Shelter-in-Place — Week 3

The big news this past week was the decision by the Department of Homeland Security to classify the practice of residential real estate as an “essential business”.  However, Bay Area activities are controlled by the more restricted orders by the County Health Departments and their guidelines state that only vacant homes may be shown and their guidelines state that:

 “appointments and other residential viewings must only occur virtually or, if a virtual viewing is not feasible, by appointment with no more than two visitors at a time residing within the same household or living unit and one individual showing the unit (except that in-person visits are not allowed when the occupant is still residing in the residence)”

Fortunately, we live in Silicon Valley where many are already accustomed to using technology for managing their lives – shopping, transportation, scheduling, so why not real estate?  And, fortunately, most Realtors include virtual tools as part of marketing a home and transacting business.

Here is a chart of activity as of April 5, 2020 shown by community in some of the neighborhoods where we work:

(Source MLSListings.com)
#Pending/Sold includes Sale Pending & Closed
#Closed Escrow Since 3/17 includes 7 sales that occurred 3/17 or later

This past week our team spent time learning about new virtual ways to transact business and we are genuinely excited to be launching some of these with some of our upcoming listings…..so, stay tuned!