Agency News and Awards November 20, 2023

Kristi Anderson has Reached the Commission Cap!

Congratulations From Vikki Garby, President Of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team, to Kristi Anderson for reaching the commission cap for Company Dollar Contribution in 2023!

 

 

“Kristi has been one of our top sales associates since she has been with the Green Team. She is an extremely hard worker and is determined to help every one of her clients achieve their real estate goals. She manages multiple transactions like a true professional and you would never know how much she has on her plate because she always maintains her composure. Congratulations Kristi, on yet another great year. We are grateful to have Kristi as part of the Green Team family.”  -Vikki Garby

 

 

Kristi’s dedication to her clients and hard work has allowed her to reach the cap on her commission with BHGRE Green Team. This is an outstanding accomplishment and means Kristi will now receive a 100% commission split on any deal she closes during 2023.

Kristi Anderson

 

“In the midst of a challenging market, we are proud to announce that we have achieved an extraordinary feat. Against all odds, we have successfully closed a significant number of deals, demonstrating our unwavering dedication and expertise in navigating difficult circumstances. Our commitment to excellence, tireless work ethic, and strategic approach have allowed us to surpass expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. We understand the intricacies of the market, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your success in even the toughest conditions. Trust us to turn challenges into opportunities and make your real estate dreams a reality.” – Kristi Anderson

 

 

Better Homes and Gardens Rea Estate  Green Team’s commission structure is undoubtedly one of the finest in the industry, but it doesn’t end there.  Our lead generation platform, certified sales assistant program, and dynamic training systems are just a few other things worth mentioning.

Click here to learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team and why you should join our team.

Congratulations, Kristi Anderson!

Agency News and Awards July 5, 2023

Celebrating Success at the New Jersey Circle of Excellence Awards

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team was Excited to see our Agents Shine at the New Jersey 2022 Circle of Excellence Awards.

The real estate industry is highly competitive, with agents striving to provide exceptional service and deliver outstanding results. Today, we have the privilege to recognize and congratulate the remarkable achievements of several BHGRE Green Team agents at the esteemed New Jersey Circle of Excellence Awards. Their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to their clients have earned them well-deserved accolades. Join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of Kristi Anderson, Barbara Tesa, Ted Van Laar, and Charles Nagy as they shine brightly at this prestigious event.

Gold Level Achievement $12-19.9 million: Kristi Anderson

We are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Kristi Anderson for her remarkable achievement of receiving the Gold Level award. Kristi’s exceptional skills, industry knowledge, and unparalleled commitment to her clients have truly set her apart. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for helping clients find their dream homes have made her a trusted and respected name in the real estate industry. Kristi’s Gold Level recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication and outstanding accomplishments. Well done, Kristi!

Silver Level Recognition $6.5-11.99 million: Barbara Tesa and Ted Van Laar

We are delighted to honor Barbara Tesa and Ted Van Laar for their remarkable accomplishments. Both of these amazing agents have received the Silver Level award at the New Jersey Circle of Excellence Awards. Barbara and Ted’s unwavering commitment to their clients and exceptional service have consistently exceeded expectations. Their attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, and market expertise have contributed to their success in helping clients navigate the real estate market with ease. Barbara and Ted’s Silver Level recognition is a well-deserved tribute to their hard work and dedication. Congratulations, Barbara and Ted!

Bronze Level Achievement $2.5-6.49 million: Charles Nagy

We are delighted to congratulate Charles Nagy on receiving the Bronze Level award at the New Jersey Circle of Excellence Awards. Charles’s passion for real estate, combined with his dedication to his clients, has allowed him to achieve remarkable results. Additionally, his integrity, professionalism, and expertise have earned him the trust and admiration of his clients. Charles’s Bronze Level recognition is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his unwavering pursuit of client satisfaction. Well done, Charles!

 

The achievements of Kristi Anderson, Barbara Tesa, Ted Van Laar, and Charles Nagy at the New Jersey Circle of Excellence Awards serve as a testament to their exceptional skills, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contributions to the real estate industry. These agents have not only excelled professionally but have also made a significant impact on the lives of their clients. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional service have set them apart as true industry leaders. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kristi, Barbara, Ted, and Charles for their well-deserved recognition and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

 

Agency News and Awards March 22, 2023

2022’s 4th Quarter Sales Leaders

We are proud to share our 2022 4th Quarter sales leaders. These agents have shown their hard work and dedication and have ended the year on top. 

