By Jessie Goldman
After the Governor’s office announced that Nevada is under a 30-day shutdown last night, there was panic. There still is if you look at grocery store shelves.
Our office confirmed this morning that Real Estate is considered an essential service. They don’t want us to spend time at the office unless necessary. If we need to meet a client, we can use the conference room. We’re asked to leave the door open. We have to stay six feet apart from whoever we’re meeting. And we have to wipe down everything we touch before leaving. While our office is open, it is open by appointment only.
It is changing the way we do real estate. I’ve always preferred having my buyers ride in my car, so I can tell them about the communities and the amenities. I won’t be doing that until this is over. We’ll take separate cars. No handshaking. Since I touch doorknobs and stuff, I plan to be wearing disposable gloves and carrying wipes.
I’m a big fan of open houses, but our office has suggested that we stop doing them during this time. I wouldn’t suggest you visit the ones you do find during this time either. Too easy to have someone you don’t know stand closer than they should.
A few tips –
If you or someone you know has a few issues on their credit report, this is an excellent time to challenge them. If you challenge something, the reporting agency has 30 days to respond. If they fail to respond, it automatically gets removed. Well, guess who doesn’t have employees working because of the virus? Yes, the credit reporting agencies. Great time to straighten out credit issues.
It could be a great time for an SBA loan if you own a business
Two days ago, a declaration of disaster for NV was signed. That makes NV businesses and non-profits eligible for SBA disaster loans. sba.gov/disaster
Typically, SBA guarantees bank loans for businesses. Under the disaster program, the lender of record is the SBA.
It’s a seamless process you should check out. It could be a huge difference-maker for you.
What’s a small business? Anyone not publicly traded in the state of NV. You shouldn’t exceed 500 FTE employees or over a certain amount of revenue or income per year (unsure what the $$ figure is)
This is a great time for buyers. I checked and between last Friday and today, we had 487 new single-family homes come on the market. If we add condos and townhomes, a total of 665 new listings have appeared during this shutdown.
During that time 444 single family homes went into the contract. Include condos and townhomes for a total of 542 homes that accepted offers.
I’ll be surprised if the number going into contract doesn’t continue declining. Most out of town buyers are canceling trips to Las Vegas. Most local buyers are too nervous about the shutdown. So that makes for an opportunity for buyers.
If you have time off work and it’s time to look at buying a new home, it’s a great time. Will be happy to show you the options while you’re off work.
Lenders are still working. Even if you’re not buying, it’s a great time to re-fi. If you want a quick quote, check out our sister company www.StreamlineHL.com. They have no fees and great rates. If you refi now, you wouldn’t have another payment due for months.
Appraisers and home inspectors are still working.
The County Recorder’s office is open so deals can get closed. Clear Title, which our office owns, has worked it out so they can issue a Title policy even if the recorder’s office closes.
I’ve stocked up on supplies for the house and won’t be going out except for work. Let me know if you need any assistance with Las Vegas Real Estate.
Our Brokers are speculating that Gov. Sisolak may have started with 30 days so he could loosen up. If after 14 days we don’t have a huge outbreak, things like gyms may be able to open. They do expect casinos to stay closed for the full 30 days. The high unemployment is going to hurt a lot of our people. Hoping things are allowed to open sooner rather than later.
Stay healthy & safe!
Jessie Goldman is a Las Vegas Realtor. Her website is https://www.dreamhomesnv.com/