To Our valued Clients and Community

In response to the current situation around Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is our primary function to ensure that we are providing the best guidance and support to our real estate community which includes our family of agents, buyers, sellers, landlords, community members, and of course our personal family members and friends. We are all deeply affected by this ever-evolving situation. Like everyone, we are closely monitoring the situation and responding as needed. 

We’ve compiled these FAQs to answer immediate questions about how Vitalius is responding to current events and to help us navigate what is happening in the real estate market.

What Is Happening In The Current Market?

• At this time we are unable to say with certainty how this situation is affecting the market overall, however, we can all agree that this will have a significant impact…..

• Currently we are still seeing strong real estate transaction activity happening daily, however, we are experiencing delays in specific transactions related to inspections, closings, and other related activities

• While following strict health and safety guidelines, our agents, at their discretion, are continuing to list and show properties, meet with clients and partner organizations, and attend inspections and closings. 

• Due to the Federal Reserve cut, homeowners looking to lower the cost of their mortgages due to low interest rates may have to wait to refinance due to an overwhelming lenders’ backlog.

Is Vitalius Real Estate Still Showing Properties?

• Yes. We’d like to stress that we are still “open” and providing our full range of real estate services and support during this time. For safety, we have implemented guidelines and modified certain service procedures to meet the safety standards outlined by the CDC and National Association of Realtors. 

• We are still listing new properties and meeting with clients on a regular basis and by appointment.

• We are not pulling listings off the market unless specifically requested to do so by the seller

• A large majority of the real estate sales process can be done virtually (electronic signatures, Facetime showings, email, phone, virtual 3D walkthroughs). As long as local government agencies, mortgage and title companies are operating, we are able to continue doing our job.

• We respect our agent’s personal decisions to not host open houses, attend meetings and other public functions that they feel may put them at risk. If you are working with a specific agent, please reach out to them directly about how they are structuring their transactions. Please refer to our staff page.

• We are in regular contact with our independent agents for the latest updates and we will do our best to communicate the latest news on our website and social media channels. 

• We will communicate with all parties prior to any scheduled showings to allow open and honest dialogue around concerns and rescheduling if needed.

• We will immediately address any concerns any member might have. Understandably, many people are experiencing very high levels of stress around strangers entering homes that might be occupied and may be concerned that their “safe space” will become compromised.

• We will diligently ask all parties involved in a transaction if they or anyone close to them are experiencing any symptoms of sickness or feeling unwell. Additionally, we will ask about their recent travel, particularly to areas identified as having an increased risk of coronavirus. 

• We are being extremely mindful of potential high-risk groups for the disease. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-1 

• For a complete list of At Risk Groups, we encourage you to visit the CDC website.

How Are You Protecting Properties Open To The Public?

• We are following strict safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC, national and local officials. 

• The decision to host open houses and schedule showings, including personally driving clients to showing, is currently at the discretion of our individual agents. 

• Please contact the agents directly if you have any specific questions or concerns about a property they are representing.

• We will not show properties if any parties, including the hosts, are exhibiting any signs of sickness or are part of a high risk group.

• We will ask that all parties remove their shoes upon entering the space to reduce potential contamination.

• We will provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers at the entryway, as well as soap and disposable towels in bathrooms. 

• If possible, we will ask visitors to touch only door knobs in the space being shown.

• Following the CDC guidelines on How to Clean & Disinfect, we will wipe down all countertop and door knob surfaces before and after parties exit the premises.

What Precautions Are You Taking at Your Office?

• At this time the Vitalius office is not open to the public and visitors are asked to please call ahead to make an appointment if necessary.

• Staff, including independent agents, are being asked to work remotely and to only come to the office if absolutely required.

• We have implemented weekly remote video conferencing meetings to check in with our staff both personally and professionally in an effort to stay connected to each other and our work.

• Agents are asked to use their best judgment when formulating a plan that is best suited for their personal safety and the safety of their clients and colleagues.

What is Next?

At this time, no one can say with certainty how this situation will pan out as this is new, unchartered territory for us all. Our commitment to our clients, community, family and friends is our main focus as we navigate the potential market changes and challenges ahead.

• Like everyone, we will continue  to monitor updates from the CDC, as well as our state and local health authorities for additional information and guidance on holding meetings or events. 

• We are committed to staying informed, being a helpful resource, and using our best judgement as the situation develops, implementing new policies and procedures as needed. 

• We will continue to show and extend the highest level of respect and understanding towards our staff, agents, clients, and community with an adeed awareness that each individual is uniquely processing this ever-evolving situation with varying levels of stress and uncertainty requiring increased flexibility and understanding.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have additional questions or concerns. Our staff is accessible and ready to support you and your real estate needs.

Be well and stay in touch!

Brit Vitalius and the Vitalius Real Estate Team