty to protect everyone else and help curb the further spread of the virus. Although it might be mild for you, those you encounter might catch the virus and become seriously ill. COVID-19 can be deadly for those who have co-morbidities and seniors.

It’s better to postpone your plans to buy a house and move until you’re better. You only need a couple of weeks of isolation, if your symptoms are mild, before you’re no longer contagious.

If you are looking to buy a home during this time, it is important that you take precautions. Whether you’re house hunting or transporting your things from one location to another, there are easy ways for you to stay safe and protect those around you.

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