According to Vikki Garby, President of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team,

“Our agents have endured significant changes this past year. In an effort to strengthen our organization for the benefit of both our clients and our agents, we made management changes and we affiliated with the international lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. While change can be difficult, our agents embraced our new tools with the guidance of our new leadership. Throughout the year, they stayed focused on their clients’ needs which is first and foremost our #1 priority. I’m so proud of each and every one of our agents and look forward to another great year in 2023.”

Congratulations to all these amazing agents!

Carol Buchanan, Kristi Anderson, Cara Dumond, Barbara Matchett, Tammy Scotto, Ted Van Laar, Charles Nagy, Nancy Sardo, Barbara Tesa, Krissy Many, Yvette Saldana, Edward Sattler, Kim Lasalandra, Chris and Megan Kimiciek, Joe Mackey, Michelle Spina, and Tom Folino.

Housing Market News March 16, 2022

March 2022 Housing Market Update

Welcome to the March 2022 Housing Market Update. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty and Co-Founder and CEO of NuOp, is the host of the March 15 webinar. If you missed it, the video of the webinar is available below.

 

Price appreciation

Price Appreciation Acceleratin from Jan 2021 to Jan 2022

 

 

 

 

As shown here, there is an acceleration again in price appreciation. For a while, we were talking about it decelerating (not depreciating). According to Geoff, inventory is just so low that pricing has nowhere to go but up.

In addition. the major forecasting agencies show an average of 6.1% increase for 2022. The average annual home price forecast has usually been around 4% per year.

Supply and Demand

Basically, inventory is a subject that the Housing Market Update has discussed for several years.  A Sellers’ Market is defined as having less than 6 months’ inventory. Home prices will appreciate. A neutral market, during which prices appreciate with inflation, is 6-7 months inventory. A  Buyers’ Market, with over 7 months of inventory, will see home prices depreciating.

In addition, worries of a housing bubble persist among 77% of consumers and 44% of agents. However, there is a big difference in factors, including inventory supply as shown below.

Inventory of Homes Nothing Like Last Time

Keeping an eye on other factors…

According to Mark Zandi, Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist,

“Recession risks later this year and into next are now uncomfortably high.” “The odds that the Fed missteps and tightens too aggressively are material and rising. Landing the economic plane on the tarmac was already going to be difficult for the Fed because of the pandemic and high inflation, but Russia’s invasion makes it more likely the economic plane hits the tarmac hard or even crashes.”

The Housing Market Update will continue to keep an eye on this. However, Geoff reminded viewers that a recession does not necessarily lead to a bad housing market.

Meet the Panel

Joining Geoff for this March 2022 Housing Market Update are Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty, and Peter Mallon, Americana Mortgage Group, Inc. The panel discussed the issues and data presented by Geoff as it relates to what they are experiencing in their own businesses.  To watch the webinar and view the panel discussion, click hereYou’ll find contact information for the panelists below:

Contact info for panel on Housing Market Update for March 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Housekeeping” Items

Housekeeping items for HMU

 

Agency News and Awards February 18, 2022

Agent Spotlight on Kristi Anderson

The Green Team Agent Spotlight is on Kristi Anderson.   

About Kristi…

Kristi joined Green Team New Jersey Realty in 2019, bringing with her over 18 years of experience. That year, she became a Captains Club award winner with $3-$5 Million in sales. In 2020, with $10.8 Million in sales, she was in the top 1.7% of all agents in Sussex County. In addition, she was named to the Green Team MVP Circle. Furthermore, Kristi received the New Jersey Realtors® Silver Circle of Excellence Sales Award that year.

Kristi Anderson of GTNJR Silver Circle of Excellence Award
And, with over $12 million in sales for 2021, Kristi has achieved Green Team’s new Platinum production level.
Kristi is now licensed in New York as well and has joined Green Team New York Realty.

The Broker-Realtor® is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative. In addition, Kristi has Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification. This busy mom of four still finds time to volunteer with the Vernon Township School District’s SCA. She is also a dedicated, hardworking volunteer board member of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce.  What’s more, Kristi has also started volunteering for the Highland Lakes Community Ecology Committee.

