What COVID-19 means in Real Estate – TOP10

It’s confusing times right now and if you are looking to list-buy-invest in a new home – what should you do? The #614 market is still selling homes (and many days…virtually) – here are some things to consider:

1. Be kind / Check on your neighbors / Re-center: I don’t think we could say this enough. I was responding to as text this morning and I forgot to say “thank you” – so I sent a quick follow-up. Daily things are changing and uncertainty elicits many responses – let’s have kindness rise to the top as whatever the new “normal” settles around us.
2. Real Estate in Columbus is still alive and well: I know, it’s odd – but homes are still going into contract or being listed every day, here are a few things you might want to be aware of if you want to buy/sell/invest during this current economic time (Coronavirus).
3. The Ohio Department of Health has released an announcement on 3/22 that all Ohioans should “Shelter at Home”. Per the Ohio Department of Health and will remain in effect until 11:59 pm on April 6, 2020 or until further directive from Governor DeWine:
a. Real Estate is an essential/exempt industry.
b. Media (“other Media Services”) is an essential/exempt industry – we will be able to continue to provide photography and marketing services to ready your listing for MLS.
4. Offices: All Coldwell Banker offices are closed to the public and to agents (except for drop-off)
5. Closings: Agents should not be present at closings, but our offices can be used for closings where physical closing is required and with the fewest number of people present as possible, all following CDC guidelines.
6. Open Houses: Agents should not be holding Open Houses. Instead, we have a number of virtual alternatives available to help you present or preview a home.
7. We are following the National Association of Realtor Guidelines: HERE
8. Showings: Showings should be conducted virtually as much as possible – we are using applications such as FaceTime, Facebook Live, WhatsApp and other creative means.
9. I recognize the challenge this state order creates for you, and I am committed to supporting you in any way I can. If you have Q’s – just text me: (614) 623-4630.
10. What you can be doing NOW if you wait to LIST:
a. De-clutter your closets and basement / organize your pantry – get ready!
b. Paint and touch-up key rooms / front door is key.
c. Freshen-up light fixtures: focus on kitchen, dining room and entry (including: exterior front door).
d. It’s never too early to work on your curb appeal: trim bushes, new mulch, new flowering trees at front entry, reseed/over-seed the front lawn – flowers in front pots.
e. Purchase a new front door mat (welcome!) – the market is going to be back soon, all of these items will help you sell…when you are ready!