The widespread presence of COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the world. Though no industry was spared from the profound ripple effect the coronavirus has caused, the real estate industry was fortunate enough to adapt and evolve to meet the increased needs for safety and contactless transactions. At Griffith Realty, our real estate agents prioritize the health and safety of our families, friends, and neighbors which is why we have taken every action possible to protect buyers, sellers, and agents as they seek to achieve their real estate goals.

Real estate transactions in the age of the coronavirus will certainly be different, but these changes will likely result in a safer, streamlined process that benefits buyers and sellers alike. In anticipation of the Michigan governor easing the current restrictions in place for the real estate industry, we wanted to take a moment to share with you the additional precautions we're taking, and how these increased safety measures will impact your real estate experience.

How We're Changing Our Methods

• We're working remotely to limit in-person contact whenever possible, which means we'll handle as many elements of the transaction virtually as we can including changes to listings, open houses, and document signatures.
  
  
• To practice social distancing, we're limiting all in-person private showings, which includes other in-person events such as inspections, appraisals, and photography, to a maximum of four people on the property at any given time.
  
  
• All sellers will be reminded to thoroughly clean every surface of their home after each showing.
  
  
• Any promotional material or documentation relevant to the property in question will be sent electronically when possible.
  
  
• Our agents will work together to avoid overlapping appointments in the same properties to reduce the potential for social distancing guidelines to be violated.

How You're Impacted

• Unfortunately, some members of your household may have to remain at home during in-person showings to ensure that all Michigan social distancing guidelines are properly met.
  
  
• To limit your safety risks, your agent will insist that you do not open any doors or touch any surfaces when walking the home. Your agent will be happy to open and close all doors for you on request.
  
  
• Unfortunately, open houses will not be permitted which means you'll need to make an appointment to view properties.
  
  
• Sellers may request that only buyers who are pre-approved for financing or have proof of funds receive in-person showings; please consider securing your finances if possible prior to your request for a showing.

How You Can Help

• Communicate effectively and often with your agent. Now more than ever, your agent will be at the ready to answer your questions and provide you with advice via phone, text, or email. If you feel uncomfortable at any time when engaging in in-person events, please let your agent know.
  
  
• Please take advantage of digital listings and virtual tours. Limit initial in-house visits by first viewing the online listing then scheduling a virtual tour with your agent to learn more about the home.
  
  
• We encourage all agents, buyers, and sellers to come to each in-person event with their own protective masks and gloves. By doing your part to lessen the spread, we can ensure that these interactions are as safe as possible.

As our world begins to move forward with this new reality, we want you to know that your trusted agents at Griffith Realty are taking every step possible to ensure your safety. Contact us to learn more about these changes or to schedule a virtual tour.