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HOMES SOLD 70% FASTER

#1 IN SOUTH JERSEY

856-478-6562
HOMES SOLD FOR 10.29% MORE
*Nancy and seller must agree on price and timing. † Based on Bright MLS 2020

Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group is an award-winning boutique real estate brokerage specializing in all facets of Southern New Jersey’s robust residential real estate market. Founded in 2016, the firm has quickly become one of the state’s leading independent brokerages, known for its home sale guarantee. Based on a pre-determined, agreed-upon price and timeframe, founder and president Nancy Kowalik guarantees the sale of her client’s home with the promise that the firm will purchase the property if it is not sold. Kowalik’s office culture focuses on teamwork and philanthropy. With 12 full-time agents working as a team, the firm promises 5-star service. Under Kowalik’s lead the group has given over $80,000 to a local non-profit since 2017 and has been an ongoing supporter of local High School and intramural sports programs.

Let’s talk about the Real Estate Market and the Coronavirus.

In Real Estate, the home buying and selling season has officially kicked off! While this is usually a predictable and exciting time in Real Estate, a wildcard none of us ever expected is now in play. COVID-19, or Coronavirus, has caused widespread fear, which has led many families to become uncertain of what their next step is in their Real Estate venture.

In response to this, we created this article to help answer your questions and encourage you to continue your home search or sale because, in reality, this is the BEST time to buy and sell! Want to find out why? Keep Reading!

Stock Market vs. Housing Market

We are feeling the effects of the outbreak in China with the shortages and delays in consumer goods. In addition, restricted travel, social distancing, and the closure of businesses in some states will all contribute to lower consumer spending, which is hurting the economy.

Real estate and the corona Virus
How does the Coronavirus affect the Real Estate Market?

However, the Stock Market and the Housing Market are typically not tied together since people don’t buy homes as merely an investment—they’re a basic need that changes depending on life stages. So historically, the Housing Market is stable during Stock Market dips and even in recessions.

The exception to this is probably still fresh in our minds—the 2008 financial crisis. The cause of this Stock Market crash was, strangely enough, due to a Housing Market crash that saw home prices fall by a whopping 17%. However, in the recession of 2001, home prices actually increased by 4%, and during the 3 other documented recessions in the last 50 years, have remained relatively steady.

Image showing homes in bubbles
Image representing the 2008 housing market bubble burst

It’s safe to say that what happened in 2008 was unusual and will likely not happen again. Once fear subsides, the virus gets contained, and the government grants an Economic Stimulus Package to compensate for the quarantine, the dip in the Stock Market will be short-lived, and another recession won’t be imminent. 

Good News for The Housing Market

How could the Housing Market go up during a recession, you ask? When the Stock Market dips, investors consider it to be too risky, so instead, they look for safer places to invest their wealth.

Image representing housing going up

Bonds and Real Estate are some of the most common places investors turn to during times like these. The higher the demand is for Bonds—like right now—the higher the price becomes, and the lower the interest payment is relative to the price. When these yields are lower, mortgage rates are lower, too.

bonds vs stocks
Typically when stocks decline bonds investments rise.

Mortgages rates were down to 3.29% last week compared to last year during this time when they were 4.41%. Investors looking to Real Estate as a safer place to put their money follows the same trend as Bonds, which is why interest rates are down. 

image shoing mortgage rates dropping

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers? 

It is only a matter of time before the rates start to go up again, and it’s uncertain how low mortgage lenders are willing to go, regardless of the Federal Reserve cutting its rates again. But the current state of mortgage rates is incredible news for both buyers and sellers.

Low interest rates give more buying power.

With mortgage rates this low, it means buyers can afford a lot more, and sellers can relax knowing that their homes are in HIGH demand. It’s still a seller’s market out there, so with some extra precautions put into play, this could be the most successful year in Real Estate we’ve seen in a long time!

Advice For Buyers 

Look at your personal financial situation and job security. If you are comfortable in your financial position and were planning on buying a home in the next few months, this couldn’t be a better time for you. As a buyer in these current circumstances, you will likely be conducting your home search virtually.

From meeting with your Realtor through video chats to doing virtual tours, you will have to be adaptive, but know it’s for everyone’s safety and best interest.

Initial meetings can be on Face time
Have an meeting online with your realtor.

If you decide to do an in-person tour of a prospective home, there are certain precautions you and the sellers will have to take. For you, the buyer, you will be encouraged to wear shoe covers, sanitize your hands before entering, and to ensure you’re are not sick before you come inside.

The home of your dreams could be within your grasp if you act quickly! 

Watch our virtual tours of homes here:

Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group Video Tours

How to Sell Your Home During the Pandemic

Sellers rejoice! The abundance of buyers flooding to the Housing Market to take advantage of low-interest rates means your home will be in HIGH demand—you can sell fast and for more money! The demand for homes right now is higher than the supply, so you can expect that if you put your house on the market, you’ll get multiple offers in no time.

 

To sell your home during these times, talk to your Realtor about making your house very viewer friendly in an online setting. Create a virtual tour of your residence, have plenty of pictures and videos, and provide a detailed description. Unless necessary, conduct meetings via video chat and only give in-person tours to serious buyers. During these visits, offer shoe covers for your guests,  gloves and/or hand sanitizer.

Don’t invite anyone in that is sick, and above all else, don’t conduct a tour if you are sick yourself. 

For more information check out my blog about how we are dealing with the Coronavirus for our clients by clicking this link:

https://southjerseyteam.com/south-jersey/the-showings-must-go-on-how-were-practicing-safety-while-selling-homes/

What Now? 

We encourage those who were on the road to buying/selling this season to continue on that path, and those who weren’t, to jump in! The Housing Market is booming behind the curtain of fear Coronavirus has covered us with, and we want you to take advantage of these unique Housing Market conditions. Follow precautions, be mindful, and get ready to sell faster and for more money!!!

 

Wondering if now is a good time to sell or buy in your specific situation? We created a checklist for sellers to determine if now is their home’s time to shine, and for buyers to determine if the home of their dreams is in their future. Even if you’re just seeking Real Estate guidance given these new circumstances, reach out! We are still here and are ready to help you!

Get our checklist by filling out this form:

 

 

References 

Andrews, Jeff. “How Coronavirus Is Impacting the Housing Market.” Curbed, Curbed, 16 Mar. 2020.

Jones, Charisse. “Will Coronavirus Keep Buyers from House Hunting This Spring? Germ Worries, Volatile Stocks Fray Nerves.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 9 Mar. 2020.

Lauren, Amanda. “How Coronavirus Is Impacting Home Buyers And Sellers.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 9 Mar. 2020

Sweeney, Erica. “Home Selling in the Age of Coronavirus: It’s a Whole Different World>.” Real Estate News and Advice | Realtor.com®, Realtor.com, 12 Mar. 2020

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