Social distancing has become vitally important to stopping the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and if you are in the market to buy a home you’re probably wondering whether you should tour homes.   You should definitely abide by all local resolutions, such as shelter in place orders. And for that matter, as always, if you simply don't feel comfortable or safe, you shouldn't tour properties.

Consider Alternative Methods Like Live Video Tours
You should try and take advantage of all virtual methods of touring houses.  In addition to private home tours, real estate services like HomeTraq offer you the opportunity to stay safely at home while an agent gives you a LIVE VIDEO TOUR of a for-sale home that you are interested in. You have the ability to view the tour while the agent uses a camera phone to narrate and walk-through the home while answering your questions.

Make Sure Everyone is Healthy:
If you plan to tour the property in person, limit the number of people you bring to a showing appointment to avoid unnecessary exposure to potential germs.  You and everyone in your party will need to attest that you are not exhibiting cold/flu-like symptoms or meet any of the criteria for self-quarantine mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  To combat the spread of this disease, it is in your best interest to ensure the health and safety of everyone around you.  

Strongly Consider Whether You Bring Children:
If you are thinking of bringing children to the home tour, keep in mind most kids love to touch things and have little self control and self awareness of their bodies.  You will have to not only monitor your own actions but the actions of the children too.   

Wash Hands Upon Entering the House:
One of the top recommendations for combating the spread of Coronavirus is washing your hands.  Wash your hands as soon as you enter a property. Alternately, keep hand sanitizer with you or inside the property and use it when you touch anything.

• Stop handshaking 
• Clean hands at the door
• Avoid contact with doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails  

Keep the Lights On:
Leaving the lights on for the entirety of your viewing will cut down on surface contact by yourself as well as others. 

Keep Appointments as Short as Possible:
Be conscious of the challenges that come with showing a property at this time, especially when sellers are still living in the home. Try to be conscious of time and understanding if sellers are waiting in the driveway as you are leaving.

Limit Opening of Doors and Drawers (and Everything Else):
Reduce the amount of exposure to the most germ-prone areas by limiting contact. Advise clients you will be opening all doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers for them before you enter the house, so they follow your lead once inside.

Disinfect Surfaces (if Products are Available):
Some sellers are leaving hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes available at the home specifically for those doing home tours.  If available, wipe down surfaces and any touched areas such as faucets and doorknobs with a disinfectant cleaner.  

Avoid Crowding / Open Houses:
Some brokerages are encouraging the temporary cancelation of all open houses and/or showings.  Some municipalities are not even allowing open houses.  Ask your showing agent to see what the latest recommendations are for open houses and showings by their brokerage and by the local municipality.