REAL ESTATE
Insider
The State of the Housing Market N AT I O N A L U P D AT E - S P E C I A L E D I T I O N IS IT SAFE TO SELL MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW? In today’s real estate market, the buzz is all about how it’s a great time to sell your house. Buyer demand is high, and there simply aren’t enough homes available to buy to meet that growing need. This means now is the time to make a move so you can close the deal on your ideal terms.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Even in today’s strong sellers’ market, there are homeowners who are choosing not to sell as a result of ongoing concerns surrounding the pandemic, financial uncertainty and life in general. According to Zillow, here are the top three reasons homeowners who are thinking of selling sometime in the next three years are not putting their houses on the market right now: • 34% – Life is too uncertain right now • 31% – Financial uncertainty • 25% – COVID-19 health concerns
If you identify with any of these, you’re not alone. Whether it’s the future of your employment situation or simply being uncomfortable having guests in your home for showings, life feels a lot different than it did at this time last year. The good news: We have the systems and technology in place to sell homes safely, and it’s paying off for those who are choosing to sell. We are focused on two things to make you more comfortable with the process:
Implementing Technology in the Process While abiding by state and local regulations as a top priority, we are making sales happen safely and effectively by leveraging key pieces of technology. We know exactly what today’s buyers and sellers need and how to put the necessary digital steps in place. For example, we have capitalized on the technology buyers find most helpful when deciding on a new home: • Virtual tours • Accurate and detailed listing information • Detailed neighborhood information • High-quality listing photos • Agent-led video chats • Virtual showings (if requested) We are listening to our audience and leveraging the tools that help buyers get an initial look at a home without having to step inside. This helps reduce the number of people entering your home, so only those who are seriously interested need to take the next step: in-person showings.
Facilitating Safe and Effective In-Person Showings After leveraging technology, if you have serious buyers who still want to see your house in person, we are following the guidelines set by the National Association of Realtors and utilizing safe ways to proceed. Here are a few of them, understanding again that our top priority is always to follow state and local regulations first: • Limiting in-person activity • Requiring guests to wash their hands or use an alcohol-based sanitizer • Following CDC guidelines on social distancing and wearing face coverings • Asking sellers to open all interior doors and closets to minimize touching surfaces Getting comfortable with the process and taking these steps under the current safety standards might be your best plan. This is especially important if you’re in a position where you need to sell your house sooner rather than later.
BOTTOM LINE: In this new era in our lives, things are shifting quickly, and virtual strategies may be your ideal option. Opening your doors to new approaches could be game-changing when it comes to selling your house while the market is leaning in your favor. Let’s connect and discuss how to safely and effectively navigate all that’s new when it comes to making your next move. ©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation