5 Signs It’s Time To Sell Your Home

Making a decision to sell your home isn't always easy. However, sometimes it's just necessary. Many different circumstances can affect your decision to move. Sometimes unexpected life events happen, or you get new opportunities. Other times, you just find yourself craving a change of scenery. Simply put, not every house you live in is meant to be your forever home, and that's perfectly okay. Knowing how to recognize signs that it's time to sell your home is vital for making the best decision. Keep on reading and find out what the most common ones are.

1. You're planning to expand your family

Outgrowing your living space is one of the most common signs it is time to sell your home. While welcoming new members to the family is always joyful, it comes with certain changes. Kids bring so much happiness to our everyday life, but they need space (in fact, a lot of it). For most people, starter homes can usually comfortably house two to three people. Often, your first place will not be able to give you everything your family needs for a comfortable life.

While moving to a bigger house before you even have a baby is not absolutely necessary, it is good practice. Moving with small children can be stressful. In order to make a seamless transition, it is better to plan ahead. Also, if you're moving for family reasons, be mindful of school districts when choosing your new home. This will allow you to select the best possible option, both space and lifestyle-wise.

Babies need space to play and learn as they grow

2. The market is favorable

The real estate market is very dynamic, and it is constantly fluctuating. Before making any decisions, the first thing on your list should be doing market research. While timing the market is never recommended, if you find that selling your house could be profitable at the moment because of neighborhood popularity, overall market strength, etc., it may be worth considering. There are a few signs that the market is in your favor as a seller. The first and most obvious one is the increase in price per square foot. Apart from that, low time on market is also a good sign.

Being familiar with the average house prices in your area is important for pricing your home appropriately. However, keep in mind that your selling price depends on many other things. For instance, the amenities your home has are a crucial factor. Entertainment rooms or smart systems will help drive the cost of your home up, making the sale more profitable. The general state of your house is also crucial. If any minor repairs are waiting, consider tackling them before putting your home up for sale.

An increase in real estate selling prices is one of the main signs it's time to sell your home

3. You want (or need) to relocate

Sometimes, the town or city you live in just does not do it for you anymore. Becoming bored with your surroundings is among the main signs it is time to sell your home and relocate. This whole process is much easier nowadays than it was in the past. Even long-distance moves can be a piece of cake if you decide to rely on an expert team to help you. Just make sure you plan everything, so there are no unpleasant surprises.

 Professional opportunities are also one of the main reasons people choose to move to a different place. Having a job lined up for you is a great incentive to relocate. If you do not have plans to return to your current city, selling your home before leaving is a good idea. This will give you some extra money in the new city, which is always handy.

4. Your house does not fit your lifestyle anymore

Your living space should be a reflection of who you are and what you do in everyday life. After all, it is where you should feel the most comfortable. However, the fact is everyone's life habits fluctuate over time. Circumstances constantly change, whether expanding your family or something smaller like picking up new hobbies. If your current house is not fit for your current lifestyle, it might be time to move on.

Sometimes it's hard to recognize which lifestyle change is 'big enough' to require moving houses. A good example is your little ones growing older, developing different habits, and requiring more space. On the other hand, if your children have left home, it might feel a bit too big and empty. This is a good sign that it might be time to downsize. Also, if you need room for amenities like an art studio, you might need to look for a bigger place and sell your old one.

5. You're financially ready for the move

Whether you're entering the real estate market as a buyer or a seller, financing is one of the key aspects. Being financially stable is crucial, especially if you want to upsize and upgrade from your current home. Think about how things like unpaid debt or loans affect your financial position. Apart from that, you should consider the effect of selling your home on your finances.

As the value of real estate keeps increasing, chances are that you could profit from selling your home. If you still have some money left over after selling your home and paying off your previous mortgage, it means you have equity in your home. This is usually a good sign, making selling your home a financially sound decision. Plus, it gives you some extra capital for buying your new place.

