Fox Marin Featured on REALTOR.ca: How to Buy or Sell a Home During the Pandemic

Publication: REALTOR.ca
Date: June 2, 2020
Topic: Buying and selling homes during COVID-19, virtual real estate tools, and changing market conditions

About This Feature

Ralph Fox and Kori Marin of Fox Marin Associates were featured on REALTOR.ca discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the home buying and selling process across Toronto’s real estate market. The article explored how buyers, sellers, and REALTORS® adapted to changing public health restrictions by embracing digital tools, virtual showings, and new transaction processes.

The feature also examined how market conditions shifted during the pandemic, including changing buyer demand, evolving negotiation dynamics, and the growing importance of online marketing and technology within real estate transactions.

Quotes from REALTOR.ca

“There is a lot of opportunity for somebody to fall in love with a property just from sitting at their desk in their home office.”

“It can all be managed in a safe and healthy way.”

“I don’t think the same bells and whistles are expected in this current climate, but I do think that people are being more forgiving.”

— Kori Marin, Co-Founder, Fox Marin

“Prior to signing an offer, we’ll review it with them on a Zoom call, or get on the call, and go through all the paperwork, and then with electronic signature, sign everything as they had been able to prior to COVID.”

“I think the opportunity in the market is for buyers who don’t have to worry about the uncertainty of a property not selling after they’ve purchased.”

“If it’s a house, you really want to see a home inspection, and you really want to be assured that you’re aware of any of the issues that could be outstanding with the house.”

— Ralph Fox, Broker of Record, Fox Marin

Fox Marin’s Perspective on the Market

Fox Marin’s perspective is that the pandemic accelerated major changes within the real estate industry while reinforcing the importance of adaptability, communication, and trusted professional guidance during periods of uncertainty.

The article highlighted how digital tools quickly became essential for buying and selling homes safely and efficiently during COVID-19 restrictions. Virtual tours, live-streamed open houses, video conferencing, electronic signatures, and high-quality online marketing all became critical components of the modern real estate process as buyers and sellers increasingly interacted remotely.

Kori Marin also emphasized how buyers were becoming more emotionally connected to properties through digital experiences alone. With more people spending time online and viewing homes virtually, presentation, photography, and video marketing played an increasingly important role in helping buyers imagine themselves within a space.

At the same time, Ralph Fox noted that market conditions during the pandemic created different opportunities depending on property type and buyer circumstances. Low-rise housing remained highly competitive in many areas, while softer condo conditions created more negotiating flexibility for some purchasers. Fox also stressed the importance of due diligence, inspections, and understanding property conditions during a period where some traditional processes had become more complex.

From Fox Marin’s perspective, the pandemic fundamentally changed how buyers and sellers interact with real estate, accelerating trends toward digital-first marketing, virtual communication, and more flexible transaction processes that continue to influence the market today.

Why This Matters

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the real estate industry to rapidly evolve and adopt new technologies and processes that reshaped how properties are marketed, viewed, negotiated, and sold.

For buyers and sellers, the article highlighted the importance of flexibility, communication, and working with experienced professionals capable of navigating rapidly changing market conditions and transaction logistics.

The piece also reflected a broader transformation within real estate marketing and consumer behaviour. Digital tools, online presentation, and remote collaboration became central components of the buying and selling process, many of which continue to remain relevant beyond the pandemic itself.

As Toronto’s housing market continues to evolve, the ability to adapt to changing technologies, buyer expectations, and market conditions remains increasingly important for achieving successful outcomes.

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