The Southwest MLS still requires open houses to follow specific COVID-19 safety guidelines during in-person open houses. The seller for this particular listing also had separate specifications for visitors to keep their family safe and healthy. ABQExpert always believes in following best practices, keeping things clean, safe, and fun!
Keeping Things Clean and Safe
This past Saturday I hosted an in-person open house for a stunning North Albuquerque Acres home located at 12409 New Dawn Road NE. Like always, I follow the current Southwest MLS (SWMLS) guidelines for open houses during COVID-19. This time was slightly different since the sellers also requested all visitors wear booties or take off their shoes at the front door and wear gloves while inside. I was more than happy to oblige. I think that every seller has the right to require additional precautions to keep their families safe during a global health crisis. As always, I collected contact information at the door (either the visitors personal information or their broker if they are working with one) and made sure everyone was masked up.
About an hour into the three-hour open house we ran out of gloves. I don’t think the sellers or listing broker were expecting such high traffic. However, despite the higher price tag and luxury listing status, we saw back-to-back groups even past the cutoff for the open house. Albuquerque is going through record low inventory, so even high-priced newly listed homes are getting extra attention. Lucky enough for the sellers, we came extra prepared with a fresh case of sanitizing wipes. In place of the gloves I gave every visitor a wipe and had already opened high touch doors and cabinets. I also had my assistant go after and clean the high touch zones.
Every open house that I have hosted since SWMLS allowed in-person open houses to resume, has had at least one (usually more) visiting group acknowledge that I am the first open house they visited to follow ALL the rules. They typically ask if these are my or my brokerage guidelines. When I tell them that these are my professional organization’s they are usually surprised.
Visitor Favorites
This sprawling Mediterranean style luxury home is easy to be overwhelmed by. During this open house I opted to take a “socially distanced tour” approach. I gave everyone plenty of space but guided them through the home pointing out key features. This also allowed me to answer questions as they arose, gauge buyer interest, and gather feedback. Some favorite features included:
The Staircase
This Travertine-Tiled beauty caught everyone’s attention at the door. As visitors bootied and gloved up they were stuck by the centerpiece of the home: a spiral staircase. I pointed out every time how I loved the gradual spiral and widened steps that didn’t have a steep edge. These stairs definitely did not feel like you would fall to your death like some!
The Suites
This home comes complete with two large suites: one on each floor with nearly identical spa-inspired bathrooms. Dual owner suites offer flexibility for potential buyers including multi-generational living, office and exercise space, main level bedroom, or even vacation rental opportunities. Each bedroom (including smaller bedrooms) included an exit to either the backyard space or secondary balconies.
The Kitchen
This open and gourmet kitchen included beautiful granite counters, a large pantry, and a five burner stove top with a downdraft. Not only that, but this open concept looked into the main family and entertaining space, stone fireplace, and Sandia Mountain peak.
The Backyard
The backyard is tranquil–your own private oasis. Complete with a waterfall, mature landscaping, and pool with jetted whirlpool, this yard checks many buyer boxes. One of my personal favorites (aside from the waterfall) was the secret garden. Just off to the side in its own gate with a garden with raised beds perfect to fill with your own plants and green inspired ideas.
I had a wonderful time over the weekend at this Mediterranean villa at the base of the Sandia Mountains. Are you interested in seeing it in person? Thinking of selling and need a real estate agent who follows protocol? Reach out today and let’s write the next chapter of your homeownership story!
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