Selling your home can sometimes be challenging, especially if you're not entirely sure that you want to sell. That's why getting into the right mindset for the whole process is important. Apart from being emotionally ready, you should also pick the right moment to do it. Knowing how to recognize signs that it's time to sell your home is crucial and will significantly help you. It will also ensure that you make an excellent financial decision besides a lifestyle change. This is vital for the overall successful selling-and-buying process

My Lease is Expiring: Should I Stay in my Apartment or Rent Something New?

If you are currently a Renter or have rented a property before, you. Know that dreaded feeling when your lease expiration date is quickly approaching. With the expiration of your lease approaching comes the question, and decision, of: should I stay in my existing apartment, or find a new apartment to rent?

 It is important to remember there are two sides that are influencing here – you as the Renter, and the Owner or Landlord. This can be a tough decision to make as it is influenced by multiple factors – we discuss how to think about decision so you can enter your next lease with confidence.

Factors Influencing the Owner or Landlord 

When thinking about renewing an existing lease with a tenant, an Owner must weigh various costs. The owner is looking at these factors for you to stay:

1. Broker Fee: Depending on the state of the Rental market, it is likely that the Owner will need to offer a concession to secure a new tenant. This is typically paying the Broker’s fee so the new tenant does not have to. This is one’s rent or 15 percent of the annual rent.

2. Standing Empty: What is the risk of the unit sitting vacant for 1 month? 2 months? Even longer? When the empty is unoccupied, the Owner risks losing income.

3. Current Market Conditions: The Owner must have a pulse on the current state of the rental market at the time of your renewal – is it favorable to Owners or Tenants? This impacts the dynamic of their being able to increase the rent, how quickly they may be able to find a new tenant if they do not offer to renew, etc.

4. What is the last price a comparable apartment rented for? Perhaps you entered your lease when the market was lower, and the Owner may be able to rent at a much higher price in the current market. However, Owners prefer a good, known tenant that they dealt with rather than a new unknown tenant. This is where the tenants’ discount lays.

What to Consider as a Tenant

As a tenant, is important to approach the expiration and possible renewal of your lease with an understanding of the following questions.

1. How long do you need to extend for? One year? Six months? Month to month? The shorter the lease, the more it will cost monthly.

2. Current market value for your apartment that you are renting: If you have been paying significantly less than what it could rent for today, it is not unreasonable to expect some increase in the monthly rent on your new lease.

3. Cost of moving: Perhaps one of the biggest considerations that is often overlooked. Is saving $200/MO on rent really worth the cost of moving?

The costs of moving include more than just the fee paid to the Movers. There are both financial and mental costs.

Think about Security deposits, packing, finding movers, moving fees, broker’s commission, time lost from work, possible condo application fees, unpacking. Often times, this costs will largely outweigh the annual cost of an increase in rent.

4. How long do you plan on staying? Does your timeline have moving to a new location in 2-3 years, or perhaps moving in with a partner or buying a property? If so, it may make sense to stay in your existing apartment despite an increase in Rent. Again, the costs and stress of moving may not outweigh an increase in rent.

4 Reasons Why Today is Not a Housing Bubble Like 2006

Headlines about the rapid pace of home price appreciation and stories of bidding wars on every property have many worried that a housing bubble could be brewing. Are we heading for the 2006 housing crash all over again? No!

Today’s market looks quite different than 2006 thanks to stricter lending rules and the underlying fundamentals that are driving pricing.

1. Supply and Demand

There has been a shift in Supply and Demand dynamics that contributed to home price increases. Millennials and younger generations are reaching the point of wanting to buy versus rent, and this was only accelerated by aspects of the pandemic such as spending more time at home and having the ability to save more money by being home. Increased desire for homeownership from these groups coupled with older buyers looking to trade up has resulted in a surge in demand.

Additionally, homebuilders are much more prudent about the volume of homes they are bringing to market today as a result of the last housing cycle. Most of the nation is experiencing a supply shortage, especially at lower price levels.

These 2 dynamics created a mismatch in supply and demand that accelerated home price appreciation. 2006 was characterized by overbuilding and Sellers rushing to list their homes - we are not seeing that today.

