I was sitting at a dining room table at a builder model the other day… My clients, the builder representative and myself, each equally spread out around the table, e-signing documents for my buyers to purchase a new home. I commented that it all seemed a little too “normal.” And then, the builder rep walked away and came back, announcing, “I’ve got the sanitizer!” Ahhh… Yes! The econo-sized sanitizer bottle brought us all back to the realities of the “new normal” that we are learning to expect-not only in real estate but in all of life.

As we practice social distancing, sanitizing, sheltering in place, and connecting online, as much as we are able, we have realized that everyone has their own thoughts around what “normal” is today and what they expect it to be. As a Realtor, I have learned that my clients still need homes and I am still happy to serve them in whatever way they feel most comfortable. This looks different in every case.

So what is the best practice for real estate related activities for OUR team? For us, it is completely dependent on the unique perspectives of our clients. We want to be sensitive to every need of our clients. Therefore, we have created Zoom listing appointments, Zoom buyer consultations, virtual showing opportunities, private showings with only one buyer group at a time, and we continue to expand the idea of “normal,” where real estate is concerned.

Whereas some see change as an inconvenience, we have found our clients enjoy the ease with which we are able to adjust to the “new normal” and pivot to online consultations where they can meet with me from the comfort of their own computer. There are times we meet in person, as described above, yet much of the pre-listing and pre-buyer work can be done without any contact at all.
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Are you considering a move? If so, give me a call and we can discuss your preferred way of connecting, and customize a plan that takes your safety and comfortability concerns to heart. We are always happy to help!

Each year, as the market shifts and market dynamics change, we observe changes in the types of clients we generally see emerging to brave the market of the moment. As we are still finding the Twin Cities to be a market that is low on inventory, with houses being snapped up within the first few hours on the market, we have also noticed a shift in our client base. 

Here are the 3 of the most common reasons the buyers and sellers are calling us for help these days: 

1. Not enough space. Square footage needs change as families change or general needs change. Many clients are working from home or adding children to their clan and find that these changes require more space than they needed previously. This makes a move essential in many cases.
2. Relocation. Whether for a job opportunity or a desired change of scenery, we have lots of clients moving in and out of the Twin Cities, and we're happy to help with this transition. 
3. Equity opportunity. Several of our clients were unable to move in the past, because that hadn't built up enough equity to have a sufficient down payment for the next home. Due to the great increase in our sale prices, they are now able to come away from their sale with sufficient funds to make the move they wanted to make years ago. Though they may fear not being able to find the right next home, we have been very successful in planning for their purchase and we work closely with our loan professionals to make their moves successful and find the right home! 

Do you find yourself wondering if this market is the right market for YOU to make a move, given your unique situation? Give me a call! I'm always happy to consult with you and share market information that will help you to discern your next best steps. 

What are some things to consider as you prepare and make arrangements for your big moving day? Logistics Matter!

Closing and moving out of one property into another can take some creative timing. Watch here to hear some useful tips to make your move a smooth process!