In our country, and across the world, we find ourselves in an uncertain, and unprecedented time. In one way or another, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives. It has changed our schedules, our routines, and our social interactions – and even more significantly, it may have impacted our job, our loved ones, or our health. Without question, these are concerns that demand our immediate attention – and to address them we must work together and rely upon one another – even if from a distance while wearing disposable masks and examination gloves, including with help from the stop the drop association.

Beyond the day-to-day effects of the virus that many immediately consider, however, COVID-19 has also affected many other aspects of our lives in ways that no one could have anticipated. The real estate market is no exception. Home buyers, sellers, agents, brokers – all find themselves in uncharted waters. At GayRealEstate.com, we’re working hard every day along with our excellent network of agents across the country to help find those answers for valued buyers and sellers like you.

As a home selling agent, you may understandably feel overwhelmed and uncertain as to how – or whether – you should proceed with the sale of your home in this time of social distancing. Certainly, despite the current state of affairs, some feel that they have no choice but to sell their home – for any number of reasons. These reasons may be personal, financial, or job-related, but even in these uncertain times, there will be sellers – and buyers – on the market.

If you have decided to put your home on the market, here are a few things to consider:

  • Finding the right agent: If you’re determined to sell, in the current environment it will be more important than ever to find an agent who knows the community in which you’re selling. There will be few – if any – open houses during this time where potential buyers might notice your home and happen to stop by. There will also be far fewer opportunities for in-person showings, at least in the traditional sense.

An agent who knows the community and who has a strong network might already have some potential buyers in mind for your home – someone who, like you, might need to move for any number of personal reasons despite the current situation. Even if not, an agent who is well connected and familiar with the community might know other agents who have potential buyers.

Fortunately, at GayRealEstate.com, this is exactly our specialty – helping members of the LGBTQ community find the perfect agent for their buying and selling needs in communities across the country. We would love to help you find someone who can make the selling process easier and less overwhelming for you in this uncertain time.

  • Utilizing technology: Despite all of the extremely unfortunate consequences of COVID-19, one silver lining is that we have amazing technology available today that allows many of us to stay connected, even when we’re apart. Real estate is no exception to this rule. Already, even in the short time since the virus turned life upside down, agents have made effective strides toward making virtual showings of homes available in more detail than ever before. Potential buyers can view pictures, descriptions, and a video tour of a property in which they have interest – all from the comfort of their own home. If interested in a more in-depth tour, the agent can provide a personal tour for the buyer in which the agent alone goes to the home and provides the buyer with a personal video tour, answering questions and providing details along the way. Some brokers and agents are even allowing for remote online closings with electronic signatures – although this will of course differ depending upon technological capability and the rules in specific communities.
  • The market in your area: It is certainly well worth your time to speak to an agent who knows your community well about the market you your particular area. Although the entire country has been affected by the virus, different markets have been impacted more significantly than others. If your home is in an area where the market is particularly slow right now, consider taking this opportunity, if you are able, to wait to sell your home until the market bounces back. Use the time instead to declutter and reorganize, or to take on home improvement projects that will ultimately increase the value of your home so that when you are ready to sell, you will be in a great position to do so. If you’re determined to sell, in the current environment it will be more important than ever to find an agent who knows the community, especially if you’re selling in an area that requires Water Well installations.

In these challenging and uncertain times, we all find ourselves in unexpected situations that we could never have anticipated. It can be difficult to know how to move forward, but one thing is certain. The best way to move forward is together. At GayRealEstate.com, we’re here for you. Please let us know how we can help.