2. Interest Rates are Low

Interest rates are the lowest they have ever been. During the height of COVID, we saw mortgage rates continue to set record lows. These ultra-low rates have helped fuel price increases as Buyers can afford more house when rates are lower as a result of lower monthly mortgage payments.

There are concerns over rising interest rates. Yes, we expect rates to rise, but they are still going to be low compared to decades of the past. The Fed would have to raise rates very drastically to really halt all the demand.

Even when we think of rising rates, it is important to remember there is a duality at play. To a certain level, increasing home prices as a result of low interest rates and a less expensive purchase price at a higher interest rate make a Buyer indifferent.

Prudent Buyers understand that the longer they wait, the more price appreciation they will miss out on as well as face the risk of financing at a higher rate.

3. Demand will Persist

There continues to be incredibly large amount of demand because of a supply shortage. In fact, data from a report released by the National Associations of Realtors suggests that there is a shortage of nearly 5.5-6 million homes which equates to roughly $2 trillion waiting to be spent when using a national median selling price of $375,000.

4. Speculative Lending is not Present

The market is not driven by speculative lending as it was in 2006. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Lenders now need to follow strict guidelines that were put in place as a result of the Great Recession, and today’s borrowers are creditworthy. Additionally, more risky products such as adjustable rate mortgages represent just 5% of total purchase and refinance loans compared to nearly 35% at the peak of 2006.

Tips for Buying a House Remotely

Many industries have efficiently adapted to remotely conducting business, and real estate is one of them! Buying a house remotely can be very convenient as it can save valuable time. Buying a home virtually has become more common than you may think. No matter where you may be right now or what you’re looking for in a house, there’s a procedure you can follow to conduct the transaction virtually. Video conferencing, virtual tours, and walkthroughs along with wire transfers and e-signatures made the process of buying a house from afar simpler and easier than ever. If you want to use that advantage, here are a few tips on how to buy a house remotely.

Find an experienced local agent

When you’re buying a house remotely, an experienced real estate agent is your best asset. An agent who knows and understands the local market and the current situation with property values should be your guide for:

• Home browsing

• Virtual showings

• Home inspections

• Virtual closing 

You can find a good agent through a referral from a trusted person, such as a family member, friend, or colleague.

Did you know? We are your experts on the ground in New York City, we can connect you with the best agents Nationwide thanks to our extensive network of Compass Agents. No matter where you are looking to purchase your next property, let us guide you in the right direction.

Determine what you want

Find a local agent with good referrals and experience in remote sales.

It’s crucial to know what you want and what you do not want when purchasing a home. So, be clear when you make a wish list and discuss it with your real estate agent. Define your must-haves and nice-to-haves, and you’ll significantly narrow down the choice of properties. Clarify your preferences around:

• Location

• Home size

• Property type

• Home condition

• Amenities, such as smart home technology features, energy-efficient appliances, etc.

Also, make sure to mention what your dealbreakers are. Be very direct when explaining what you’re looking for in a home, so your agent can understand your priorities and preferences and find only homes worth pursuing and those that match your criteria.

Understand the market

Buying a house remotely doesn’t mean you don’t need to be competitive. The main thing you need to check with your real estate agent is whether the market you’re considering buying a house in is a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. There is an extensive inventory of available homes and fewer buyers looking at them in a buyer’s market. If that’s the case, you will have more flexibility and more time to learn about a property before deciding if you want to put in a bid. On the other hand, there are seller’s markets, where there is more competition, and the inventory of homes is much smaller. That means that buyers need to act fast if they’re really interested in sealing the deal.

When you're buying a house remotely you need to understand the local market and current real estate trends.

Tour homes virtually

Your agent should schedule a virtual showing for the properties that you like. Use the video call as an opportunity to see the house up close, pay attention to details and ask any important questions that you might have. Even though touring a property over a screen isn’t the same as being there, it’s still very valuable. It can even be a make-or-break factor. That’s why you need to ensure that you’re not working with the wrong real estate agent, but a reliable one whose opinion you’ll trust. It’s also essential to establish clear and easy communication with them. They will help you decide whether a particular property is a good fit or not.

