How I am changing my real estate practice to accommodate Coronavirus

Hi, my name is Karen Stone and I am a real estate agent at Sotheby’s International Realty in Manhattan. In these uncertain times, we realize that people will continue to buy and sell real estate, for many reasons. But now, it’s time to adjust our approach in this sensitive environment. Over the last few weeks we’ve been listening to your fears about going to see homes, putting your home on the market, and how we’re going to work together to sell your home.

Here are just a few things we are initiating effective immediately to keep our clients and community safe. Of course, as things change we will be making changes.

1) We are screening every buyer and renter who wants to see a home. This means asking EVERY buyer and renter questions about where they’ve been, if they've been exposed to anyone who’s been exposed to the Coronavirus, and if they have anyone who is of high risk at home or in their care. We screen sellers, renters and current tenants so we’re not unknowingly bringing you into an infected zone.

2) We are maximizing technology to help with scheduling and signing in. This starts with scheduling showings using the internet so all you have to do is show up. If we do run an open house, we have technology that allows clients to sign in using their own phone. And if, god forbid, technology fails us, we have a box of pens standing by so each person gets a pen. We have a supply of gloves, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. We will also be utilizing the power of video on social media. I don’t know about all brokers, but I do a video for every property I list, and now we’re also doing more thorough property tours so we can share with those who can’t come see the homes.

3) For those who can’t travel to view, this is exactly when we use the technology! Buyer and seller consults can be done via Zoom or Facetime. We can use Facetime to tour homes in real time. I've rented and sold multiple properties without the buyer or renter ever stepping foot in the home.

4) We may ask you to stay out of your home a bit longer so we can get more people in, one at a time, instead of everyone coming in a 60-90 minute window

5) We’re offering complimentary supplies and services so you can make sure your home is clean after each showing. We have Lysol, disinfecting wipes and cleaning people standing by.

6) If you have anyone in your home who’s sick and/or at high risk, we absolutely trust that you will make the right decision about exposing the outside public to your home, or going to see someone else's home.

7) If you do not need to buy, sell or rent immediately, we’re going to be here when it’s safe to come out. If you don’t have to see a home now, we can wait! Homes will be coming off the market and coming on the market every day! The right home will be there when it’s time!

8) As real estate agents we are also concerned about our families, so we may try to accommodate showings with fewer people, do more virtual tours, etc. Especially those who are caregivers for the elderly.

Here’s what I know -- the corona virus is impacting all of us, even those who don’t have any real estate needs. Our economy relies on people and services. What we do TODAY to change the way we do business out of concern for our community will have a direct impact and ripple effect on our future, including who gets exposed to the virus and all those business owners who are being financially impacted. We’ve been here before, after 9/11, after Hurricane Sandy, after the crash in 2008, etc. Now, more than ever, if you need anything, from financial advice, tax advice, planning, travel, health etc, I am here to connect you. And for those of you who are unable to go into public, I am happy to help you get the things you need. My number is below. We are literally all in this together, so please, don’t be embarrassed to reach out for help!

Karen Stone | [email protected] | 917-858-1261