The Connections Bridgewater-Somerville Edition Sept 2020

HOME & DESIGN PAGE 32 theconnectionsnj.com Interior Painting • Powerwashing • Carpentry Minor Electrical & Plumbing Repairs License #13VH06280600 C RANE ’ S PAINTING & HOME MAINTENANCE “we specialize in minor home repairs” Kenneth V. Crane Jr. 810 Route 206, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 908-281-0616 cell: 908-295-5106 You might be wondering what the real estate market has been like in the last few months. The COVID-19 outbreak interrupted home sales in the early part of the year. We experienced a general pause in activi- ty for a few weeks, while everyone decided whether to go forward with buying and sell- ing plans. Some contracts were canceled when job insecurity prevented buyers from securing loans. Clients who decided to sell are reaping the benefits of a robust market. Inventory is on the low side, and the climate for buyers is very competitive in the low- to-mid price ranges. De- spite news reports of high unemployment, there are more than enough quali- fied buyers ready and able to take advantage of his- torically low-interest rates. First-time buyers are ex- cited to purchase homes, allowing sellers to trade up as their needs and cir- cumstances dictate. The inner-ring suburban counties are re- porting an exodus from NYC and surround- ing areas of dense population. People who anticipate more work-from-home and dis- tance learning days want to invest in greater space. They are seeking homes with private workspaces, home gyms, and nice yards for outdoor recreation and pet space. Homes with pools have been extremely popular. Somerset County, located in the second-ring of counties in proximity to NYC, is not see- ing a stampede, but interest is strong. As al- ways, buyers are seeking a balance between more space for the dollar, vs. potential com- mute from any given location. What am I doing to stay safe during a time of great fear? I take precautions similar to any public outing. My clients and I wear masks, dis- posable booties, and gloves, and use hand sanitizer. I recommend frequent wiping of surfaces like keyboxes and light switches and eliminate touching anything unless it is essential. To limit the time indoors, we discuss our observations and I answer questions outside. I space appointments and limit the number of visitors inside a property at one time. All clients must sign a disclosure prior to each showing. It's more work, but worth the effort for everyone's safety. Sellers who occupy their homes can leave lights on and in- terior doors ajar to reduce unnecessary touch. Many sellers are choosing to va- cate their homes before showings begin, which reduces interaction and makes buyers feel safer about showings. Virtual tours and vid- eo-call showings are happening, but mostly for screening purposes only. A majority of buyers would not make the momentous de- cision to purchase a home without person- ally visiting the property and examining the details that don’t typically appear in photos or videos. Homes must be seen and expe- rienced in person, with the feedback of an experienced real estate agent, for a buyer to make a fully-informed decision. No one has a crystal ball, but things may continue this way for the foreseeable future, with real estate activity responding to changes in the economy. I wish everyone safety and health in the coming months! Local expert Johanna Wiseman of RE/MAX Preferred Professionals can be reached at 908-705-0652, or visit www. MyBridgewaterHome.com Johanna Wiseman RE/MAX Preferred Professionals 908-705-0652 The inner-ring suburban counties are reporting an exodus from NYC and surrounding areas of dense population. People who anticipate more work-from-home and distance learning days want to invest in greater space. Homes must be seen and experienced in person, with the feedback of an experienced real estate agent, for a buyer to make a fully-informed decision. REAL ESTATE UPDATE – 2020 By Johanna Wiseman, RE/MAX Preferred Professionals Expires 11/15/2020