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How long does the coronavirus survive on door handles?

Smartphones, door handles, and grab rails on buses and trains. It's almost impossible to get through everyday life without touching things. But this also poses a risk of infection. That's why many people are wondering how long the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) survives at home and on surfaces.

There is still no curfew in Germany as there is in Italy. Friends visit each other, children are looked after in groups. Virologists consider the risk of infection through contact with the virus on surfaces to be low, but studies on this vary widely. To be on the safe side, it is recommended to self-quarantine. Anyone who has to receive visitors should thoroughly disinfect surfaces in addition to the usual precautions.

According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus is no longer detectable in the air after three hours. On stainless steel and plastic, however, it can survive for up to 72 hours. The US researchers wanted to find out where the virus survives particularly well and where transmission is therefore possible. However, the Robert Koch Institute is not yet aware of any cases in which objects have transmitted the virus. In principle, however, infection via this route is still possible, even if the risk is significantly lower than with droplet infection from person to person. A study conducted by the University of Greifswald and the Ruhr University Bochum in February found that the virus can survive for up to nine days on metal, glass, or plastic surfaces.

Experts are therefore uncertain. The study does not indicate how high the risk of transmission is. This is because the concentration of the virus also plays a role in its transmission. The concentration of the virus on a surface required for infection is not yet known.

To protect yourself, experts recommend disinfecting and cleaning surfaces regularly. Make sure that the disinfectant is proven to be effective against viruses. You will find this information on the packaging. However, as it is not always possible to avoid touching non-disinfected surfaces, experts advise washing your hands regularly. Washing with soap is sufficient. This should take at least 20 seconds and should be done thoroughly between the fingers and up to the wrist.

Are you unsure how viewings can be carried out at present? As real estate professionals, we observe all recommended precautions. In addition, we can also offer you virtual viewings. Please give us a call and stay healthy.

Photo: © Thor_Deichmann/Pixabay.com

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Distress sale: Selling successfully even in tough times

Regina and Fréderic are desperate. Two coronavirus lockdowns and some unfortunate timing have driven them into bankruptcy. Now they can no longer afford the mortgage payments on their home and have to sell it. As they are under considerable time pressure, this has to be considered a distress sale. Good advice seems hard to come by, but with the help of an experienced real estate agent, they manage to pull off a minor miracle.

What are the benefits of digital broker tools for real estate sales?

Real estate marketing is increasingly taking place digitally. This allows prospective buyers to get an impression of the property through 360-degree tours and other modern marketing options. These methods are used by digitally savvy and experienced quality real estate agents. What digital solutions are currently available and how can buyers and owners benefit from them?

Smart living like the Easter Bunny: home and office in one

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people who are not only spending more time at home, but also using their homes for an ever-wider range of activities. Working from home, homeschooling, home production, and even business and private online meetings from home are now the order of the day. We spoke to an expert for whom the multifunctional use of his property has always been the norm – the Easter Bunny.

Selling real estate despite lockdown

The coronavirus waves and lockdowns seem to be never-ending. Anyone who needs to sell their property now, or has been planning to do so for some time, cannot wait forever. However, many owners are unsettled by the constantly changing contact restrictions. Fortunately, your local quality real estate agent has adapted over the past twelve months to sell properties even under the current conditions.

Keeping an eye on follow-up financing

Interest rates for follow-up financing are currently favorable. However, it is difficult to predict how this will develop in the coming years, especially in light of the coronavirus crisis. If interest rates rise, follow-up financing can often be difficult to obtain. It is therefore advisable to start looking into follow-up financing options at an early stage.

Rising real estate prices despite COVID-19

Market experts are divided on how the real estate market will develop after the coronavirus crisis. While some economists expect significant price reductions, real estate agents with market experience believe that the real estate market will remain virtually unchanged. However, one thing is already clear: residential property prices will continue to rise, at least in major cities.

Real estate prices and demand continue to rise in 2020

In the first quarter of 2020, residential property prices were on average 6.8 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2019. Significant price increases were recorded in both urban and rural areas. Demand for housing has risen sharply again following the coronavirus lockdown. It is perhaps surprising that retail space is also showing signs of continued high demand after the coronavirus crisis.

Avoid distress sales and foreclosure auctions with the help of a real estate agent

Divorce, career change, or unemployment due to COVID-19: anyone finding themselves in one of these situations often needs to sell their property quickly. But even a distress sale can sometimes end up in foreclosure if you try to do it on your own. This often costs the owner a lot of money because the property is sold below its value. A professional real estate agent can help you avoid this.

How the coronavirus crisis is changing the real estate market

For weeks now, the world has been experiencing an economic crisis unlike anything we have ever seen before. The economy and society are in a state of emergency. Only the housing market seems to have been spared from the coronavirus panic so far. But will this still be the case after the coronavirus crisis?

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