Open Houses are In Demand
The doors are locked, but the houses are open.
And surprisingly, the lines are long. The sign on the door tells viewers to wait outside at a safe distance, and to call the showing agent for admittance. Masks are required.
That’s right, everyone’s love affair with open houses is back on track. Wake up on a lazy weekend, indulge in a slow brunch, then stroll the streets of your favorite neighborhood in search of your spirit home.
We are seeing a lot of movement in the market. Home has become more important than ever. People know exactly what they need in terms of space, location, amenities and budget and they’re on the hunt to find it. Developers are also taking advantage of this period. Building is a naturally distanced occupation, so marrying the supply with the demand is a no brainer.
“I had as many as three groups waiting outside,” says Arpita Mendez, Licensed Realtor with Sawyer Smith Residential of her showing at 64 Charles in The Heights last weekend. “I actually got positive feedback on the process. People were happy it wasn’t just a crowded open house.” This method also allows for an unscheduled one-on-one walk through with the agent, a total win-win.
Our little neck of the woods seems to be just what the doctor ordered post pandemic. People want increased square footage and outdoor space. They want nicer finishings but on a budget. They also want a sense of community with shops, schools and NYC access. We’re all now acutely aware of our need for human interaction, even at a safe distance. Being able to walk outside and see a friendly face (not on a screen), is so important in daily lives. Jersey City, in particular The Heights, offers this specific combination of ingredients. Homes are new, big and affordable, customer-centric small businesses abound, parks are aplenty, and the community is tight.
Even Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is jumping on the bandwagon. In a recent Bloomberg news report, Fulop talked about Jersey City’s appeal for New Yorkers looking to relocate to more affordable housing not too far away.
So this weekend, sleep in. Enjoy your coffee or whatever, then pick up right where you left off before all this madness struck, and stop by to find your next best home. For those wanting added security, agents are offering complete personal virtual tours and live stream walkthroughs.