Make an offer

Once you find a house that speaks to you, you can move on to paperwork. Luckily, all steps of making, adjusting, and accepting an offer can be done remotely. We handle all the aspects of submitting your offering, helping you negotiate the best deal possible knowing

Have a home inspection

A home inspection is always a good idea, especially when buying remotely. A qualified home inspector will check the specifics of a property and find out if there are any significant issues. Your real estate agent can attend the inspection with you on a video call. The inspector and agent are there to work on your behalf, so you don’t have to deal with any unwelcome surprises after closing the purchase.

Appraise and close easily

You and your agent don’t need to be present for the appraisal. When it comes to the closing, digital signatures are as valid as physical ones. You can sign all closing documents virtually, and they will all be legitimate. Closings are done online in many cases, so you being far away won’t make any difference.

E-signatures have made the home buying process much easier.

Relocate to your new home stress-free

When you’ve gone through all previous steps, it’s finally time to organize a relocation to your new home. It would help if you decluttered your former home before you even start packing. Don’t bring any broken, damaged, or rarely used items into your new home to avoid creating a mess right away. To pack your belongings quickly and easily, you can contact Capital City Bins NYC. That’s where you’ll find quality moving bins as well as other moving supplies that will help you pack in no time. Then you need to organize a transfer of your belongings and your trip to the new home.

Organize your new space like a pro

Once you and your items safely arrive at the new house, it’s time for unpacking, decorating, and making your new place look and feel like home. That process requires some time but, in the end, it will all be worth it.

Store your items wisely

Everybody’s goal is to live in a highly functional, organized, tidy, and cozy home. To reach that ideal, it’s crucial to use every inch of space. If you’re creative, there are many ways to create hidden storage or multifunctional storage areas. It’s always a good idea to use shelves, storage bins, sofa storage, spaces under the bed, etc. If there’s no clutter lying around, your home will look tidy from the very start, and that will positively affect your mood.

Final thoughts

When you know what to expect and what steps to take, buying a house remotely isn’t complicated at all, especially when you have a reliable real estate agent by your side.

Get your remote home search started by partnering with us!

6 Signs You're Working with the Wrong Real Estate Agent

Buying or selling a home is likely the largest financial decision you will make in your life. It is undeniable that the search for the perfect home can be a daunting process. However, you should be aware that sometimes you might be dealing with an unqualified agent rather than a demanding real estate market.

With the historically busy Spring market right around the corner, whether you are Selling your home or looking to Buy, it is important you are partnering with the right agent to get the job done.

Has your listing been lingering on the market, or your home search lasting longer than you would like? We have listed six signs you're working with the wrong real estate agent so that you can assess if the professional you've chosen might be slowing down your progress towards purchasing or selling a property.

1. The real estate agent you hired is rarely present at showings

Attending and organizing showings is extremely important, especially if you are looking to buy or invest in a highly competitive real estate market like Manhattan. If your real estate agent cannot attend them, especially on the weekends, which are typically considered the primetime days for showings, you might be facing an issue. No matter how well-informed you may be when it comes to real estate, the very purpose of hiring a real estate agent is always to have access to an experienced and reliable advisor that can guide and inform your decisions.  

Some red flags include agents who:

• do not return your calls in good time

• are frequently unavailable or out of town

• cannot dedicate enough time to show your home to potential buyers

• cannot give you relevant advice on which property listings you should take into consideration

A good Real Estate Agent should be present and involved at all times

2. The real estate agent lacks a cohesive marketing strategy

In real estate, marketing is everything. Having an agent with a solid online presence, know-how about current real estate trends and visibility on an array of online platforms is vital for reaching buyers or sellers. If your real estate agent does not seem to be experienced in this regard, this may very well hurt your property value.

