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What To Expect In A Home Inspection During The Pandemic

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The real estate market is on fire right now. And its a sellers market. That means not only are homes flying of the shelves like crazy, prices are up and inventory is down. Who would have expected this would be the market condition during a pandemic? And as such, you may notice a few different things happening during your home inspection.

Extra safety measures

All home inspectors should be implementing additional safety measures for both their employees and the sellers / buyers. In fact, when you call a home inspector to schedule an appointment you need to ask the about their new COVID-19 protocols. They should be able to tell you what you can expect as either the seller or buyer.

Less people involved

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you may find less people at your home inspection. In some cases, you would see one to three home inspectors, your real estate agent and the buyers. Sometimes the sellers also attend. However, in an effort to limit exposure, some home inspectors may ask that no one except the buyer’s realtor attend the inspection. While not all safety protocols may be convenient, they are important. A good home inspector will make accommodations and provide a very detailed report so you don’t feel like you’re missing anything.

Extra cleaning during the pandemic

Some home inspectors don’t clean up behind themselves. Unfortunately, some even leave a mess behind! They track mud on the floors, leave lights on and leave the A/C turned down very low. Simply put – it’s sloppy work. Due to COVID-19, extra cleaning should be included in every inspection. This goes beyond the normal standard of cleanliness and respect. Home inspectors should be cleaning behind themselves as much as possible. And hopefully homeowners are cleaning behind the home inspection as well. Everyone needs to pitch in for the safety of each other.

Home inspections are a necessary step to any and all home purchases. However, a safe work environment should remain the top priority. While we might find ourselves enduring new challenges, our goal is to make sure all of our customers are happy with our service. Divinity Inspection Services has always gone the extra mile by using our personal standard of service that all of our inspectors follow. Our goal is to make sure every customer is beyond satisfied with their thorough home inspection.

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Showing Homes Amid COVID-19

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The Tampa real estate market has been waiting to understand the effects, if any, from the current COVID-19 pandemic. Some media outlets claim homes are being pulled from the market as homebuyers hesitate to make any big purchases among a see of layoffs. However, some real estate professionals are claiming they are busier than ever. If you are planning on listing your home, here are some important steps you can and should take to keep your home safe during this environment.

Post instructions for tours

Some sellers have posted specific instructions on their front door for any home tours. Sellers are requiring scheduled tours only and staying away from open houses. In addition, the posted instructions include wearing face masks and gloves. Some include taking off their shoes or wearing booties. Most will include using hand sanitizer throughout the tour our Lysol wipes to wipe down door knobs and counters. At the end of the day, you should require whatever is going to make you feel most comfortable and what will be safe for everyone.

Limiting home tours by using virtual tours

Staying away open houses is one thing, limiting scheduled tours is another. Some sellers are limiting tours to specific days of the week or specific time windows. This might seem counter-intuitive but with virtual tours available online, you don’t have to make your home as available. In fact, by using virtual tours you can filter out the more serious buyers from those who are just looking.

Keeping your house safe for everyone involved

As with any scheduled home tour, you will leave your home. In a normal environment you might go to the mall or a neighbor’s house to kill time until you can return home. Visiting others is not encouraged so you will need another plan. Where can you go if you need to be out of the house for thirty minutes or an hour? You should have a few places you know you can go at different time of the days when needed.

Staying safe should be the priority for everyone. You want your house to sell but you also want to stay healthy during the covid-19 pandemic. Take whatever precautions you need for your family’s safety and the safety of others. Your real estate agent will be happy to help you with these specifications and we will also take the same precautions.