To our Clients,
Acknowledging that unprecedented times like these create uncertainty and insecurity, we want to share with you our commitments.
Firstly, the health and well-being of our community is of paramount importance, so we’re operating in strict accordance with Governor Inslee’s emergency proclamation. Secondly, we’re focused on our personal health so that we’re capable of helping our clients and the broader community as called upon. Rest-assured that we’re keeping up-to-the-minute with information and intelligence that has bearing on real estate so we can best protect your current and/or future investments.
Health, Safety and Ongoing Communications
We’ve employed technological enhancements that better enable us to lend virtual support to our clients in the challenging environment. For example, our active listings now have 3D Virtual Tours so that prospective buyers can explore all the merits of a listing before seeing it in person. We’ve also begun virtual meetings with clients and vendors, which goes a long way towards maintaining the social distance currently called for.
Impact of Governor Inslee’s Proclamation
The governor’s proclamation is currently in effect until the end of the day of April 6th. This proclamation impacts all except those who work in essential business services. Currently Lenders, Title and Escrow services fall under that umbrella, and real estate brokers and other essential elements fall under the category with distinct limitations. Up to March 27th, we were observing that some transactions were still going under contract and we expect that those are for properties buyers have already seen or were comfortable purchasing sight-unseen. With changes Governor Inslee made effective March 28th allowing some in-person real estate activity, the expectation is that buyers will go back to touring homes, albeit in a very limited fashion, maintaining social distance, etc.
Open Houses
Open Houses have been suspended at this time. Effective March 28th, in-person, private showings are permitted, but only two people can be in the home at a time (one of them being the broker) and social distancing must be maintained.
Market Values
Home values do not go up and down as rapidly as the stock market does. Thus far the demand for homes has remained very robust with homes in active areas still receiving multiple offers. However, each property type and location behaves uniquely. If knowing the current impact on your home is important to you, please contact us so we can study the activity of properties similar to your home in your neighborhood. We anticipate that this temporary freeze will create pent-up demand in our active market. For those sellers and buyers ready to transact this year, it can make a big difference to be ready to go once given the all clear to resume our work again.
Our Success is Linked to Yours
We want to thank you for your continued partnership and contribution during this uncertain time. We will get through this together, and in the interim, we will continue to serve you through an agile, tech-enabled, virtual workplace. The SeattlebyDesign Team and Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty have weathered other storms, and we are making smart and informed moves to ensure we can continue to support you now and invest in your future.
Wishing you and your family good health. If there is anything we can serve you with, please reach out.
For specifics on real estate industry modifications, please visit here.
Enrico Pozzo, Barry Bergner & Chris Kallin
The SeattlebyDesign Group
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
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