It’s easy to watch the news these days and feel helpless. We wonder if small businesses will weather this storm. We wonder how we'll survive the kids not being in school. But most of all, we wonder how COVID-19 is going to impact us and our families.
If you've been talking to clients and members of your sphere, you know that fear and anxiety have spread quickly during this outbreak. It's up to you to help them maintain a positive attitude during these tough times. Fortunately, you can do that quite easily, by sharing good news about their finances, fun household tips, and information that will ease their minds.
To make things easier for you, we've curated a few articles that buyers, sellers and homeowners who aren't thinking about real estate quite yet — but are in your sphere — will find useful. Don't be afraid to send out your own ideas, as well. But remember, things change rapidly during a pandemic, so make sure any information you share is up to date and safe. Avoid anything political or polarizing — the last thing you want to do is anger potential clients and people in your sphere.
For Owners Not Quite Ready to Sell
There will be plenty of homeowners waiting to sell until after the COVID-19 threat subsides. The key here is to stay in touch and give them information that reassures them for the near future.
1. Safe Home Appraisal Alternatives
2. How to Stay Financially Afloat
3. Financial Options for Homeowners
4. Why Zillow Says the Housing Market Will Bounce Back
https://blog.smartagents.com/zillow-predicts-immediate-market-rebound-coronavirus
Who to send articles like this to: Homeowners who are "warm" leads and are likely to become sellers soon after the pandemic ends.
What to say when you share:
Hello!
I hope you and your family are doing well. Lately, the news is tough to watch with all of the scary uncertainty we're facing. That's why I wanted to send you a few articles that you might find heartening and useful during this time.
I look forward to talking about your real estate goals when the time is right for you. Until then, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
For Owners Ready to Sell
Though many homeowners will postpone their selling plans, others will be hoping their home will still sell in a timely fashion and will look to you (or other sources) to instill confidence. The key with these sellers is to give them that confidence with some good news. Fortunately, the low amount of current inventory means they will likely get a fair price — especially with a quality agent.
5. It's a Good TIme to Sell Because Inventory is Low
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/19/success/real-estate-coronavirus/index.html
6. Reasons the Coronavirus Won't Crash the Housing Market
https://blog.smartagents.com/8-reasons-coronavirus-wont-crash-housing-market
Who to send articles like this to:Hot seller leads who need to sell regardless of COVID-19 because they are relocating for personal or professional reasons — or because they need the financial benefit of a home sale.
What to say when you share: Hello!
I hope you and your family are doing well. Lately, the news has been tough to watch with all of the scary uncertainty we're facing. That's why I wanted to send you a few articles that will help you see that selling now is still a sensible and lucrative decision.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. I look forward to talking more about your real estate goals very soon.
For Buyers Ready to Buy
Just as there are sellers who must sell regardless of the current climate, the same is true for buyers. However, buyers are likely even more optimistic in their position, thanks to low interest rates and the current stimulus package.
7. How Low Rates Signal a Good Time to Purchase Investment Properties
https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/should-you-buy-an-investment-property-now/
8. Why People Head for the Safety and Security of Brick and Mortar
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-property-market-001613405.html
Who to send articles like this to:Anyone in your sphere or previous client list who has expressed interest in buying or currently rents.
What to say when you share:
Hello!
I hope you and your family are doing well. If you're thinking about buying this spring, don't let the uncertainty in the news convince you otherwise. It's actually a great time to buy, thanks to low interest rates. That's why I wanted to send you a few articles that will show you just what I mean.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. I look forward to talking more about your real estate goals very soon.
For All Other Sphere Members
Just because some of your sphere members aren't interested in buying OR selling right now does not mean you can afford to lose touch with them. Real estate is based on referrals, and a thoughtful email could make the difference between listing a home for someone's niece or neighbor and falling off the radar!
Who to send articles like this to:Anyone in your sphere — family, friends, past clients, etc.
What to say when you share: Hello!
I hope you and your family are doing well. Lately, the news is tough to watch with all of the scary uncertainty we're facing. That's why I wanted to send you a few articles you might find interesting, useful and fun during this time.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you or anyone you know wants to chat about real estate.
9. Articles to Support People Who Are Struggling
https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
10. Ideas for Staying Entertained Indoors
https://www.businessinsider.com/play-jackbox-party-games-quiplash-over-video-call-2020-3
https://www.bonappetit.com/gallery/cooking-at-home-coronavirus
https://www.curbed.com/2020/3/25/21184365/best-home-improvement-projects-coronavirus-quarantine
