As we move toward the end of the year, some would-be home sellers assume they’ve missed their selling opportunity. Generally, winter isn’t perceived by some people as one of the best times to sell a home, so many potential home sellers think they now need to wait until spring to list their home. In addition, we hear from many people who think they need to wait until the pandemic gets better before listing. Neither of these assumptions is true! It is still a good time to list your house and you can still do it safely, despite COVID. Here are a few facts to put your mind at ease.
Why Now is a Good Time to Sell
Two words: seller’s market. Demand is HIGH and inventory is low. This means you now is the time for you to sell your home and close the deal on your terms. Real estate is not a certain business, so it’s possible your home will not be worth as much in the spring. Plus, high equity means now is a great time to move up, or, cash out if you’ve been thinking about downsizing.
Demand is only going to increase, but there is no guarantee mortgage rates will continue to drop. So it’s smart for sellers to capitalize on this moment now and act sooner rather than later. In a recent article, Bankrate explained:
“If you’re looking to buy a home…expect mortgage rates to remain low into 2021. However, the possibility of rates falling to 2.5 percent or lower has faded as the U.S. economy has rebounded.”
Here are some more resources if you’re thinking about selling your home:
- Should I Rent Or Sell My Home?
- Safely Sell Your Home During COVID-19
- Is Now The Right Time To Sell?
- Should You Move Before Or After Your Retire?
- For Sale By Owner – Why Not To Do It
- Should I Sell My Long Beach Home Now?
- Should I Buy First or Sell First?
How to Safely Sell Your Home
Real estate as an industry is always evolving. During the current pandemic, the industry has really risen to the occasion and changed for the better. Real estate agents are focused on helping people continue their lives and creating smooth transactions. Here are two ways real estate agents are helping to ensure your safety during the pandemic.
1. Technology
Technology has never been more important in our industry. Many agents are utilizing technology to help clients buy and sell homes with as person-to-person interaction as possible. Here at The Shannon Jones Team in particular, we have really doubled down on our online presence. We conduct almost all of our client calls via Zoom and host virtual open houses for all of our listings. In addition, we continue to provide high-quality photos, a professional video, and 3D Matterport tours for every listing we have. For an example of what you can expect when you list our home with us, please click here.
We also have a digital marketing plan for our sellers that includes video, social media, and email marketing. For more information on that, check out our marketing page here.
2. Safe Showings
Even when leveraging technology, some people will want to see your home in person. However, current guidelines ensure only serious buyers can actually enter your home. Plus, agents are following the guidelines set by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and utilizing safe ways to proceed. Here are a few of the ways The Shannon Jones Team is keeping its clients safe:
- Requiring all home visitors to wear masks (we provide them if the potential buyers come without them!)
- Providing hand sanitizer and gloves when potential buyers arrive
- Limiting the number of people in the home at any one time, and requiring preapprovals and signed entry advisory disclosures prior to access
- Opening doors before anyone else enters the home
- Sanitizing high-touch areas between showings
Trust Your Agent
Now more than ever, it is important to be comfortable with your agent. A true trusted advisor can help you safely sell your home even during a pandemic! This trust is especially important if you’re in a position where you need to sell your house sooner rather than later.
As Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist for Zillow notes:
“Homeowners who feel life is uncertain right now may think they can still get a strong price if they delay selling until they have more clarity. The catch is that waiting to sell may raise the cost of a trade-up. This fall’s record low mortgage rates, which make a trade-up more affordable on a monthly basis, are not guaranteed to last.”
The Shannon Jones Team Can Be Your Advisor!
If you still haven’t found that trusted real estate advisor, The Shannon Jones Team can help. We are well versed in selling homes safely during the pandemic. Our team has helped numerous people sell their homes in the last few months and we can help you too! To get started, just fill out the form below or give us a call at 562.896.2456. In the meantime, if you want to instantly find out what your home is worth CLICK HERE. We look forward to talking with you!
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