Sound Off: What’s something about the transaction process from the pre-COVID days that you miss most?

Q: “What’s something about the transaction process from the pre-COVID days that you miss most?”

I miss my personal client interactions the most. Real estate is a team effort, and now half the team has to distance itself from the field.

Before: I always was present at the signing of escrow documents, an anxious moment with large sums of money being exchanged.

Now: signing is done with a stranger, a notary. Before: multiple visits with sellers to provide input on what they may elect to do to improve the marketability of their property.

Now: stay 6 feet apart, curtail visits. Before: client tours often included grandparents, kids. Now: a maximum of three people, and one them the agent. Before: public open houses, the opportunity to get input from myriad visitors. Now: only select buyers accompanied by their agents. Before: flexible showings. Now: documents attesting visitors are Corona free before entry is allowed. The list goes on and on.

Sigh.

Astrid Lacitis, Vanguard Properties, 415860-0765, astrid@vanguardsf.com.

Since the outbreak of COVID 19 the real estate profession has lost most of its opportunities for personal interactions - this is what I miss the most. We no longer are allowed to have in-person Sunday open houses or broker’s tours, these are now done virtually. The absence of the Sunday open houses has eliminated the possibility for me to meet potential clients and to discuss the current real estate market with individuals who might “just be looking”.

I miss the personal interaction and collaboration with my colleagues that would always take place during our brokers tours. Our office has many Zoom meetings and virtual training to exchange best practice between agents, but it does not replace the...