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Time of death

By
Real Estate Agent with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty

Many states, many cities are instituting shut-downs.  Chicago public schools just shut down through April 20th... that's a full month away.  They've also issued a "shelter in place" strong suggestion, and the mayor is considering adding some sort of consequences for those who don't follow the suggestion.

As Realtors... how do we manage that?  We have sellers who have to sell... we have buyers who want/need to buy.  There's only so much we can do with FaceTime showings... will people actually buy after viewing the online photos and experiencing your FaceTime-ing? 

Will we have to go back to the property and take specific photos?  (ie: I want to see a photo of the laundry.. inside the garage.. the basement...)?

As Realtors... we spend a lot of time around people.   while we sell property, it is a people business.  And yet, we tend to travel to and from in our "social distancing" cars (I don't know many agents who still put folks in their cars)... There are very few people still doing open houses and broker's tours.  I think we're "capable" of surviving this crisis.  And as usual with crises, it will shake a whole bunch of folks out of the tree.

Gloves, masks and hand sanitizer have become de rigeur in this biz, in a rather short period of time.  We get creative and do whatever is necessary.

I'm not ready to call time-of-death... we're resilient. Let's reconvene in a few months and see how we did... mmmmkay?

Posted by

 ALAN MAY, Realtor®   
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate

Jameson Sotheby's International Realty, 2934 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Office: 847.869.7300      Cell: 847.924.3313      Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate
Licensed in Illinois

   

Comments(45)

J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

I do believe this will shake out a bunch of the "dead weight" in this industry. I can't say it isn't needed, but I can't say this is the right way to go about it either.

Mar 20, 2020 11:21 AM
Alan May

it's definitely a rough way to remove the dead weight.

Mar 20, 2020 01:35 PM
Beth and Richard Witt
New York, NY
The best Retired Brokers !!!!

Doctors' advice when a house is being shown... is to have everyone wear a mask, buyer, agent, and seller... neither the buyer or the agent should touch anything in the house if necessary let the seller touch what needs to be touched... ... and all should be well... Have a Happy Day  

Mar 20, 2020 11:49 AM
Alan May

it's a rough way to show a property... but at least it's a way.

Mar 20, 2020 01:36 PM
Anne Corbin

I've got a showing in a few hours and we are definitely going to follow that protocol!!

Mar 21, 2020 07:52 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Just saw (via a local newspaper) that Gov. Pritzker will be issuing an order this evening regarding a "Shelter-in-Place" order starting in IL on Saturday.  I think we'll be navigating new waters moving ahead regarding showings and closings both (when they occur), Alan May.  Stay safe ... and stay tuned ...

Gene 

Mar 20, 2020 12:02 PM
Alan May

Yep... he just announced.

Mar 20, 2020 01:36 PM
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

We will have to find novel ways of doing business, in many different areas. 

Mar 20, 2020 12:09 PM
Alan May

the only constant is "change".

Mar 20, 2020 01:36 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Alan. Pritzker supposed to announce a Shelter in Place program in about 30 minutes. Creative minds will seek alternative solutions.

Mar 20, 2020 12:28 PM
Alan May

he just announced.

Mar 20, 2020 01:37 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Creative minds are out there and its important to make sure we slow down the spread. First quarter was a great quarter for me and I'm not giving up. Closed a property last week, one this morning and have another closing on the 30th which is set. The closings I have in April will come off..our title companies are wonderful about alternatives to close rather than come into their offices..they are still open in Texas. It could be a slow April and May for new business but it won't last for long. Buyers need a place to live in Austin and inventory is already low!!

It's all a challenge and will definitely thin out the hoards of Realtors that have cropped up these last couple of years. Stay strong and stay healthy..good post!

Mar 20, 2020 01:41 PM
Alan May

We'll have to become creative... no doubt.  And you're right.  It's going to be a slow April and May... but once this is over, I'm sure it will return with vigor.

Mar 20, 2020 01:47 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

I hear that the National Guard will be out this weekend and there will be a 2-week nationwide quarantine for all citizens. The President will evoke what is called the Stafford Act by the end of the weekend.  I would like to know what is really going on????

Mar 20, 2020 02:56 PM
Alan May

I'm guessing you meant "invoke"... not sure why we'd need the National Guard.

Mar 20, 2020 03:48 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I see that Illlinois has joined CA and NY with a shelter in place order and to only go out for essentials, like food and medical matter. Things are changing daily, including the real estate business, calling for creativity around showings.

We have been told no open houses (and why would you, other than a virtual one?). This is a great time to share creative ideas of how to continue listing and selling while protecting everyone, including ourselves.  Our escrow and title offices are still operating but do expect some delays with recordings in some cases. But all our closings are behind the scenes so no groups of people sitting around a table, and they are doing more e-recordings.

Jeff

Mar 20, 2020 03:27 PM
Alan May

Yep... the gov announced that this afternoon.

Mar 20, 2020 03:48 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

FDR said " The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Unfortunately, a whole lot of people are running on fear rght now, and I expect everyone here is right - it WILL thin out the herd.

Unless your State has demanded a complete shut-down, just be reasonable and take precautions.

Can you show homes by providing buyers (and yourself) with disposable globes and paper shoe covers? Sure you can. Can you maintain "social distancing" when showing homes? Sure you can.