 

Kristi Anderson of Green Team New Jersey Realty at Street Fair

 Kristi Anderson enjoying the sun

Before entering the real estate profession, what did you do?

I was in banking for several years then I worked as an Account Service Representative for a pharmaceutical Data Company. It was interesting but sitting at a desk all day was just not my cup of tea. I love the diversity being a Realtor offers

How and why did you become a real estate agent?

I bought a house and thought the whole experience was really cool even though there were some bumps in the road and it took us 5 months to close. However, I went and got my license, and here I am 20 years later still loving it.

What do you like best about being a real estate agent?

The excitement of making people’s real estate dreams come true. I love the feeling I get every time!  There is nothing else like handing them the keys and seeing that big smile on their face.  Priceless!

What do you like least about being a real estate agent?

Telling a client disappointing news. Unfortunately, it happens in this business and you have to assist your clients through the triumphs and turmoil.

What was your most memorable/unusual real estate transaction?

My client was buying a property and there was a discrepancy in the land of about 2 acres. The attorney notified everyone at closing and they decided to sue each other and we went to court. The judge said this is a joke and told the sellers you will sell the property to these buyers at this price and that is it. A month later we closed. They happily still live there.

What is it like being part of the Green Team?

There is always someone there to help and their client appreciation program does not compare. I love seeing the smile on my client’s faces when I hand them their Thanksgiving pie
Kristi Anderson with GTNJR For Sale Sign

How would family and friends describe you?

Hardworking, tenacious, easy to talk to, problem solver, dedicated, sincere, transparent, and most importantly honest!

What is your proudest accomplishment?
When I was in banking they had a program for employees that if you went above and beyond for a customer it would be made into a commercial. I had a client come in after hours and he needed to cash his check and was flying out early in am. I basically took his check and cashed it out of my account through the ATM. He informed my manager and we made a commercial and it was on national TV. They even played during the World Series.

What does “home” mean to you?

Home means family to me. A place where you feel safe, where you belong. Where you feel stable and secure.  Homes is the base of where memories begin. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about selling their home?

There is no better time to sell Covid has really made people appreciate the value of owning a home which has helped the values rise.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a home?

Real estate is the best investment you can make. Not just financially, emotionally also. It is yours and you should be proud of that accomplishment. Rates are still low, so I would get in before they go up.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Work smarter not harder. Get your license sooner. lol
Agency News and Awards February 13, 2022

2021 Circle of Excellence Awards

Green Team New Jersey Realty is proud to announce its 2021 Circle of Excellence Awards recipients.

According to NJ  Realtors®, the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence® Sales Award® recognizes those members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship”

The 2021 Circle of Excellence Awards levels are:

  • Platinum: $20 million and 30 units minimum, or 125 units
  • Gold: $12 million and 25 units minimum, or 90 units
  • Silver: $6.5 million and 20 units minimum, or 70 units
  • Bronze: $2.5 million and 15 units minimum, or 30 units”

Most noteworthy, this is the first year Green Team New Jersey Realty has had a sales associate in each of the four categories.

Green Team New Jersey’s NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence® Sales Award® recipients are:

Keren Gonen s the first to reach the Platinum Level for more than $20 million in sales.  Kristi Anderson achieved Gold Level, with over $12 million in sales.

The Dynamic Duo of Charles Nagy and Theodore Van Laar each received the silver award.  And Barbara Tesa and Pamela Zachowski were awarded the bronze award.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Housing Market News January 20, 2022

January 2022 Housing Market Update

The January 2022 Housing Market Update took place on January 18 at 12 p.m. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty and Co-founder and CO of NuOp, hosts the monthly market updates. If you missed the live FaceBook and Zoom event, or you’d like to watch the webinar again, it is available below.

It all comes down to inventory – and the lack thereof

Geoff started the discussion with this quote from Bill McBride, Founder, Calculated Risk:

“It is possible that rising mortgage rates will slow the housing market… or the Fed might raise rates sooner than expected due to the recent pickup in inflation… but I believe one thing is certain: inventory will tell the tale!”

Inventory is at an all-time low throughout the U.S., down an average of 27% compared to December of 2020. As the industry survives on turnover, this is not good news. A normal market has 6 months’ inventory, while we are currently at less than 2 months.

Buyer demand remains strong

According to Michael Lane, VP & General Manager of ShowingTime,

“Showings traditionally lag during the holiday season, but the data remains strong. The fact that every region showed a year-over-year increase indicates that buyers are undeterred… It speaks to their desire to keep searching for their next home.”