The days of relying on a simple MLS listing or a sign in your yard are long behind us, which means you need a real estate agent who will proactively search for customers beyond these obsolete marketing methods, especially if you are considering selling or buying a home during a recession. Before hiring a real estate agent, check if they use social media platforms, whether they send out mailers, or if they market or locate showings online.

Additionally, be sure to ask for the agent's marketing portfolio, which includes examples of property listings with photographs. This will allow you to assess if their marketing skills and strategies are professional enough to keep up with the ever-evolving real estate market trends in NYC. So, photos taken on an iPhone simply will not do.

3. You’re working with the wrong real estate agent if their negotiation skills are lacking

Marketing or finding a property is just one part of a real estate agent's job. When it comes down to the crunch and your agent is too passive, inexperienced, or disinterested in negotiating in your stead, you might want to consider hiring someone else.

Once the offers start to arrive, you must have someone by your side who can communicate your wishes and needs and maintain a professional and successful negotiation with all interested parties. Be on the lookout for red flags and potential oversights on the part of your real estate agent.

Once you seal the deal, you should be equally vigilant when it comes to hiring movers for your relocation to NYC. Buying or selling a home is just the start of your real estate journey, which means you have to be careful and choose the best option possible for your relocation. 

4. The agent lacks experience in market

Hiring a real estate agent who is new to the business is not necessarily a faux pas. In fact, sometimes, younger real estate agents might be even more skillful and knowledgeable when it comes to marketing on social media and other media outlets. Furthermore, they might bring an entirely new perspective to the table compared to their older counterparts that work within the same real estate agency.

However, if you notice that the real estate agent does not have the necessary information or expertise when it comes to current real estate trends in the local housing market, you might want to look for someone else. Moreover, as we have mentioned, your real estate agent should be a consummate negotiator in order to meet the grade, which in some cases comes only after a few years of working as a real estate agent.

5. The real estate agent is not familiar with the local housing market

Even if you hire a real estate agent with an extensive portfolio, this is no guarantee they are the perfect person for the job in the given real estate market. They have to be well-versed in property values in the area; otherwise, they are merely shooting blanks anytime they make an offer to a potential buyer or seller of the property.

In a city such as New York, real estate is hyper-local where it can even matter if the agent is familiar with a particular building. At minimum, working with a neighborhood expert is important, but always partner with the agent that has the most experience with your neighborhood and property type when possible.

Additionally, they should be in the know when it comes to other vital aspects that influence the value of the property. So, for instance, there are a few home features New Yorkers will pay extra for, and awareness of these and similar influencing factors can significantly impact the property's final price.

There are many factors that influence property prices in the NYC real estate market.

6. The real estate agent is too pushy

So, you have found a real estate agent who is an engaged, communicative, and skillful negotiator and marketing expert. They are also experienced enough to know all the trends and factors that influence property values in the area. You might be thinking that you are finally on the safe side and that you can now focus on your relocation and start thinking of an unpacking plan once you settle into your new NYC home.

Your agent should advise you, providing their expert insight and arm you with facts to make an informed decision

However, if the agent is too eager to seal the deal and finish the job as soon as possible, this is one of the telltale signs you're working with the wrong real estate agent. Do not let their confidence or reputation influence your decision.

Your Agent should have your best interest at heart – if that means the perfect property comes along in 1 month or 1 year, they should not be pushing the first property you see just to get a deal completed.

Thinking of Buying, Selling, or Renting? Our Team is comprised of industry leaders that execute across all the critical touchpoints of a successful transaction. Find out how we can help you

The Victoria Shtainer Team provides industry leading Real Estate services in New York City, Miami, and The Hamptons

Should You Invest in Smart Home Technology?

Thinking of putting your home on the market or looking to make improvements and wondering what area of your home you are likely to see a return on your investment? Investing in Smart Home Technology should be placed near the top of the list. 

