How the Simpkins Team Can Help you buy or sell virtually

Alisha has been helping clients buy and sell homes virtually and sight unseen in the greater Chico area since 2010. Over the years, she has continued to adopt new processes and technology based on what works best to ensure our clients have an amazing virtual experience while ensuring no part of the process is sacrificed.

Virtual Buying Guide Virtual Selling Guide

Watch a virtual tour of a
Simpkins Team listing

Virtual Buying Guide

Throughout the entire home buying process, from having your home inspected, to having your belongings moved into your new home, The Simpkins Team has partnered with an array of top-notch service providers that all have implemented a safety protocol to keep both you and them safe and out of harm's way during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Virtual Home Buying Program relies on our years of experience with easy to use state-of-the-art technology. This allows you to seamlessly purchase a home in Butte County without ever having to leave the comforts of your couch. Learn more or schedule a consultation today by calling (530) 354-4244 or email alishasimpkins@kw.com

Here's how our Virtual Home Buying Program works:

Virtual Home Buying Consultation

Using Zoom Conference technology, I meet with you online to learn more about you and your home-buying goals. I also take the time to thoroughly review the real estate market and how it may impact your home search. The purpose of this meeting is for us to gain a very clear insight as to the type of home you are looking for, answer any and all questions you may have and set up a strategic plan to help you find a great property, at a great price. Zoom is a free, web-based platform that requires a smart phone or computer with internet access. If these things are not available to you, give me a call and we can figure out an alternative. I know not everyone has the same level of comfort or access to technology in our county, and that shouldn’t be an obstacle to providing you with the best service possible.

Identify Your Favorites

I will use my expertise and network of other realtors to locate and email you properties for your consideration that match what we reviewed in your Home Buying Consultation. With access to the MLS and other realtors, I have access to additional information besides what is available on a public website, like inspection reports, tax information, and seller disclosures. By identifying your favorite listings, I will learn more about what you like in a home besides its “on paper” qualities so I can make the most efficient use of your time when I send your properties to consider. This is also the time to speak to different mortgage lenders, if needed, and secure financing. Most mortgage lenders in our area are also using technology to meet with clients online instead of in person.

Virtual Home Showings

Once your favorite properties have been identified and you have a lender’s pre-approval letter, I will send you high-quality virtual tours to review to further narrow down the properties you want to visit in person. If you are unwilling or unable to visit the home in person, I will arrange to visit the property in your place and show you every detail of the home possible with the use of technology like Zoom, Facebook, or Google Hangouts. It's never been easier to explore every square inch of a listing you love, and we will answer any questions you may have during the virtual showing.

Electronic Signature Technology

I utilize the latest in electronic signature technology, making it easy and effortless to review and sign any contracts, disclosures, and amendments during the offer and negotiation process. I can also share my screen with we can look at the same document at the same time in order to thoroughly review any contracts and documents you have questions about. Electronic signatures are now accepted on every document in a real estate transaction except for the final documents required by the title company.

Home Inspection and Virtual Review

We have referrals for experienced home inspectors that have all agreed to comply with any and all recommended CDC protocols to ensure the safety of any occupants currently living in the home. After the inspection occurs, you will receive an in-depth report and photos from the inspector's findings. At that time, I will then schedule a virtual meeting with the home inspector so that we can learn more about the home and ask any questions that may come up from the findings. During this time, home inspections, appraisals, and repairs are still being performed within an acceptable timeframe needed to complete a sale.

Mobile Closing

A mobile notary will drive to your home to bring the closing documents to your doorstep. Each mobile notary will also comply with the current CDC recommendations to ensure safety for all. Funds due can be wired directly to the escrow company from your bank and your mortgage lender with the guidance of the escrow officer.

Welcome Home!

I will even deliver any keys, garage openers, etc we receive to your doorstep. I can also help arrange for a moving company to pack and ship your belongings. During this time, moving companies are also considered essential workers and are continuing to serve people moving into a new home!

Virtual Selling Guide

Since 2010, The Simpkins Team has been exceeding expectations for our Butte County home-selling clients and have been blessed to earn 100s of five-star reviews and referrals from our past clients. At The Simpkins Team we pride ourselves for being the first to adopt new technologies so adjusting to a virtual home selling plan is just an extension of the services we are already experienced with providing. We are in unchartered territory with COVID-19, we intend on ensuring our home selling clients remain safe during the home selling process, while also still experiencing our award-winning service and results. Though the pandemic means making some adjustments to how we conduct ourselves, the biggest challenge for Alisha and her team is not new technology, it’s no hugs.

Throughout the entire home-selling process from showings and inspections to having your belongings moved into your new home, we have protocols in place and preferred service provider relationships in place to ensure you stay safe throughout the entire process. The Simpkins Team has partnered with an array of top-notch service providers that all have implemented their own safety protocols to keep both you and them safe and out of harm's way during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's how our Safe Seller Program works

Virtual Listing Consultation

Using Zoom Conference technology, Alisha will meet with you to learn more about you, your home and your expectations during the home selling process. During this meeting, Alisha will also virtually tour the home to get a better understanding of your home's features. She also takes the time to thoroughly review the real estate market to determine the correct pricing strategy that is in alignment with your goals. The purpose of this meeting is for Alisha to come up with a strategic plan to ensure you get your home sold and are able to take advantage of the current seller's market.

Electronic Signature Technology

The Simpkins Team utilizes the latest in electronic signature technology, making it easy and effortless to review and sign listing agreements, purchase contracts, disclosures, and amendments during the offer and negotiation process. Alisha can also share her screen so you can all review the same document at the same time. Electronic signatures are now accepted on every document for a real estate transaction except for the final documents required by the title company.

In-Person Property Walkthrough

Alisha will schedule a time to come to your home on a day and time that it is convenient for you to leave the property. She will conduct a thorough walkthrough of your home to identify any staging related or deferred maintenance repair opportunities that she might not have been able to see during the virtual walkthrough. She will also arrange for a photographer to take high-quality images of your home, including 3D photos using Matterport technology. All of this is done while wearing gloves and a protective face covering.

Virtual Reality Marketing

As part of our Home Selling Plan, The Simpkins Team will feature your home on our website that utilizes the latest in virtual reality marketing. This cutting-edge marketing will allow potential buyers the opportunity to virtually walk through your entire home without ever setting foot inside. This is also preferred for those that enjoy a true virtual experience by wearing their virtual reality headset.

Controlled Showings

To make things easier for you during the home selling process, we allow Realtors to only show your home to highly qualified buyers who have proof of funds or financing, have viewed the virtual tour, sign a legal document stating they are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID19 and have not been in contact with anyone known to have COVID19. The Simpkins Team will also stock your home with masks and gloves for buyers to use to help prevent any accidental spread by an asymptomatic carrier. The lockbox we place on your home will be set to prevent unscheduled access.

Seller Safety Protocol

Anytime Alisha or another agent requests to show your home, the California Association of Realtors requires a Coronavirus Property Entry Advisory and Declaration (PEAD) to be completed and returned prior to approving the showing. This form is a legal document anyone who enters your home is required to sign, stating they are not experiencing any symptoms, have no known exposure, and are committed to social distancing. This form is not just for buyers, but also their agent, inspectors, appraisers, photographers, and anyone else visiting your property during the home selling process.

Mobile Closing

A mobile notary will drive to your home to bring the closing documents to your doorstep. Each mobile notary will also comply with the current CDC recommendations to ensure safety for all.