While fewer people touch every surface and open every cabinet, 2 out of 3 buyers who attended an open house within the past year would do so again. About half of buyers (47%) and sellers (53%) say the pandemic has made it even more important to work with a real estate professional.
Two out of three people (65%) who attended an open house within the last year would do so now without hesitation, according to survey data released by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
NAR’s series of surveys tried to find out how homebuyers and sellers want to safely handle home sales transactions during the coronavirus pandemic. It was conducted by the research firm Engagious and released by NAR to kick off National Homeownership Month.
“The real estate industry – and our country – have 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,” says NAR President Vince Malta. “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.”
The series of biweekly national surveys collected information on consumer attitudes about working with real estate professionals during the coronavirus pandemic. Several survey highlights include:
- Approximately half of buyers (47%) and sellers (53%) said that relying on a real estate professional is much more important during the pandemic than it was before.
- Most buyers (54%) and sellers (62%) said that a real estate agent’s guidance is especially valued during a pandemic.
- Almost 6 in 10 buyers and sellers – 59% and 58%, respectively – believed that buying and selling real estate is an essential service.
- Half of buyers (51%) said an agent can help buyers glean more valuable information from online listings than buyers would uncover on their own.
- More than half of buyers (56%) believe an agent can save a buyer the time and stress of weeding through online listings.
NAR has posted the complete survey on its website.
© 2020 Florida Realtors®