How COVID-19 Has Changed the Real Estate Industry
How COVID-19 Has Changed The Real Estate Industry
“COVID has changed the marketing of homes, the showing of homes, dealing with offers, and negotiating offers,” said Hudson Smith, head of a team of local realtors at the Hudson Smith Real Estate Group. “It has changed the landscape dramatically. I think some things were already starting to change and COVID amplified them. Some things are here to stay.”
One of the first areas Hudson’s noticed that’s been transformed by the realities of COVID-19 safety measures, has been the need for agents to up their game when it comes to marketing properties.
“I think sellers post COVID are going to demand, and rightfully so, better marketing for their home. For example, I can remember looking at multi-million dollar cottages in Muskoka and the material was so poor you couldn’t tell what was happening at the cottage. You’d drive there and be so disappointed. Now there’s video, interactive floor plans, drones flying over the property, and better mapping that shows location in relation to schools or amenities. It’s all about getting better information to the buyer. The seller deserves it, and it’s also a better way to qualify buyers prior to them visiting.”
Hudson said that the digital integration of marketing elements like drone footage was necessary given the social distancing measures implemented during the pandemic. This allowed the agents who quickly adopted such methods to stay competitive and connect with potential buyers who were already online searching using their laptops and mobile devices.
“People were not going out as freely, so there was an increased demand on better marketing materials,” said Smith.
“I think a lot of the elements created to deal with the situation were very useful. They help qualify the buyer prior to a site visit which will continue to be important after things like COVID are perhaps behind us.”
Another change embraced by the real estate industry has been the use of various digital and software platforms like BrokerBay, HouseSigma, Cloud CMA, and DocuSign, all of which help realtors and clients alike. These types of programs empower agents and the public by providing more historical sold information available almost immediately, offer more detailed evaluations which can be emailed to clients to view at their leisure – compatible with iPad’s for an extremely user-friendly experience, and help to future proof real estate brokerages.
More importantly, these technologies improve the customer experience for buyers and sellers.
“I like how interactive we’ve become,” said Smith. “The flow of information to all buyers and sellers has been greatly improved and was sorely needed. It’s improving how agents can serve their clients. Now we get information on agents registering with an offer on a home, faster. Through interactive systems, as soon as an offer is registered, all the information goes out to agents.”
Hudson says the entire process of showing a home has been improved, which prior to the recent changes could be a very invasive process with less knowledge of who was going through homes and when.
“Now we know when agents have opened lock boxes, and they are prompted to give information the moment they leave the house. This provides more information to the sellers to see how the process is going. Having more educated buyers and more educated sellers is a good thing. Agents are a very important part of this process and continue to add a lot of value.”
There’s something special about Guelph in December. The lights feel a little brighter, the downtown feels a little cozier, and the whole city comes alive with traditions that bring our community together. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together a simple guide to some of our favourite local holiday events — the ones that make living in Guelph feel like home. Spirit of the Season December 5–7 & December 12–14 — Downtown Guelph Downtown transforms into a festive hub filled with twinkling lights, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and warm holiday energy. It’s the perfect place to support local businesses, enjoy a hot drink, and soak in the magic with friends or family. If you’re looking for that “start of the holidays” feeling, this is it. Sparkles in the Park December 13–31 — Riverside Park Every evening, Riverside Park lights up with spectacular displays — glowing tunnels, festive scenes, and whimsical designs that bring out everyone’s inner child. And this year, keep an eye out for The Hudson Smith Group lighting display among the magic — we’re proud to support this beautiful community tradition with the Guelph Rotary Club. Even better? The carousel rides are free, and there’s a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. Santa Run & Santa Claus Parade Saturday, December 6 - Santa Run 4:55 PM & Parade 5:30 PM One of Guelph’s most beloved traditions. The evening starts with the Santa Run — a quick, fun, festive dash — followed by the parade winding through downtown with music, lights, and holiday cheer. It’s a great way to kick off December with the whole family. Old Quebec Street Christmas Market Dates vary through December A cozy, European-style indoor market right in the heart of the city. Expect local makers, handmade gifts, warm drinks, and the perfect place to finish (or start!) your holiday shopping while supporting local vendors. Market Square Skating All winter long — weather permitting Nothing feels more festive than skating under the lights in front of City Hall. Bring a friend, grab a hot chocolate afterward, and enjoy one of Guelph’s simplest — and most nostalgic — winter traditions. Giving Back This Season If you’re looking to make a difference this year, consider supporting one of Guelph’s incredible community organizations, including: The Guelph Food Bank Royal City Mission Hope House Toys for Tots / local toy drives Rotary initiatives A little kindness goes a long way during the holidays. From Our Team to Yours The holidays are a time to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the people who make our community special. Whether we’ve worked together this year or you’ve simply followed along with our journey — thank you. Your trust and support mean the world. Wishing you a warm, joyful, magical holiday season from all of us at the Hudson Smith Group.
Have you ever wished you could have more space — without sacrificing connection? Across Guelph, more families are embracing two-family or multi-generational living as the perfect blend of connection, independence, and financial practicality. Whether supporting aging parents, welcoming adult children home, or creating separate living quarters for long-term stability, buyers want homes that can comfortably and naturally support two households. But as demand grows, suitable properties have become almost impossible to find—especially in walkable, highly established neighbourhoods like Old University. That’s what makes 36 Harcourt Drive such an extraordinary opportunity: a true two-family home that offers space, flexibility, privacy, and location without compromise.
When the snow starts to fall, it has a way of transforming everything — streets, parks, and even front yards take on a quiet, magical charm. But for sellers, winter can also mean extra effort to make sure that charm extends to your home. Curb appeal doesn’t hibernate when the temperature drops — in fact, it matters even more. Here’s how to make your home shine this season and capture that “warm welcome” feeling buyers love, even on the coldest day. Light the Way Winter days are short, which means lighting plays a starring role. Swap out dim porch bulbs for bright, warm-toned LEDs and consider adding soft string lights or lanterns along your walkway. A well-lit entryway not only looks beautiful in twilight photos — it instantly feels inviting. Add a Pop of Colour When the landscape is all whites and greys, a bold front door makes a statement. Deep navy, forest green, or classic red can instantly lift a neutral exterior. If you’re not ready to repaint, a colourful winter wreath or fresh greenery can achieve the same welcoming effect. Dress Up with Winter Greenery Who says planters are only for summer? Evergreen boughs, birch branches, and pinecones arranged in large planters add life and texture to your front entry. They photograph beautifully and bring natural warmth to even the snowiest setting. Keep It Clean and Clear Shovel paths, sprinkle salt, and make sure steps are safe and tidy. It’s one of the simplest ways to show care — and it makes a lasting first impression for both buyers and photographers. Bonus: a clean driveway and entryway make your listing photos feel crisp and polished. Set the Scene for “Cozy” Winter buyers are looking for warmth — literally and emotionally. A soft glow from the windows, a hint of smoke from a chimney, or a front door framed by lanterns all help tell that story. These small touches help buyers imagine themselves stepping into comfort after a snowy day. Thinking of Selling This Winter? A fresh layer of snow doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring. With the right presentation, your home can look more inviting than ever. Selling in winter? We’ll make sure your home stands out — even when everything’s covered in snow. hudson@hudsonsmith.ca | 519-821-3600 | hudson@hudsonsmith.ca
