Does our title make you want to dance around your kitchen? We are starting week 3 of working from home here at Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty, and some of us are a little stir crazy. It’s not how most of us want to work, but we believe it’s critical to follow the directive of the State of Pennsylvania so we help stem the spread of COVID-19. This morning, in our weekly marketing meeting, we focused on what we can do while limited in our contact with clients and their properties. We’ll share with you a few key ideas – we do feel confident the market will be very strong when the pandemic – and employment anxiety – subside. Inventory of homes for sale is low and likely decreasing for the next few weeks, mortgage rates are rock bottom and, happily, it’s spring and virus or not, people’s properties are greening up with blooms starting throughout the Philadelphia region.
If Your Property Is Already On the Market
If your home is already actively listed, you have options – keeping in mind that your agent is not supposed to be at your home, per state policy. Showings are restricted to virtual experiences – we are happy to help our sellers create a video walk-through that we will then upload to MLS and our main sites. We normally require professionally created media and in fact are known for our high-quality photography and videography; we are making exceptions during the pandemic. Contact your listing agent for guidance and help on this. We have tips to share for homeowners on how to take better photos and videos of your homes. We’ll even connect you with Michael Colavita, our graphic designer and very experienced architectural photographer, if you hit a roadblock capturing a room or view.
You may opt to take your home temporarily off the market, in which case days on market do not accumulate. Your home does not appear online, and showings are not allowed. If you decide you do not want to sell your home at this time, your agent can help you withdraw or cancel the listing. In all cases, your agent will email you the appropriate form for you to sign and return electronically.
If You Are Thinking About Listing
Let’s start a conversation. The one positive that social distancing buys us is time to establish a rapport about your goals with the sale of your home, where you want to move, market conditions and steps to take so the minute we are able to return to normal business practices, your home is looking its best and ready to be professionally photographed. If you have not selected an agent, here is a link to our roster where you can search by office location, agent designation and even languages spoken.
Via phone and/or video conferencing, an agent can get to know you and your property and can create a marketing plan so you understand how your home will be promoted.
Are You Browsing Homes for Sale in the Philadelphia Area?
If you’re looking to move to the area in and around Philadelphia, including New Jersey, we have you covered. Again, with showings limited or not permitted, we advise you to use this time to browse online and connect with an agent who will keep you informed about inventory. Because we anticipate an uptick in “Coming Soon” listings, having an agent to rely on will help you learn about listings before the rest of the market. Our agents love where they live, whether it’s Queen Village in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr on the Main Line, or Doylestown in Bucks County. Your agent can also help you learn about neighborhoods and communities in ways that online research may not. If you’re buying based on school district, note our special search that makes it easy to see what’s for sale in various districts.
Today’s New Listing
In closing, we’d like to share this superb, converted carriage house in a choice setting in Bryn Mawr on the Main Line. It went live over the weekend after having been photographed leading up to the current shutdown. It’s the ideal mix of historical and modern with all of the big renovation and replacement items completed and so many extras – you really need to see it to appreciate it. Art collectors will enjoy its wall space. Cooks will certainly dig the kitchen, which has all of your typical pro-grade appliances AND and Aga range. Notable, too, for those who might want a special work-from-home space, it has a separate office with lovely garden views you’re sure to find inspiring throughout the day. For now, take a tour online or contact listing agent Doug Pearson to learn more.
Stay well, everyone.
Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty 