Selling Your Home in Uncertain Times

We are in an unprecedented moment in our history. 2020 has been a year of uncertainty, tragedy and devastation across the globe. The coronavirus has impacted our lives in major ways over the past several months. Individuals have been impacted on every level, economic and personal included. It is no wonder that you may be wondering if this is the best time to sell your house. 

Not only has the outbreak of the global pandemic known as COVID-19 changed our individual lives in substantial ways, it has changed many aspects of business and the economy. Included in this is the momentum of real estate sales. When it comes to selling your home, you should know that there are several ways in which other home sellers are responding to the current situation, varying from sellers waiting out the pandemic to others selling their homes under more urgent circumstances. For example, many homeowners need to put their homes on the market following a substantial life change such as a work transfer, financial difficulty, or need to care for an elderly or vulnerable family member living out of state.

Selling Your Home in 2020 - 2021

If you are currently in the process of selling your home - or perhaps you have been planning on it, but you are unsure of how to proceed in these uncertain times, you may be anxious to understand more about the economy and how property prices are being influenced by the pandemic and surrounding events. We hope to shine some light on how best to handle your home sale in this particular moment and as we move forward in our collective recovery.

Is now the best time to sell your home? If you are selling your home right now, it is advisable that you stay visible rather than withdrawing your listing. The reason for this is that buying interest very well may be gathering during this economic lockdown of sorts and that could turn into increased viewings further down the road. Right now, many people at home are searching listings and although they have delayed plans to move on purchasing, they are eagerly anticipating going to actual viewings in the near future. Now is a great time to have your home listed and to ensure that there are interested buyers at the ready. 

This troubling time has taxed us all beyond belief. Many of us are overloaded with work and family responsibilities and are worried for the future. Despite all of this, we have had to manage our lives as efficiently and effectively as ever. Now is a good time to evaluate your relationship with your agent. 

Has the agent been responsive to the best of their ability throughout this crisis? Have they been answering phone calls and responding to emails? We must all offer each other a bit of leeway in these unprecedented times, but it is also important that you have an agent who can show up for you in these times. If your agent is failing to meet your needs, it may well be time for you to give your written notice and move on to a new agent. A new agent can also help you revamp your marketing strategies to increase your visibility. A good agent is more important than ever when selling your home during a pandemic!

There are many ways in which selling your home in this climate has been modified for safety and efficiency. For example, you can have your listing consultations remotely. There may occasionally be a need to meet your agent in person, sometimes it can be seen as advantageous to do this for the initial meeting. However, for the most part, you can meet with your agent from your home where you can give them a virtual tour and they can review their presentation with you. There is no reason that this business must be conducted in person, and some have even noticed what a convenience it can be to have remote meetings. 

If you are not convinced this is the best time to sell your home, you may feel comforted by the ease with which you can review and sign documents digitally on a secure platform. Digital documents make life easier regardless of the need for social distancing. 

For the best possible experience selling your home, work with a reputable real estate agent profiled on Homes & Land.