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Real Estate Questions Amidst COVID-19

Monday, Apr 6, 2020  |  admin  |  Real Estate

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Even during this COVID-19 crisis, Harbor Club is finding creative ways to maintain it’s real estate dealings. With interest rates as low as they are right now, several people are taking advantage of the excellent real estate opportunities in our area. If you’re curious as to how it works, we’re sharing answers to some of the top questions we’re being asked regarding our real estate operations.

In all cases, we’re doing all we can to minimize any negative impacts on our valued customers, owners, and investors. 

Could a “shelter-in-place” order negatively affect my closing? 

Probably not. Title companies are currently considered as providers of essential services. That means they will stay in operation during a shelter-in-place situation. Depending on where your closing is taking place, you may still be able to close in person at the title company’s office. However, several are offering fee-free remote closings as a safer alternative. Talk to your title company about the procedures they are implementing during this time to keep you and their staff safe.

What happens if my closing is delayed?

On Wednesday, March 17, the Georgia Association of Realtors Forms Committee approved a COVID-19 Special Stipulation. It states, “…in the event a Closing cannot occur when scheduled due to a COVID-19 related event (“CRE”)* resulting in the closing attorney, the mortgage lender and/or the Buyer and/or Seller being unable to perform their respective obligations, then the Closing shall be postponed until 7 days after the specific event delaying the Closing has been resolved.”

What happens if either the buyer or the seller is unable to attend the closing due to a COVID-19 situation?

As of March 31, 2010, The Office of Governor Brian Kemp published Executive Order allowing for real estate transactions to take place through video conferencing during the current State of Emergency. Real estate closings may now take place completely remotely, allowing Georgians to purchase new homes while adhering to social distancing requirements to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

I’m a home buyer interested in a property. Since we can’t do a physical tour, what are alternative ways to “see” a home?

Our online listings already show several photographs of a home or building site, including aerial photos and videos, floor plans, and three-dimensional online tours. Our sales team is happy to conduct a live tour in real-time using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, or another “face-to-face” type of application. Virtual meetings are always available and you can easily schedule a free consultation for buying or selling from the comfort of your home.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert Sales Director, Kathy Phillips. Now, more than ever, she’s happy to help in any way she can. Contact us today.