A smart house is equipped with any number of devices that can automate tasks normally actioned on by a resident. The Smart Home market has exploded in recent years and includes devices across many different areas of the home such as:

• Lighting

• Appliances

• Speakers

• Doorbells/Locks

• Security

• Cleaning Systems

The Smart Home Industry is projected to reach 135.3 billion globally by 2025, up from 78.3 billion in 2020.t

How valuable is Smart Home Technology? According to a recent survey from Z-Wave Alliance, a consortium of 700 companies that make smart home devices, 91% of real estate agents polled said their Buyers would be willing to pay more for a home outfitted with Smart Home devices and 92% of real estate investor said they are putting money into smart devices to make homes more connected.

With such a variety of smart devices available, what categories are most desirable? 

Security:

Security devices are one of the leading categories within the smart home space. They make people feel safe and allow them to monitor their home from anywhere via a smartphone. In fact, approximately 1/3 of people that bought smart devices said they did so to make their home feel safer.

SMART LOCKS + DOORBELLS 

Rather than hiding your spare key in a fake plastic rock, take ease in knowing your home can only be accessed by those you trust. Both you and future buyers will appreciate this smart feature

SAFETY FIRST

“Owning a safe and secure home is appealing to every home buyer, from frequent travelers to families,” according to Realty Times. Investing in an alarm system, smoke detectors, and cameras can be big selling points. 

Energy Efficiency:

Devices to help manage energy efficiency are preferred by Buyers. From lighting and shades to managing the thermostat, the devices help owners run their homes in a more eco-friendly and efficient fashion. Plus, automation allows users to set lights to automatically come on or turn off and run heating/cooling systems on automated schedules.

INVEST IN NEST

A Nest thermostat can help reduce electric bills, which can be a great perk for a “green” and frugal buyer. Plus, lower energy bills will help you save up for that dream home you've been eyeing.

Market Update: Manhattan Q2 2020 Market Report

We are halfway through 2020 - hard to believe. With all that is going on in the world, time has seemed to move at a relatively quick pace. Q2 2020 was one for the record books. The new year started off on a positive note for the Manhattan real estate market - strength had been carried over from 2019 across multiple tiers of the market. As we approached the start of Q2, no one was anticipating the magnitude of impact the market was going to experience. 

The final two weeks of the first quarter brought never before seen conditions to the Manhattan Real Estate market. 

While we hope that Q2 2020 is an outlier when we look back on historical quarters, it is important not to write off the entire quarter, but rather acknowledge the data and understand the impact of the pandemic during the observed time period.

Coronavirus Impact on Manhattan Market Evident in Q2 Data

Understanding the sweeping restrictions that were put into place in New York City that included the suspension of real estate showings, it comes without shock the YoY data is significantly lower when comparing 2020 to 2019. During Q2, the real estate market was essentially put on hold, the first time in history. 

• Contract Activity was down 73% YoY

• Sales were down 65%

There are a few key thoughts worth noting on the data above:

1. The Contract Activity number actually could have been lower, however, the industry nimbly adapted to digital tools including virtual open houses, enhanced 3-D staging, and virtual closings.

The use of digital technologies will only continue to increase as consumers implement tech oriented solutions throughout all aspects of their lives to make it efficient and safe.

2. This data is important to be aware of, but it likely does not have long term predictive value knowing the restrictions that were placed on the industry with physical showings halted. In that sense it is expected, and we hope this quarter to be a Black Swan event

Sales Statistics

• Co-ops sold 26% faster than condos with 1 bed Co-Ops moving the fasting - 47% sold within 60 days

• Condos purchased in Q2 were more affordable than previous quarters because of property variations, not discounts or undervaluations

• Downtown captured 28% of sales, the highest of any submarket

• Properties in the $5-$10M range were priced 7% higher on average YoY although property size was also 8% larger, resulting in a 2% decline in average price per square foot

Looking Ahead

Monitoring data points in Q3 and beyond will be critically important to understand long term potential. In-person real estate activity resumed in late June, and the news came as contract activity was beginning to pick up.

