The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the world. Social Distancing is a new way of life. With all that we are hearing and being instructed to do, should we be showing homes right now?
As a Real Estate Brokerage owner, I am asked this question many times a day. Buyers, sellers, and Real Estate Agents are unsure what to do right now and are understandably concerned. First, let’s start with what Governor Cuomo has set as policy. On March 7, 2020 Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order #202 declaring a disaster emergency in New York State. This order among many of its directives, enacted the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and authorized all necessary state agencies to take appropriate action to assist local governments and individuals in containing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from this state disaster emergency; to protect state and local property; and to provide such other assistance as is necessary to protect public health, welfare, and safety.
Over the past few weeks, EO 202 has been amended 10 times. We have been told not to gather. Schools are closed. Sport seasons canceled.The Olympics postponed. We have also learned the term “Essential Business” and if you follow that link you will see “Real Estate” is not on it. In fact, the Governor was quite specific in one news conference saying in effect that evictions are suspended and landlords would have a hard finding tenants as Real Estate Agents are prohibited from showing apartments under EO 202. Without calling him and asking him personally, I believe he means home sales too. And condos and coops etc. Visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home and you will find information on what is considered an “Essential Business” during this crisis as well as the 10 Point Policy.
For home sales that are currently pending, we are working with all parties to facilitate the completion of the sale. Closings have continued but are very different as they are not in person, often with buyers and sellers waiting in individual cars. No one is gathering. We anticipate being able to conclude the pending sales and we are impressed with the ability to adapt being displayed by the professionals in the field.
So, what is BrookHampton doing right now if a buyer wants to see a home?
Unfortunately, we are not taking you in. We are also not setting up any unescorted showings. We are not deviating from the governor’s instructions.
We do have some awesome virtual tours we can show you. And we can have some great conversations on the phone or virtual meetings.
We will update our position as information changes and we are here if you should have any questions.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
~ The Team at BrookHampton Realty
#brookhamptonrealty #staysafe #stayhealthy #coronavirus #wereallinthistogether #socialdistancing #stayhome
Why You May Still Want To Sell Your House After All
If you need to sell now because something in your own life has changed, don’t let mortgage rates hold you back from what you want.
Gen Z: The Next Generation Is Making Moves in the Housing Market
Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence. As a result, they’re turning to homeownership.
Why You Don’t Need To Fear the Return of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
If you’re worried today’s adjustable-rate mortgages are like the ones from the housing crash, rest assured, things are different this time.
Why Median Home Sales Price Is Confusing Right Now
Median home sales prices change because there’s a mix of homes being sold is being impacted by affordability and mortgage rates.
People Want Less Expensive Homes – And Builders Are Responding
Builders producing smaller, less expensive newly built homes give you more affordable options at a time when that’s really needed.
Don’t Expect a Flood of Foreclosures
Before there can be a significant rise in foreclosures, the number of people who can’t pay their mortgage would need to rise. Since buyers are making their payments today, a wave of foreclosures isn’t likely.