Homeowner equity still strong, still surging

According to CoreLogic’s Q3 Homeowner Equity Report,

“This summer, home price growth reached the highest level in more than 45 years, pushing equity gains to another record high.”

Mortgage rate projections

Mortgage rate projections show rates slowly rising, but still remaining at historic lows. Maiclaire Boltonk-Smith, Senior Leader of Research, CoreLogic, says:

“So overall I do think that 2022 will be another strong year for housing. All be it a little bit higher mortgage rates and we do think home sales will continue to rise and actually  reach a 16 year high in 2022.”

Other factors impacting the housing market

The discussion included Gen Z, a massive population in their late 20’s, with many looking to buy homes. Some people migrate back to cities following moving to suburbs and rural areas. Geoff predicts that many people who left the City due to the pandemic will be moving back as the commute and home maintenance are more difficult than anticipated.

Nationally, existing homes sales are still strong, as is average home price, though showing signs of deceleration (not decrease) of prices.

Meet the panel

Joining Geoff is Terry Gavan of Green Team New York Realty and Kristi Anderson of Green Team New Jersey Realty. Also joining in is Michael Giannetto of CrossCountry Mortgage, to lend his expertise to the discussion.

A lively discussion ensued regarding what these real estate professionals are seeing on the ground, and their take on Geoff’s prediction about homeowners returning to the cities, appraisal valuations, etc..

To watch the webinar, including current stats and the panel discussion, click here:

Jan 2022 Housing Market Update Panelist Contact Info

“Housekeeping” Items

Jan 2022 Housing Market Update Housekeeping Items

 

 

Agency News and Awards May 21, 2021

2020 Circle of Excellence Award Recipients

Green Team New Jersey Realty Award Recipients at the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award presentations, May 19, 2021, at Perona Farms in Sparta NJ. Back row left to right Charles Nagy; Geoff Green, President, Green Team Realty; Kim Lasalandra, Broker Manager, Green Team New Jersey Realty; Ted Van Laar. Front Row, left to right Kristi Anderson, Keren Gonen, Pam Zachowski, Barbara Tesa, and Alison Miller. Not shown: Heidi Hyland.

Green Team New Jersey Realty congratulates its recipients of the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award.

According to the New Jersey Realtors® website,

“New Jersey Realtors® is proud to have members who are experts in their fields, advocates in their communities and leaders amongst their peers. Throughout the year, New Jersey Realtors® honors the accomplishments of select members through prestigious awards…

The 2020 award levels are:

  • Platinum: $20 million and 30 units minimum, or 125 units
  • Gold: $12 million and 25 units minimum, or 90 units
  • Silver: $6.5 million and 20 units minimum, or 70 units
  • Bronze: $2.5 million and 15 units minimum, or 30 units”

Keren Gonen takes the Gold

Keren Gonen receives NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keren Gonen is in the top 20 of all agents in Sussex County, with $17.8 Million in sales in 2020. In addition to receiving the 2020 Gold Circle of Excellence Sales Award, Keren also became a member of the Green Team MVP Circle, for over $10 Million in sales.

Kristi Anderson takes the Silver

Kristi Anderson receives Silver 2020 Circle of Excellence Sales Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kristi Anderson joined Green Team New Jersey Realty in 2019. That year, she became a Captains Club award winner with $3-$5 Million in sales. Now, with $10.8 Million in sales, she is in the top 1.7% of all agents in Sussex County for 2020. In addition, she was named to the Green Team MVP Circle.

And the Bronze goes to…

Since opening its doors in September 2016, Green Team New Jersey Realty has had a steady showing at the Circle of Excellence award ceremonies. In fact, most of the 2020 recipients have received awards in past years.

And this year, Charles Nagy, Ted Van Laar, Alison Miller, Barbara Tesa, and Heidi Hyland are joined by Pam Zachowski.

According to Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty,

“It was inspiring to sit back and watch all of these great Realtors receive their awards.  When you put 2020 into perspective in terms of the pandemic, the stop caused by the pandemic, then the massive influx of NYC residents to our market territory, it’s really an exhausting picture.  These people were not only able to survive it but to thrive in it.  I would take this team into the fox hole with me at any time for sure.  You will not find a more capable group of Real Estate professionals.”

