For those of you who need to buy a home – or to put your home on the market – I’m offering the best, most up-to-date information on changes to the Tampa Real Estate market. As we navigate through the coming weeks, know that my ongoing support and commitment to the public as a Realtor will continue.
If stay-at-home restrictions take effect in Florida, please know that your Realtor will be able to take your home off the market temporarily, which essentially freezes your “days on the market” counter – a good thing. Real estate activity in Tampa has slowed, but only slightly. In other parts of the country, Realtors are reporting that between 16 and 20 percent of sellers have taken their homes off the market simply because of the virus threat. As the situation changes, you want to be sure you’re making good decisions!
Other Ways Things May Change
I foresee a need for more virtual tours or video walkthroughs. As a buyer, you may choose to watch this material first to narrow the range of homes you wish to visit in person. Seeing a virtual tour, having a floorplan in hand and taking a video walkthrough of a home can be of great value. And if you’re a seller, you can reasonably expect your agent to provide these assets. If you want to discuss a strategy for marketing your home for sale post-coronavirus, please reach out to me!
At the state level, three organizations – representing home builders, the Florida Land Title Association and Florida Realtors – have contacted the governor. They’ve asked Gov. DeSantis to stave off hardship to those who are involved in buying or selling a home. Specifically, they’re asking that real estate transactions and title recording be declared essential services. Therefore, government’s county clerk and comptroller recording functions would stay open even if other offices shut down.
NAR is also working with state association and lobbying on behalf of self-employed workers and independent contractors for economic relief. You can read more about those efforts, which include affordable-rental-housing advocacy, here.
https://www.nar.realtor/political-advocacy/nars-advocacy-work-towards-covid-19-relief
I appreciate my portfolio of business from all of my clients, past and future, and I wish you and your families good health.