Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how we live, work, and interact — and the real estate market in Fort Myers is no exception. Whether you’re buying or selling a home in this picturesque Florida city, understanding how to navigate the market during and after the pandemic is critical. As safety, convenience, and flexibility take center stage, buyers and sellers alike must adjust to new norms. This article offers a comprehensive look at the coronavirus precautions to take when buying or selling a house in Fort Myers — from virtual transactions and legal concerns to health protocols and post-pandemic trends.
1. The Shift to Virtual Real Estate Transactions
A New Digital Normal
When COVID-19 hit, real estate had to adapt almost overnight. Open houses, in-person tours, and face-to-face meetings were replaced with Zoom calls, drone footage, and virtual walk-throughs. In Fort Myers, where tourism and seasonal residents heavily influence the housing market, this digital shift made it possible to keep buying and selling activity alive.
Virtual tools include:
- 3D Virtual Tours using Matterport or similar software
- Pre-recorded video tours narrated by agents
- Live video calls for interactive property walkthroughs
- Online document signing platforms like DocuSign or Dotloop
Benefits for Buyers and Sellers
- Out-of-town buyers can view multiple homes remotely.
- Sellers minimize foot traffic through their home, reducing exposure risk.
- Faster transactions, as much of the paperwork can be handled virtually.
2. In-Person Showings: Safety First
Despite virtual capabilities, many transactions still involve in-person visits. Here’s how to do it safely:
For Sellers:
- Deep-clean your home before and after showings.
- Leave lights on and doors open to minimize surface contact.
- Provide hand sanitizer and disposable shoe covers at the entrance.
- Limit the number of people allowed in the home at once.
For Buyers:
- Schedule private, staggered showings.
- Wear masks, especially indoors.
- Avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily.
- Keep a safe distance from others during tours.
Some sellers are opting for appointment-only showings or even “drive-by-only” previews, where buyers can view the exterior and neighborhood before requesting interior access.
3. Open Houses in a Pandemic World
Traditional open houses all but disappeared during peak COVID periods. Today, if an open house is scheduled, it usually includes:
- Mandatory pre-registration
- Time-limited slots to limit group sizes
- Mask mandates and sanitizing stations
- Outdoor sign-in sheets with contactless QR code check-ins
Real estate agents in Fort Myers have taken proactive steps to educate their clients on safe practices. Many brokers developed pandemic-specific showing instructions tailored to individual properties.
4. Navigating the Closing Process with Precautions
COVID-19 didn’t stop real estate closings — it changed how they happen. In Fort Myers, many title companies, real estate attorneys, and mortgage brokers now offer:
- Drive-through closings
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) (legal in Florida)
- Curbside document pickups
- Hybrid closings, where one party signs in person and the other remotely
Avoiding Delays
COVID-19 impacted staffing and supply chains in many industries, including home inspections, appraisals, and even mortgage underwriting. Build in time for:
- Appraisal delays due to limited staff or high demand
- Underwriting reviews slowed by additional verification procedures
- Extended home inspections, especially for vacant properties
5. Legal and Contractual Protections During COVID
Contracts during a pandemic need flexibility. Here are important clauses that buyers and sellers in Fort Myers should consider:
COVID-Specific Addendums:
- Built-in delays for appraisals, inspections, or financing approvals
- Closing date flexibility if a party becomes sick or quarantined
- Force majeure provisions that cover pandemics and lockdowns
It’s recommended to consult with a local Fort Myers real estate attorney to draft or review contracts to account for pandemic-related disruptions.
6. Mortgage & Lending Changes Amid COVID
Banks and lenders revised many of their loan approval processes post-2020:
- Increased credit score requirements for certain loans
- Additional income verification, especially for self-employed borrowers
- Remote appraisal allowances in some federally-backed loans
Buyers should get pre-approved early and understand any temporary COVID policies from lenders.
7. Fort Myers Market Trends Post-Pandemic
The real estate market in Fort Myers surged post-pandemic. While some cities saw steep declines in activity, Fort Myers experienced:
- High buyer demand, particularly from out-of-state residents
- Low housing inventory, creating competition
- Increased home values, driven by cash buyers and relocations
COVID changed how people viewed homeownership. With more remote workers, many left dense urban areas for sunny locations like Fort Myers, making it a hot market for sellers.
8. Moving Safely in Fort Myers During COVID
Whether moving in or out of Fort Myers, follow CDC guidelines:
Hire Safe Movers:
- Check if movers follow safety protocols: PPE, sanitization, contactless procedures
- Ask about any recent COVID exposure or health screening for workers
Do It Yourself?
- Minimize the number of helpers
- Wear masks and sanitize shared equipment like dollies and boxes
- Pack belongings days in advance to reduce last-minute interactions
9. Insurance and Home Protection Considerations
Pandemic-related job loss or illness may have affected many homeowners’ ability to maintain coverage or keep up with property care.
- Check home warranties: Some companies now offer pandemic-related coverage.
- Review homeowners’ insurance: Ensure your policy reflects the correct occupancy and use (especially if your property is now vacant).
For investors buying property in Fort Myers, this is especially critical to protect assets amid uncertainty.
10. Post-Pandemic Real Estate Lessons
COVID-19 created lasting change in the real estate industry. Here’s what buyers and sellers have learned:
- Flexibility is essential: Closings may get delayed; tours may go virtual last minute.
- Health is a priority: Buyers want homes with better ventilation, home offices, and outdoor space.
- Preparedness is key: Sellers who adapt quickly (e.g., with video tours or digital signatures) win.
Conclusion
Buying or selling a house in Fort Myers during and after the coronavirus pandemic demands adaptability, smart planning, and a firm commitment to safety. With the right combination of virtual tools, health protocols, and experienced guidance, you can navigate this market confidently — even in uncertain times.
At Core Real Estate Solutions, we’ve helped homeowners across Fort Myers successfully buy and sell properties during the pandemic by offering fast, flexible, and secure solutions. Whether you’re looking to avoid the stress of showings, close quickly, or sell a house in as-is condition, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Visit our Contact Us page to get started or learn more about how we can help you safely sell your house — no matter the market conditions.