According to the Detroit Free Press real estate deals in Detroit are motoring on without any physical walk-throughs. Real estate agents are deemed non-essential in Michigan and open houses are not allowed although restrictions are scheduled to loosen soon. In the meantime agents are relying on drive-by appraisals and apps like FaceTime to fill in the gaps. “Sellers enjoy showing their home off — they really do — and then the buyers can ask questions like, 'Can you get closer to the fireplace so I can see the stone detail?' said Susan McFarland of RE/Max.
Since the stay home order took effect March 23, buyers haven't been able to visit a house in person, a frustrating restriction for someone about to make a life-changing purchase. They also could not turn to their agent for a firsthand account of the interior, because agents had to stay home and could only perform their regular duties remotely.
And when finalizing sales, there are now "curbside closings" in which title company representatives (who are essential workers) shuttle the closing documents that need signatures between the sale's parties, who stay inside their respective vehicles.
Home inspectors were deemed essential workers, and they may choose to allow a prospective buyer to tag along for the inspection while wearing protection such as face masks and observing social distancing. If the would-be buyers encounter an unpleasant surprise, they can still back out of a deal at that point.
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