Many homebuyers and sellers, as well as Realtors, are suffering from COVID-19 exhaustion – mental and emotional stress associated with the added worry of contracting and/or spreading the virus during the homebuying process. With booming housing markets across the country fuelled by low supply, high demand and record-low mortgage rates, we’re here to bridge the gap and help ensure we alleviate stress for everyone involved in the home buying and selling process.
COVID-19 is having a negative impact on Canadians’ mental health, with many seeing their stress levels double since the onset of the pandemic, says the Mental Health Commission of Canada. People are struggling with fear and uncertainty about their own health and their loved ones’ health, concerns about employment and finances, and the social isolation that comes from public health measures such as quarantining and physical distancing.
In order to help mitigate fear, stress and anxiety associated with the home inspection process, the first step is to educate our Realtor partners, homeowners and homebuyers about what actions we’ll undertake in the home during the inspection and confirm they’re comfortable with our processes, says Paul Gorman, Certified Inspector, ABCHI Burlington.
In addition, wearing a mask and gloves at all times shows that our inspectors respect the homeowner’s health.
“Since people now view their homes as a sanctuary from the health risks of the pandemic, it’s important that we spend the time to understand all homeowner concerns and adjust our services accordingly,” Gorman explains.
Taking a ‘less is more’ approach by not touching the personal effects of the homeowner or any surface that’s not necessary to perform our jobs demonstrates our focus on keeping everyone as safe as possible while completing our inspections to the highest of standards.
We’re thankful that technology offers safer ways for us to provide unbiased advice and educated information to our clients. Fortunately, a home inspection doesn’t require face-to-face contact.
Prior to the pandemic, we encouraged buyers or sellers – depending on the nature of the inspection – to participate in the home inspection live to help them better understand the condition of the home. While we’re no longer encouraging clients to join us during the inspection, we’re happy to review the inspection report over the phone, video conference or email following the inspection.
“All ABCHI inspectors are focused on our value system that requires us to assist, comfort and protect all parties we interact with throughout the home inspection process,” says Mike Iampietro, Professional Engineer, Certified Professional Inspector & Owner, ABCHI Whitby. “This comprehensive approach has never been as important as it is today while ensuring the health and safety of everyone throughout the pandemic,” Iampietro adds.
How does a pre-inspection benefit buyers and sellers?
We’ve also enhanced our pre-inspection process to help keep everyone extra safe. Having a pre-inspection completed by your home inspector prior to listing that highlights the sound investment buyers can expect upon purchasing your property can prove beneficial – and help set your property apart from others already for sale in your neighbourhood.
You’ll have a list prepared detailing any work that may need to be done in the future that can empower you to make some changes yourself prior to listing and/or equip you with the required information to show potential buyers that only minor repairs/upgrades are suggested by a trained professional. This helps take the guesswork out of the homebuying process for many buyers by boosting confidence in your property. A buyer is likely to discover issues within your home, so being forthcoming may mean one less condition on the offer as well as providing a higher level of confidence and transparency throughout the sales process.
Find an Inspector near you: https://abuyerschoice.com/locations