The Pandemic will certainly leave lasting impacts on the market, and as of now, we see that in the form of consumers looking to leverage technology as much as possible to ensure safe and efficient business transactions as well as shifting preferences. 

We expect increased interest in private outdoor space, home offices, layouts with defined spaces, and in the city, a renewed interest in townhouses and boutique buildings.

We will continue to monitor the pent up demand that has begin to re-enter the market.

New York Back to Business: What You Need to Know About Safe Real Estate Showings

As part of the New York Forward program, New York City moved to Phase 2 on June 22nd, 2020. As part of Phase 2, limited in-person real estate activity resumed. In light of the evolving situation around COVID-19, we are taking precautions to ensure the safety of our clients, prospective buyers, and team. 

You should always be guided by your own sense of personal safety and know that we have the tools and resources to power transactions 100% virtually. However, know that when you view a property in-person with our team, we are taking the following safety measures and adhering to State and Local government guidelines.

Setting up Private Showings

Prior to a showing, we will work with Buyers to ensure that they are financially qualified to view the property and that they have also virtually explored the home via photos and 3D tours available online. 

Once interest is confirmed, we will work with the listing agent to schedule a private showing. We will ensure we are organizing the showing in compliance with the respective building and management guidelines. 

In light of COVID, the following paperwork will be completed:

• REBNY’s Health Questionnaire: screening questionnaires to ensure those entering a home are not a known risk for possibly having COVID

• REBNY Limitation of Liability: this form serves to acknowledge that the party entering a property, or who is permitting another to enter party to enter a property of the potential liability that may result from exposure to COVID

• We also strictly follow the New York Department of State Fair Housing Disclosure guidelines

*Sellers are NOT allowed to be at the property at the time of showing

Getting Your Home Ready to Show

Prior to allowing prospective Buyers or Renters into your home, we follow best practices to ensure hygiene and reduce contact during the showing as possible.

Before showings of our listings, we ensure:

• All inside doors are open to reduce the amount of contact on high touch surfaces such as door knobs. We sanitize and wipe down door handles before and after each showing

• Sanitizer/Soap/Paper Towels available

• We wear gloves and face masks at all time. Face coverings are necessary for all those entering the property during the showing

• Curtains open, windows open where possible, and air conditioning units on to increase air flow and circulation

Ensuring Success During a Private Showing

In-person attendees limited to Seller’s Agent and Buyer with the Buyer’s agent attending virtually

Six feet social distance maintained at all times throughout the showing. Note that if a property size or configuration does not allow for social distancing, only 1 individual will be permitted in the unit at a time

Only Seller’s Agents will open doors that are needed, cabinets, etc.

Seller’s Agent will escort the Buyer to the lobby prior to the arrival of any subsequent appointment

After a Showing

After each showing we conduct for our listings, we once again clean and sanitize

• Clean and disinfect keys

• dispose of gloves/booties used

After a successful showing and cleaning of the unit, all necessary follow up will be handled with prospective buyers or their agents via phone and email.

Evolving Guidelines

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 is ever evolving, we continue to stay up to date on the latest guidelines issues by Federal, State, and Local Governments and Agencies. We will continue to keep our network updated on the latest guidelines.

Questions about how we are handling showing properties and conducting business during Phase 2? Reach out with your questions via the below form

What You Need to Know About New York Fair Housing Changes

The Real Estate Industry takes discrimination very seriously and upholds its brokers, associate brokers, and licensed salespeople to very high standards. Every individual has the right to equal housing opportunities. In fact, when of the most rewarding aspects of working in this industry in a place like New York City is meeting so many different people and experience the great diversity of the city.

The New York Department of State and the Division of Human Rights have partnered vigorously in conjunction with the Governor’s office to ensure that New York State fair housing laws are enforced. 

Starting June 20th, 2020, the Department of State is enforcing new regulations that require real estate licensees to provide a fair housing disclosure form. These changes come at a time of civil unrest that is sweeping the nation. We are proud to be apart of the real estate community at Compass which is taking this very seriously and are pleased by the pressure the Department of State has put on the NYS Real Estate board to ensure it is enforced.

