With the Coronavirus still raging, there are many precautions that can help protect you as you search for the home of your dreams.

According to RE/MAX.com, to start a safe search, go online before heading out the door. Using virtual home search tools, such as the RE/MAX Real Estate Search App, can help you to narrow down the properties you are most serious about.

RE/MAX Metro realtor Estelia Mesimer advises clients that it is better to err on the side of caution when touring houses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s for your own safety as well as the homeowners.

Come prepared with your protective face mask and bring along your hand sanitizer. Be sure to use it after touching any surfaces and try to keep touching to a minimum.

Buyers should abide by all current mandates for a hassle-free home tour experience.

More Precautions

Stay Safe: Drive to the prospective property yourself rather than in the real estate agent’s car. This will reduce the amount of time spent together in confined spaces. And keep a safe, six-foot distance between yourself and anyone else in the home.

Respect the Realtor’s Wishes: An agent is responsible for communicating the wishes of the seller, especially important as we deal with COVID-19. Be aware that the homeowner may have certain requests, such as requiring visitors to wear gloves or shoe coverings, and is trusting the agent to make sure prospective buyers are taking precautions.

Unusual times call for unusual rules: Your agent may have special instructions from the seller. For example, having you ask before touching doorknobs or opening cabinets or drawers. For open houses there may be a limit to the number of people in the home at one time. Expect that you may wait outside in queue to minimize crowding.

Under the weather? If you aren’t feeling well, stay home and contact your agent to reschedule an appointment or just take a virtual tour.

Pinellas County Housing Market at a Glance

Here is a breakdown of the June 2020 data by listing price range and number of houses sold in each price range.

• 154 (or about 8%) were sold in the under 100k price range
• 1,027 (or about 50%) were sold in the 100k-300k price range
• 591 (or about 30%) were sold in the 300k-500k price range
• 227 (or about 11%) were sold in the $500k-1million price range
• 64 (or about 1%) were sold in the 1 million and over price range

If you are interested in knowing more about what’s behind these numbers and how it affects the value of your home, contact RE/MAX Metro realtor Estelia Mesimer at Estelia@Estelia.com or 727.686.2859

Related Reading:
Coronavirus fallout: Virtual and solo home touring soar
Is Coronavirus Changing Your Home Buying Plans?

St. Petersburg Communities

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one and are thinking of selling, talk to The Mesimer Team.