By Staci Caplan
2020 President
Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®
Realtors® have been quickly adapting, as the market and the pandemic guidelines – state and local, are constantly changing. Our State and local Associations have moved quickly to respond on almost a daily basis to reflect a rapidly changing landscape. As of this month, we have new Mandatory Government Showing Requirements including Best Practices Guidelines and Prevention Plans. REALTORS® are following safe, consistent and responsible industry practices during the current pandemic while serving our clients and protecting our community. These include posting showing requirements on the doors of listings which must be followed by all who enter a property.
Market activity is up, as sellers who need to sell are putting their properties on the market and buyers are buying. There is no market “norm” as activity varies not only by price range, but by neighborhoods and even down to specific properties. Some properties are lingering on the market while other are going into multiple offer scenarios, some with a dozen or more offers! It comes down to seller motivation and correct pricing. There are less properties to choose from with inventory down significantly. Properties in good condition which are well priced are getting the offers. Rely on your REALTOR® for the best pricing strategy for selling to garner market attention.