(If your local pharmacies, etc. are out of gloves - check the auto parts store. They sell them for mechanics who don't want black fingernails.)

 

Mar 20, 2020 08:02 PM
Alan May

yep... we definitely seem to be functioning on fear.

Mar 20, 2020 08:13 PM
Joe Daniels, Broker, Appraise
Personal Service Realty - Leesburg, FL

I have a family member that is a Chicago Police officer. Before their shift today they were getting calls and told to "bring your riot gear in with you." Sure hope it doesn't come to that.

Mar 20, 2020 09:11 PM
Alan May

the 'shelter in place' order doesn't technically take place until 5:00 this evening.  they are saying that police will approach people who are "out", and ask why they are out... and if it's not for essential purposes, they will admonish them and send them home.  they feel as though that should be adequate for most people.

Mar 21, 2020 06:05 AM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

We did not experience any Jan . Traditional lull because it’s been a warm Winter. So I’m using this time to work on some things that have been put off 

Mar 21, 2020 05:44 AM
Alan May

Our January, here, was good.

Mar 21, 2020 06:06 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I actually do still put clients in my car for a two or more tour; it's always made for valuable bonding and rapport in my process. 

To quote another Illinois resident, Wayne Martin, "We are being inconvenienced not put out of business. Let the creative mind flow!"

Mar 21, 2020 07:43 AM
Alan May

I like to put them in my car for the same reason... but more and more, these days, I find buyers are travelling with car seats, etc... and we end up caravaning.

Mar 21, 2020 11:05 AM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Taking it one day at a time ... in the meantime I am doing my Continuing Ed on line, trying to clean up my office (note the word "Trying") ... and making phone calls.  This too shall pass. 

Mar 21, 2020 11:53 AM
Alan May

One day at a time... good advice.

Mar 21, 2020 03:09 PM
Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO
Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

I am wondering as well, since my county has a mandated 'stay home' policy starting Tuesday. I think my pending deals may fall apart...

Mar 21, 2020 03:56 PM
Alan May

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Mar 21, 2020 06:53 PM
M.C. Dwyer
Melody Russell Team at eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Felton, CA
MC Dwyer-Santa Cruz Mountains Property Specialist

SF Bay area got "shelter in place orders" early this week and now the whole state is to "stay at home,"  other than essential businesses.    Seems to me we provide an essential service - people sometimes must buy and sell real estate - you've got 1031 exchanges, people getting relocated for work, people who've already sold their home and are in a temporary rent back... Still,  no guidance from our state association yet.    Things are changing faster here than they can figure it out.

There were 23 new Single Family home escrows County wide this week, compared to 39 last week.     I think it's going to slow way down.

I'm hosting a "virtual" open house tomorrow on facebook live...all by myself.

Be safe out there!

Mar 21, 2020 06:11 PM
Alan May

New York thinks we're an essential service.

Mar 21, 2020 06:53 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Well it’s not the end of the world yet so homes will still need to convey one way or another.

Mar 21, 2020 08:44 PM
Alan May

it really isn't the end of the world, yet.  Is it?

Mar 22, 2020 05:35 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Alan May Franklin MA now has its first man with covid-19... I'm going to make my last trip to dunkin to buy my cappuccino....and that's it for going off my property.... I get my exercise inside and outside... as for working from home, welcome to my world!!!!!!!!  it, too, takes discipline, but how many people are thinking about business right now?  Andy still has appointments with high end buyers who want to buy NOW.... tammy is not leaving her house.... nor does Andy need to.....but that's his decision.

Mar 22, 2020 03:50 AM
Alan May

yep... working from home does require disclipline... but that may be a different post.

Mar 22, 2020 05:36 AM
Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

Right now, only my investor clients might be ok with viewing a home virually. The virtual viewing is great for an initial viewing- but who wants to spend $500K-$1,500,000 (my typical client price range- the entry point for Manhattan apartments) without stepping foot into the space. We are stay in place in NYC- where the cases are growing rapidly.

I was able to get an accepted offer on Thursday for a client that toured the property the week prior...and now that showings are suspended- it's likely the last deal I will have for awhile. At least I have other deals in the pipeline - but even those are uncertain right now.  In the meanwhile, I will take this downtime to update my support materials for my clients (buying here is very different than buying anywhere else and even clients that are savvy tend to learn alot in the process).

Mar 22, 2020 04:50 PM
Alan May

true... I can't imagine a residential buyer making a decision without actually touring the property in person.

Mar 22, 2020 04:54 PM
Anthony Kirlew
Group 46:10 Network @ eXp Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Helping You Make Fiscally Sound Real Estate Deals!

It's a shift, and one none of us likely expected.

Most of all, we can communicate to our prospects and clients, provide them resources, and check in on them to see what they may need that is not real estate related that we might be able to help them with. In the end, they will remember who was there to help them. Stay safe!

Mar 25, 2020 07:36 AM
Alan May

"Shift", eh?

Mar 25, 2020 07:39 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

It's a tough time to be in the people business! I'm offering virtual showings only for occupied residences and wipes are used for vacant properties.  Each driving themselves and buyers don't touch anything!

Mar 28, 2020 03:23 PM
Alan May

It sure is... and we have to be vigilant in staying in touch with our clients... so they remember us when this is over.

Mar 28, 2020 04:11 PM