Top realtors leverage strategic sanitization solutions for client and buyer safety
The onset of the global pandemic brought with it a cooling off of the realty market, but not for long. New listings are once again flooding the market, raising questions and concerns over health and safety protocols to protect clients, buyers, and realtors from the COVID-19 virus.
Cleaning surfaces — is it enough?
The short answer is no. Cleaning high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, stair railings, and light fixtures may remove dirt but will fail to disinfect them — a critical step in reducing the risk of transmission of harmful pathogens such as COVID-19. With homeowner anxiety on the rise and potential buyers eager to tour properties, realtors need a sanitization strategy that offers peace of mind and pathogen elimination.
Cultivating a solid sanitization strategy
Realtors today are mindful to mask-up and request that their clients do the same when entering a home or commercial space that’s for sale or rent. Some also offer hand sanitizer upon entry. While both of these practices are helpful in reducing the spread of pathogens, they rely heavily on compliance and do not constitute a holistic sanitization strategy.
Creating an environment that’s safe for sellers, buyers, and agents is paramount and requires strategic thinking and planning. We partner with realtors who are serious about establishing methodical sanitization practices that elevate the seller and buyer experience.
Strategizing home and office space sanitization begins with a 360 degree view of the open house and property viewing experience.
Things to consider:
- The end-to-end experience for potential buyers from arrival to departure — how will they prepare to enter the home safely, what actions are they likely to take inside the home, how will they egress without potentially contaminating the homeowner’s space?
- What PPE and sanitization solutions will be required to support their safe exploration of the space?
- How the use of these items and practices affect the buyer’s experience and its potential impact to the sale
Here are 4 tips for executing an effective and impactful sanitization strategy:
1. Leverage the experience of a sanitization expert
As stated earlier, sanitization is more than just cleaning — it’s about removing harmful pathogens from the space. To achieve this, it’s best to enlist the support of a professional.
At the pre-listing stage and at closing for the new buyers, a professional sanitization technician can identify areas that require attention and treatment, and can ensure an even distribution of sanitization solution using an electrostatic sprayer or ULV (ultra low volume) fogger, eliminating up to 99.99% of pathogens on surfaces.
2. Create a first impression that makes an impact
For a truly elevated open house experience, consider stationing a concierge on the porch or at the entranceway of the home or commercial space to greet guests, prepare them for entry with instructions and PPE, and if required, schedule their entry time based on visitor volume.
This alleviates the need for you as the realtor to arrive ahead of time to manage entry procedures and sanitization practices. Plus, it adds a luxurious touch to the experience and shows that you care about the wellbeing of those using the space.
First to offer this innovative service is S.T.A.C.S. With its sister company specializing in luxury valet and concierge services, S.T.A.C.S. draws upon its understanding of the guest experience to provide a buyer-first approach to health, safety, and service at open house events.
3. Outfit the home with a sanitization station
To maintain hygienic best practices and ensure a continuously sanitized space, consider assembling a kit or station within the home that houses items such as; masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and ideally, a ULV mist sprayer filled with a Health Canada approved sanitizing solution. These are available for rent from S.T.A.C.S. and allow the homeowner or agent to sanitize high-touch areas quickly and effectively after each showing.
4. Use signage for added peace of mind
Showcase your commitment to health and safety by erecting signage in and outside of the home or space that indicates the use and frequency of strategic sanitization practices. Potential buyers will be comforted knowing that the space is prepared with their safety in-mind, and homeowners and property managers will feel more comfortable returning to their space following showings.
5. Advertise your differentiator
Very few realtors today are taking a strategic approach to showing their client’s properties with the care and safety required in a post-pandemic environment. For those doing so, it’s worth broadcasting as a real differentiator in service.
“Take the opportunity to show your current and prospective clients that you’re truly working with their best interests in-mind by providing the value-add of a strategic and thoughtful sanitization plan” said Kate Giorgio, Sales Representative at Insider Condos. “It will instill greater trust with your clients and adds the potential for a greater outcome during the sales process.”
Learn more about the benefits of using S.T.A.C.S. for a superior open house experience.
To find out how you can give yourself a strategic advantage with a customized sanitization plan for each of your listings, contact S.T.A.C.S.
S.T.A.C.S. Sanitization Tactics and Control Services
https://www.stacscanada.com/ 416-814-3459 [email protected]