Buying a home in a hot market can seem difficult at times. Add on a pandemic, and you’ve got some quick thinking to do on top of everything else. Fortunately, our team has been able to pivot our techniques to reflect current COVID-19 public safety protocols in all of our interactions with the buyers and sellers alike.

As a Real Estate agency, we are an essential service, and therefore our office continues to remain open and working for you. Together with Royal LePage, we’ve constructed ways of helping our buyers achieve their real estate goals, even when restrictions are in place.

Getting to know each other

How it’s normally done:

• Under normal circumstances, we love to invite our clients into our office for a coffee and a chat so we can learn all about you and your real estate needs. We discuss your wish lists, must-haves, timelines, desired location(s), and budget.

How we’ve adjusted:

• Now we have screening measures in place if you would like to meet in person, and ask that you wear a mask and sanitize your hands upon entry. Alternatively, we are well-equipped for phone calls, Zoom chats, FaceTime, and Google hang outs, whichever works best for you, because we want to get to know you and your wishes.

The Search

How it’s normally done:

• We have access to any home listed by any agent or broker. We are members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, and have access to all Multiple Listing Service listings (MLS) and receive up-to-date information on all homes listed in the area. We keep track of listings that fit your criteria and email them to you as they arise. If you see a sign, ad, or other promotional material with a listing you are interested in, we can accompany you to an open-house, or help schedule an extended private appointment.

How we’ve adjusted:

• We still have all the access to listings! That’s great! We will let you know what we find that matches your criteria, and you can also send us information about listings you’ve discovered. Email, phone calls, and Zoom meetings are great for this. We will book a private appointment with the seller and follow their viewing guidelines. Expect time and guest limits, and anticipate the need for wearing masks and either washing your hands, sanitizing them, wearing gloves, or even a strict ‘no touching’ policy. We can also attend a viewing on your behalf while using video chats along the way.

The Offer

How it’s normally done:

• We work with you to get the best possible price for your offer, while still using our strategies to get the seller’s attention. We are highly-skilled negotiators with your best interest in mind. Normally we would love to have you in the office with us to present your offer.

How we’ve adjusted:

• Presenting an offer can be done exclusively online!  We continue to work to get you the best price for your offer, with all our strategies still in place. Nothing has changed on that aspect. With today’s safe signing software, we can send your offer to the seller’s agent with total confidence and discretion. We call our buyers immediately after learning if the offer is accepted or not. If it is accepted, we are able to securely sign documents virtually.

We welcome the challenge of adapting our services to fit our “new normal”

And you should feel secure in knowing that a trusted professional has your best interest in mind throughout the entire process of buying your home. We can work together to ensure that your essential real estate needs are met while buying your home in Ottawa during COVID-19. As a full service brokerage, we have all the tools you need for a smooth process.

Let’s chat today so we can answer all your questions about buying a home in Ottawa while COVID-19 protocols are in place. We are here to help.