Buying and Selling a Home During COVID
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing massive shutdowns all over the U.S., the real estate market has been flourishing. Initially, the number of transactions took a big dip after the pandemic began, but a few short months later it began to look very different. Today, the housing market continues to thrive.
Part of the reason why the market is booming is because many people sought to get out of the cities where it’s harder to practice social distancing, deciding to move into the country. The Upper Peninsula proved to be an excellent location. Throughout 2020, State Wide Real Estate of Houghton (SWOH) was actively assisting both buyers and sellers.
If you’re exploring the selling process or considering the possibility of buying a home, SWOH is here for you. Our office is fully operational during this pandemic. Over the past year, we skillfully learned how to buy and sell homes while keeping everyone involved safe. To hear more about how SWOH can help you achieve your real estate goals, call us today at (906) 482-6955 or drop us a note.
Ways to Protect Your Health While House Hunting During COVID
One question often raised is if it’s a good idea to buy a home right now. Our advice to clients is if they are in the market to buy and can make mortgage payments, we think now is a great time. In August, mortgage interest rates reached historically low levels. Going forward, it’s expected rates in 2021 will remain low, making it an attractive time for buyers to find that perfect home for sale.
Truthfully, the home buying process does look a little different these days but potential buyers can still find the home of their dreams – in any way they feel comfortable. SWOH has successfully been able to blend traditional house hunting strategies with new virtual approaches.
To reduce the number of properties visited, agents offer online or FaceTime tours to eliminate properties buyers aren’t interested in. Once appealing homes are identified, if looking to approach house buying the traditional way by physically visiting houses, SWOH will make sure everyone involved wears masks and practices social distancing, with plenty of hand sanitizer on hand. Whether viewing houses in-person or virtually, home buyers can be rest assured they’ll be able to carefully examine any home they are interested in buying.
Tips on Prepping Your Home For Potential Buyers During COVID
Last year as the coronavirus pandemic grew, many people were hesitant to put their homes on the market. They wondered if selling a house was wise considering the world’s uncertainty. Or, if it was even safe to sell their homes and whether they could successfully do it with restrictions in place.
The answers to these questions are a resounding YES. If thinking of initiating the selling process, now is a good time. The year 2020 was a strong seller’s market since housing inventory was tight. As a result, sellers often received offers above their asking rates. When ready to move forward, a SWOH real estate agent can run the numbers so homeowners can be confident with their decision to sell. They’ll also help identify a competitive price within the desired asking range.
SWOH agents will skillfully prep homes for potential buyers. While it is true things are a bit unusual during COVID-19, with a mix of tried and true strategies, along with new precautions, homeowners can successfully allow people to view their homes – in person or online – very safely. Agents will help stage your home. They’ll then photograph rooms in the best light and from the right positions. This ensures the property’s best features transition beautifully for online viewing. Open houses are currently unavailable, but agents are able to offer live virtual tours.
Connect with State Wide Real Estate of Houghton Today
Buying and selling a home during COVID has created changes, but SWOH promises to work hard to make transactions a seamless process. The health of our buyers and sellers is high priority and we promise to go the extra mile to ensure everyone’s safety. We’ll work hard to make certain your house hunting or home selling experience is at a comfortable level.
Looking to buy a sell a home in UP’s beautiful Copper Country? The real estate agents at State Wide Real Estate of Houghton are ready to help. We’re happy to answer any questions, share information on specific properties, or address any buying or selling concerns associated with the pandemic. Give us a call at (906) 482-6955 or drop us a note. We’d love to talk with you.
