Buying and Selling Real Estate During COVID-19

Although the way we are doing business has changed for the time being, Santa Fe Properties is ready to serve you in your real estate needs. Below are some questions we adapt to life during COVID-19.

A message from Santa Fe Properties President, Liz Cale.

Buying

Is it possible to buy a property right now?

Yes, in the state of New Mexico real estate is listed as an essential service. New listings are coming on the market everyday and Santa Fe Properties Associate Brokers are able to practice social distancing while showing you properties. Brokers have instructions for looking at properties safely during COVID-19, and many of our Associate Brokers are finding creative ways to show their clients properties, including video walk-throughs. 

Buyers will want to have a conversation with their broker about the best practices for viewing properties during Covid-19, per the guidelines of the New Mexico Department of Health.

Can I tour a property without leaving my home?

Many of Santa Fe Properties Associate Brokers are getting creative with how they show properties. Whether that is creating 3D tours, doing a Virtual Tour, or doing live, personal video walk-throughs with their clients, we are adapting to client needs and able to work with you on how you feel most comfortable viewing a property.

What can I do to get ready to buy a property?

Know your price range and what you are looking for. Once you know your price range, you can start searching on santafeproperties.com and with an Associate Broker. Our website allows you to set up a custom search, alerting you when a property that may interest you comes on the market. 

If using a lender, get pre-approved for your loan. Getting pre-approved helps you find out how much a lender will give you, at what rate, and what the terms would be. This way you know your budget and won’t waste time looking at homes that are out of your price range. The mortgage broker will pull your credit report, review your tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs to get everything in order. So be prepared to provide all of these. 

Is now a good time to buy?

This really depends on individual circumstances. When you speak to an Associate Broker they can help you by discussing pros and cons to your situation. One thing to consider is that mortgage interest rates are very low right now. This could give you more buying power.

I’m ready to buy, what should I do?

We recommend contacting an Associate Broker to talk about next steps, you can also find additional resources on the buying process here. Call 505.982.4466 during regular business hours, fill out a contact form to be connected with an Associate Broker. You can also view a complete list of our Associate Brokers and their bios here

Selling

Can I still sell my house?

Yes, in the state of New Mexico, real estate is listed as an essential service. There are many eager buyers waiting for the right property to come on the market. An Associate Broker can council you on the best course of action for your individual circumstances.

Can I show my home without people coming inside?

MLS rules dictate that for a property to be active in MLS it must be available to show. There are a few things your broker can do to help limit showings to serious buyers

  • Your Associate Broker can interview and screen potential buyers. They can tell them more about the property and make sure the potential buyers are truly interested before scheduling a showing. 

  • All showings can be by appointment only, if preferred.

  • You can talk to your broker about creating a Virtual Tour for your new listing. This will give buyers the opportunity to view the house remotely.

Many Santa Fe Properties Associate Brokers are getting creative with how they show properties to potential buyers, including 3D tours, or a Virtual Tour, or doing live, personal video walk-throughs. This allows buyers to get a better sense of your property and know if they are interested in an in-person tour. 

Sellers will want to have a conversation with their listing broker about the best practices for showing properties during Covid-19, per the guidelines of the New Mexico Department of Health.

Is now a good time to sell?

That is all dependent on your individual circumstances and property. Speaking with an experienced Associate Broker will help you determine the best timeline for your situation. Properties are still being listed, there are buyers out there and closings are happening. 

What can I do to get ready to sell?

It might not be the right time for you to sell, but there are things you can do to prepare. 

  • If there are repairs or improvements you can do yourself, this is a great time to do it.  You may have to wait if you need a specialist to come in and do the work, but painting, landscaping, cleaning and other touch-ups are a great place to start.

  • Boost curb appeal by cleaning up your yard, driveway and other outdoor improvements. Removing clutter, touching up paint and updating old fixtures are all great ways to improve curb appeal.

  • Interview Associate Brokers to find the right one for you.

  • Once you choose an Associate Broker they can run a comparative market analysis on your home and give you more tips on how you will be able to get the most value out of your property.

I’m ready to sell, what should I do next?

Interview Associate Brokers to find the right fit for you. Our Find a Broker page includes bios on each of our Associate Brokers, outlining experience and interests. You can also call our office at 505.982.4466 and we can help to connect you with an Associate Broker.