Having your home inspected during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Concerned about having your home inspected during the COVID-19 pandemic? You’re not the only one.  Realtors, Inspectors, Appraisers, and Handymen are a few within the real estate industry who are just as worried.

Many of us receive daily notifications regarding policies, procedures, preventative measures, and the like from our national, state, and local affiliations and government officials. And from our experiences within the last few weeks, we know that more than likely you and your listing realtor have discussed what precautions should be taken before, during, and after a showing of your home. 

HOME SELLERS PRE-HOME INSPECTION SUGGESTIONS

If you’re having your home inspected during the COVID-19 pandemic, these are the same steps you should take for the home inspection:

  • If you have symptoms of the COVID-19, postpone the showings / inspections;
  • Do not shake hands – this does seem to be a social nicety that is ingrained in us all;
  • Do not attend the showing / inspection. Make arrangements for children, relatives, and others to be out of the home during the inspection;
  • Create the following signs (link) to be left at the house:
    • Nicely advise that anyone who has any symptoms of COVID-19 are not to enter the home;
    • Be sure that guests maintain social distancing of six or more feet apart;
    • Require everyone to wash their hands or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately upon entry;
    • Require everyone to cover footwear with booties;
    • Ask that individuals use other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face masks;
    • Request that individuals dispose of their PPE elsewhere;
  • Leave cabinets & room doors open for buyers / inspectors to browse / inspect without touch; and,
  • Disinfect your home after the open house / home inspection, especially commonly touched areas like doorknobs and faucet handles.

Job transfers, moves, home showings, sales and inspections are still occurring during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Which is why taking precautions to ensure sellers, buyers, real estate professionals, and their loved ones are protected from illness is a priority for us all.

Showing & Inspection Courtesy Note