The COVID-19 epidemic has been changing everyone’s daily routines and business activities. Schools are closed, only essential businesses are open, and most of us are locked-down in the shelter of our home.

As real estate services have been deemed non-essential in the Governor’s recent executive
order, there are now constraints on the way REALTORS® can do business with buyers and seller.  Our offices are closed and not even agents are allowed access. There can be no home showings,  no open houses,  and agents cannot physically meet with clients.

So, what does all this mean to the housing industry and specifically to Berkshire HathawayHomeServices Tomie Raines REALTORS®.  We are blessed to be in a business where our livelihood involves helping our clients with their all their housing needs. Buying and selling of real estate deals with so much more than a physical asset though. A home isn’t just where you are, it reflects who you are. The life events that drive housing needs continue today as they have prior to this health crisis. Marriages, births, deaths, relocations, job changes, divorces, retirements, etc. are a daily fact of life.

So, how do we do our job in serving our client’s needs when most people are staying at home and social distancing is the word of the day? All our agents are working from home and office access is restricted but we are firing on all cylinders thanks to the technology we have available to us. While seeing our clients face to face is our preference, we have the capabilities to do business online and in the digital realm.

Our agents are using Zoom for online meetings with clients and to  show homes using video chats and cell phone cameras. Listings, offers and transactions are conducted online and are using paperless remote closings. Our powerful website, BerkshireHathawayhs.tomieraines.com, offers our clients loads of information and photos, visual tours, 3D tours, and much more 24/7.

As we approach the spring market, we are prepared to assist our clients in their housing journeys professionally and safely. Warren Buffet, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. is quoted saying, “A home is one of the most important assets that most
people will ever buy. Homes are also where memories are made and you want to work with someone you trust.” We will work to be your trusted advisor as we navigate the new normal in real estate.