My heart goes out to those feeling the impact of this pandemic; families with children whose schools have shut down, our seniors in assisted living, our neighbors at the hospitals, our local businesses.

Call me, if you need anything. It does not need to be about real estate. It can be a personal issue. I'll see if I can assist in any way. We've been in real estate for 15 years here in Howard County, Maryland. I’m fortunate to know people who may be able to help you out for a trip to the grocery store, watching children, or even getting bills and your mortgage paid*.

I’ve been asked “Are people still buying and selling? What does the market look like”? 

Homes are selling; in an unprecedented way, in fact. Our Federal Reserve just dropped their interest rate to near zero to keep the money moving for people buying homes. 

Nevertheless, this will turn around. This, like everything before it, will end. And when it does, the great spring move will be starting. If we're ready with photos we'll be able to get to market faster, and before the interest rates go up, resulting in a better price and position for you. 

Are you in the market for a new home and worried how COVID-19 could affect your search?

Since we are part of the same community, raising our families and living together, it’s critical that we all work together to minimize the risk of transmission of any sickness. Safety is my #1 priority for you.

Here is how we are changing business to keep our community safe:

We are swapping out in-home consultations to phone calls or virtual meetings to limit the contact we have with our clients. For our sellers, we are able to still view the home (via FaceTime or Zoom) and provide suggestions for repairs, maintenance, or declutter/decor.

We typically will email listings to our buyers as they become available, so this is nothing new for us. We want to make sure our clients see the newest inventory as soon as possible. If you are buying, we will discuss what is on your “must have” list and will set search parameters based on that. An email will be delivered to your inbox based on the frequency we agreed to.

We often do this for our listings, but this is now becoming the new normal. Virtual tours offer a more in-depth look at a property before you decide to view it in person. For homes that do not offer a virtual tour, some agents are touring the property and showing the client via FaceTime or sending along a recording of their tour. This helps to limit the number of people in a home for sale, as well as promotes social distancing.

E-signing is an available alternative to meeting in person to sign transaction documents. Most of the transaction will be handled with an electronic signing tool. Title companies are even offering options to e-sign documents to limit the number of physical signatures needed. Settlements are also slimming down, and only the buyers and sellers are allowed to be present; agents and lenders are not currently permitted at closing.

Like you, we have spent the last few weeks learning how to help guard against the spread of the virus. We are closely following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sellers are still allowing in-person showings, but they are taking necessary sanitizing precautions before and after appointments. Lights are left on and doors open to eliminate the need for people to touch switches and doors. Booties, gloves, and even sanitizer are made available to help contain any contamination.

While sellers are still allowing in person showings, the number of people permitted in the home at one time is now limited. Historically we would allow multiple showings to occur at the same time, or even hold open houses. To support social distancing, one party is allowed in at a time, and the buyer must first produce a pre-approval letter. This will reduce the number of showings to those who are truly serious about purchasing a home. Buyers are being screened prior to entering a home to ensure they are not asymptomatic.

I’m here for you

Call, email or text me if you are considering a sale now or after this passes and we can walk through what steps we can take now to be ready. I am working in full force from my home office (although a little messy due to the demand!)

I’m here to guide you to make fact-based decisions if you need to sell your home or buy a home, since life must go on for those in situations who need to move. Leases end, people change jobs, outgrow homes, and even need to relocate. This might be you or someone you know. I am here for you.