The Neal Estate Team's COVID-19 Real Estate Update for Victoria and Vancouver Island

Are you okay? Can we help? We care.

We would like you to know that we take the COVID-19 issue very seriously. To this point, no Neal Estate Team staff have contracted or been in contact with the virus that we are aware of.

In light of all that is happening currently, we would like to reach out to our clients and let you know the precautions and procedures we have implemented to protect the health of our clients and staff. Of course, these steps and the limitations imposed are evolving hourly as new information becomes available.

We are conducting business remotely as much as possible:

1. Utilizing digital technology for signing.
2. Whenever possible staff is working remotely from home.
3. Using the latest video-conferencing technology for ongoing meetings and discussions.
4. Using phone, text, email, Facebook Messenger, Video Conferencing and more to eliminate the need for in-person meetings as much as possible.

In marketing our team's listings, we are already ahead of the game as Matterport 3D Walk Through technology and Professionally Produced Video is part of our standard marketing.

To see an example of one of our current Matterport 3D tours click here: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=RyTZtD64SgU

Together with offering our Buyers the option of real-time Facetime Walk-Throughs, these options will play a larger role than ever in previewing properties.

If you or anyone in your family or any visitors to your home have been recently sick, are expressing any symptoms we ask that you reschedule your showing appointment. We promise to do the same.

We have requested any agent with a client showing symptoms to refrain from showing at this time. We also have asked for agents not to bring clients on showings if they have returned from a high-risk area within the last 14 days.
Showing procedures have also been changed to encourage Realtors to remind clients to refrain as much as possible from touching surfaces during a showing.

Also in modifying our showing instructions, we have asked that clients do not bring their children with them on showings at this time or if they must, to hold the child’s hand throughout the showing.

We have restricted our showing schedule to one group at a time, eliminating overlapping showings. We strongly encourage homeowners to do their part and wipe down all doorknobs, light switches, and faucet handles after showings.

If possible, we are requesting the property to be vacated during all showings, for everyone's protection.  We understand this may not always work with the elderly and infants in a house, but less interaction right now is the best interaction. Again, only if it can be accommodated. If that is not possible, alternatively keeping a distance of 6 feet at all times, or not sharing a floor of the property while we work is highly recommended.  

We will not be hosting open houses or Realtor tours other than virtually and will do our best to limit showings to only those who are ready, willing and able to purchase at this time.

There are many great sources for information out there right now that most are watching closely. For Real Estate specific questions the Real Estate Council of BC has put together answers for commonly asked questions which can be found here:
https://www.recbc.ca/public-protection/covid-19-and-real-estate-services

On a brighter note, once the spread of the virus has stabilized, there should be a recovery to what we're seeing in terms of growth and activity both in the economy and in the real estate market.  After that period of stabilization, we may even see greater demand as people feel a sense of security in real estate vs. the stock markets.

Additionally, a lot of charity related events have been canceled. If you would like to help out struggling charities or contribute to COVID-19 research at this time, more information can be found here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/donate-to-coronavirus-outbreak-response/

If you or someone you know is self-quarantined in their home and in need, please let us know.  We are out and about and can deliver necessities if need be to your door.

We greatly value your business and please know that your safe working relationship with The Neal Estate Team is our priority.

If you are considering Buying or Selling, please visit and ask about featuring your home here to help hit the ground running when we get to the other side of this:
www.VictoriaComingSoonListings.com

Thank you for your trust in us as we navigate these challenging circumstances together.

Your Family Realtors,
Ron Neal & The Neal Estate Team