Numerous changes are underway

Real estate‚ by nature‚ is an “in-person” business. Open houses‚ private showings‚ and a crowded closing table are all part of the profession. In these times of social distancing‚ how are real estate professionals adapting? Take a look¹:

• Gone (for the moment) are the days of sharing a car with clients on the way to a showing. “I’ll meet you there” is the new norm.
• Open houses are currently on hold (Redfin stopped the practice on March 16). Tours are being recorded and shared or broadcast live through apps like FaceTime.
• Remote signings and notarizations—now legal in 23 states—are more commonplace.
• The FHFA instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to adopt “alternative” appraisal methods to limit in‑person interactions.² This has led to more “drive‑by” appraisals‚ which are supplemented with data gathered from public and private sources.

I wish you good health as your business adapts to the current climate. I am here if you need assistance.

¹Charisse Jones‚ “3D tours‚ remote signings: How coronavirus is changing homebuying this spring‚” USA Today‚ last updated March 24‚ 2020.
²Dima Williams‚ “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac adopt ‘alternative’ home appraisals due to coronavirus‚” Forbes‚ last updated March 23‚ 2020.