According to a recent MReport, there has been a growing importance of real estate agents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Association of Realtors conducted a survey, which found that 65% of potential buyers who went to an open house within the last year felt comfortable with the social distancing precautions. The potential buyers also stated they would not hesitate to go to an open house again because of the safety precautions being taken. The data revealed that nearly 50% of home buyers felt that hiring a real estate agent professional was even more of a necessity than before the pandemic. Those surveyed claimed that having the aid of a real estate agent to help them through their purchasing process gave them a peace of mind. 54% of buyers and 62% of sellers agreed that because of the uncertainty COVID-19 has created, the guidance from an expert is very desired. Additionally, 6 out of 10 buyers and sellers surveyed considered real estate professionals to be an essential service. Roughly half of those surveyed emphasized how online listings were most helpful for providing information. In addition, 56% of respondents felt that above and beyond the help of online listings, an actual real estate agent would be beneficial in saving them even more time.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
This survey provided good news for the housing industry, which many feared would suffer greatly from the pandemic. NAR President and broker and San Francisco’s Malta & Co., Inc., Vince Malta, stated :“The real estate industry—and our country—has endured some very challenging times for several months, but we’re seeing signs of progress and we are earnestly hoping the worst is behind us.” Malta also stated: “While we celebrate homeownership month, we embrace today’s version of homeownership and the unique paths homeowners take to realize their dream. For prospective buyers, the desire to own a home remains strong and the guidance, expertise, and professionalism Realtors provide is more important now than ever.”
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