For over two months many businesses have been shut down, events have been canceled and lives have been altered as we scrambled to avert the spread of COVID-19. So many businesses and individuals have been negatively affected, but real estate has remained open for business.
All companies associated with real estate have remained working – mortgage and title companies, builders, contractors, inspectors, etc. We stopped holding open houses during the Stay Home Stay Safe restrictive period but continued to show homes. Many clients requested virtual tours and videos in lieu of showings in person, but most still have wanted to get out and show homes in person.
Buyers and agents who are concerned about catching the virus can wear gloves and masks while touring homes. Showing agents can turn on all the lights, open up doors to all the rooms and keep their distance from the buyers or renters looking at the home. If owners are concerned about having people in their home, they can require the use of masks and gloves and can provide shoe covers and a trash can near the front door, then wipe down door handles and common touch points with a sterilizing cloth after showings.
As we head into June, with restrictions being gradually lifted for other businesses, our economic machine is ramping back up and should soon be fully back up and running. The outlook for Houston’s real estate market is very positive. Some people have lost jobs and/or income, and have had to put their search for a new home on hold, but a majority of people that were considering a move this year are right back on track, looking for good deals while interest rates are still very low. We also have a migration of people and businesses from other markets, such as New York and California, which will expand our demand for housing and keep us from experiencing decreases in residential real estate values, as those markets are experiencing.
We can all get back to work if we use good judgment and best practices as we share space with others. And this Houston economy is ready to get right back to being one of the strongest in the USA.