What’s Changing on June 20th?

Starting June 20th, the New York Department of state is making it mandatory that your broker provide you with a fair housing disclosure form to ensure you know your options if you feel that discrimination occurred while looking for housing.

Per the adopted text added to Title 19 of the NYCRR:

Under subsection (a) of Section 175.28, “[a] real estate broker shall be responsible to ensure that each individual licensed pursuant to Article 12-A of the New York Real Property Law and associated with such broker provides to a prospective purchaser, tenant, seller, or landlord upon first substantive contact a disclosure notice furnished by the Department….” This new disclosure (the “Disclosure”) which sets forth references to relevant provisions of the New York State Human Rights Law, also provides the consumer with the necessary information as to how to file a complaint for housing discrimination. A copy of the new disclosure is located on the New York State Department of State website [see here]

What Else Do I Need to Know about the Changes Starting June 20th?

The full adopted text for the Title 19 Amendment to NYCRR can be read on the Department of State Website. The new Fair Housing regulation provide for additional requirements in addition to the disclosure form which can be read within the adopted text.

Highlights of additional requirements include:

-Disclosure Requirement applies to all real property types

-Record keeping requirements for Disclosure forms to be maintained for no less than three years

-Fair Housing Notice must be displayed at Open Houses

-Fair Housing Notice to be posted on websites maintained by real estate brokers, associated real estate brokers, and salespersons - You can easily access the notice on our site within our contact info at the bottom of our page

What Characteristics are Protected Under Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing Laws?

Federal, State and Local Fair Housing Laws protect individuals from housing discrimination. It is unlawful to discriminate based on certain protected characteristics, which include, but are not limited to: race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, age, disability, marital status, lawful source of income or familial status

The New York Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination in housing based upon an individual’s:

• Age

• Creed

• Race

• Color

• Sex

• Sexual Orientation

• National Origin

• Marital Status

• Domestic Violence VictimStatus

• Disability

• Military Status

• Familial Status

• Gender Identity

• Source of Income

4 Tips to Transform Your Outdoor Space into an Oasis

With summertime here and many looking to get outside (safely), outdoor space has become one of the most coveted amenities. In fact, thanks to our proprietary Compass Search Data, we have observed that searches for outdoor space have doubled since Shelter in Place started.

Whether outdoor space is the top of your list for your next home, or you are thinking about how to spruce up your current private outdoor space, we are sharing tips on how to create an Outdoor Oasis.

Most of us will be spending a lot more time within our private outdoor spaces this summer. When you think of your outdoor space as extension of your indoor living space, you can get the max value out of the space. Outdoor spaces do not have to be large to function as a multi-functional space that the entire household can enjoy.

Play With Textures and Colors

Just as you think about design in your living room, bedroom, or any room inside, apply the same ideas to your outdoor space. Textures and colors are key parts of a successful design. Incorporate textures and colors in throw pillows as well as furniture cushions in your outdoor space. Ensure furnishing are comfy and durable.

Add Potted Plants

We love adding plants to our home office as well as other indoor spaces…they even have air purifying benefits! Potted plants also help to make your outdoor space lush. Add your favorite flowers in pots, and also think about adding larger potted plants to help create privacy.

Choose an Area Rug

An area rug will be key to creating your outdoor oasis. Area rugs help to define spaces, and this is key to making your outdoor space feel like it has different “areas.” If your outdoor space is large enough, consider placing an area rug under your dining table and one under your patio furniture to help create a lounge space versus a dining space.

Pick a fun pattern that compliments your furniture, cushions, and umbrellas for an additional “pop”.

Set the Mood with Lighting

Up the ambiance with outdoor lighting – perfect for setting the mood whether you are relaxing with a glass of wine or doing late evening entertaining, outdoor lighting will round out your outdoor oasis. String lights are an easy way to cast a warm glow over your space, however, if reaching an electrical outlet is difficult consider all the solar options that are now available.