The past year has seen unprecedented times when it comes to the pandemic, and has affected pretty much every industry at some level. It goes without saying the real estate market has experienced an impact and has had to adapt to some changes of its own. However, it’s not quite the hit most would have expected.

Oddly enough, the market has switched from a buyers’ market in previous years to a sellers’ market in 2021. This means that it’s a great time to sell your home, and because of the current historically low mortgage rates we’re seeing in early 2021, it’s also an ideal time to buy or build your dream home.

In doing so, we recommend getting pre-approved for a mortgage while rates are low and close on, or plan to build, the house you’ve been dreaming of. However, it’s important to note that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. Although it may be a great time to sell and buy or build, there are still precautions to be made in order to keep you, your family and those you work with along the home selling and buying journey, safe.

Not quite sure where to begin? Don’t stress. Our team has been navigating business as usual during these Covid-19 times and has done so in a safe manner – make sure to review the following pandemic-friendly safety guidelines to ensure a safe and stress-free home buying or building experience!

How Buyers Can Increase Safety in the Buying Process

Whether you’re in the market to buy an existing home or want to build a new one, you may be tempted to stop in at your home builder or realtor’s office to either set up tours or home building consultations. Rather than showing up unannounced, we recommend calling ahead to set up any in-person meetings. This allows professionals to space out appointments, sanitize meeting settings and to properly prepare for safe in-person interactions.

While some in-person meetings are necessary, many meetings can be done by phone or video conferencing. In fact, you may find these types of appointments more convenient to fit into your schedule. So, the first step should be to decide what can be done online, and what needs to be accomplished in person.

When it comes to home tours, many agencies offer virtual tours, digital plans as well as other unique options. You may find this convenient in terms of ruling out homes you are definitely not interested in, so that time and energy can be well spent on in-person tours for homes that have more potential in buying.

When it comes to building a home, utilize any online galleries for model homes and digital plans – from here, you can rule out any homes that are definitely out of the question, so that in person tours and consultations are reserved for high interest opportunities.

What We Are Doing To Keep Home Tours Safe

After you narrow down your options to the homes you would like to see in person, discuss with your realtor what precautions you should follow before, and during your visit. Realtors will be able to give you more information for specific homes, but the following three tips are always a good starting point.

• Wear your mask, sanitize your hands and keep a safe distance from those outside your household
•  If you are visiting an occupied home, wear whatever gear the sellers have provided (booties, gloves and sanitizer may be provided at the entrance of the home)
•  Consider leaving your kids in someone else’s care to minimize the number of people visiting the house

Keeping You Safe During Consultations & Set Meetings 

If you are interested in building a home, our team ensures you are the only appointment at that time. We follow proper sanitizing procedures between appointments and minimize the amount of people in the room at a time, and masks are worn. It is our top priority that both you and staff are safe.

Build And Buy With Volusia County’s Best

Outside of a pandemic, the home buying process can already be a bit overwhelming and entail many steps, but with the right professionals and precautions in place, the process can certainly be a smooth one.

When it comes to buying a home, the right partner is someone who has your best interest in place and is responsive to your needs and questions – someone who communicates honestly and has the integrity to honor commitments. At Gallery Homes, we stand behind this. If you’re interested in buying an existing home, or building your dream house in Volusia County – contact our team online, or call us directly at (386) 260-2069 today!