Community Support May 27, 2020

Are NYC residents moving to the suburbs?

Are people really leaving NYC for the suburbs?

Are NYC residents moving to the suburbs? Statistics show how Covid-19 has devastated New York City. The number of people with COVID-19 and the number of deaths is staggering. Social distancing is difficult. There is no doubt that crowded streets, elevators, and often apartments are not conducive to sheltering-in-place. So, are people really leaving NYC for the suburbs? 

According to both local and national news sources, the answer is a resounding “YES!”  The headlines tell the story.

 

National Media

USA Today‘s headline screams, Get me out of here! Americans flee crowded cities amid Covid-19, consider permanent moves.”  According to that article, nearly one-third of Americans are considering moving to less densely populated areas because of Covid-19. On May 8 the New York Times described this phenomenon in “Coronavirus Escape: To the Suburbs.” Then, on May 16 they published “Where New Yorkers Moved to Escape Coronavirus.According to CNBC, Wealthy New Yorkers flee Manhattan for suburbs and beyond.

Local Media

Locally, radio station 101.5 WPDH posted two blogs on this subject. The first, “NYC Residents Expected to Move to Hudson Valley in Droves.” AndSellers market driving Hudson Valley Home Prices Way Up.”  Additionally, Straus News just published the following story in all its local papers for Orange County NY, and Sussex County NJ: “Pandemic-driven house frenzy hits local towns.”

Green Team Realty Sales Associates: Are they seeing NYC residents moving to the suburbs?

Current real estate market conditions and economic trends were major points of discussion during Green Team Realty’s monthly Housing Market Update. We asked several sales associates if they are seeing NYC residents moving to the suburbs as a result of COVID-19.

Green Team New York Realty – Warwick and Orange County, New York

Angela Murphy, Real Estate Salesperson, and Business Development Associate,

I have seen a rise of new buyers coming from all 5 boroughs of the city. Most of my clients want municipals verses septic, well or oil tanks, which has opened up many areas to view in Orange County. The pandemic has definitely pushed them to head north quicker than they might have, otherwise.

Nancy Sardo, Associate Real Estate Broker

I am seeing an influx of highly qualified tenants as well as an above-average amount of new buyers ready to move quicker than before.  We are seeing many more cash buyers, many more full-price offers with less negotiation from a smart buyer. Experienced buyers to the area are more willing to do some elbow grease in order not to hiccup on the deal. Otherwise, they risk the seller moving onto the backup offer. Buyers and people, in general, are serious about the betterment of their surroundings. And, with what we are currently going through, they are now more apt to pay for it.  We are in a seller’s market and here in Warwick NY and Orange County on a whole, there is an exaggerated upswing of interest in our beautiful Hudson Valley.

Jennifer DiCostanzo, Associate Broker

Interest is trending with buyers looking for a home that meets their needs both for lifestyle and working from home. They like the idea of self-sufficient living. Being just 60 miles from NYC makes the lower Hudson Valley, with its pricepoint, very attractive for primary and secondary homes.  Everyone is coming to a realization that home has to meet both work and leisure needs. Also desired are adaptable living spaces. Living through this pandemic has redefined the concept of home for many people. Outdoor space has become a luxury, particularly for City dwellers. However, it’s not just City dwellers who are redefining what “home” means. There are local buyers who are also looking for that change in lifestyle, space and function.

Green Team New Jersey Realty – Vernon and Sussex County, New Jersey

Kristi Anderson, Realtor

I think that many buyers are coming to the Sussex area because we have had much fewer cases of COVID-19 up here. Most of my clients are buying second homes.

Keren GonenReal Estate Salesperson

I am seeing a LOT of NYC buyers. They are CASH mostly and looking to run away. Some are buying a second home, but plenty are moving in this direction to get away from the City completely and realizing the advantages of living in “The Country.” Those buyers have a much larger budget than our “usual” buyers and are looking for updated houses mostly.  They are ready, willing, able and QUALIFIED buyers.  They are all mesmerized by our charm here in Sussex county.
What makes Orange County and Sussex County so desirable to NYC residents?

After months of sheltering in place, many people are reexamining their concept of the ideal home. This pandemic has shown us that we can’t take for granted life as usual. New York City has undergone a drastic transformation. That ideal City life is on pause. Broadway shows, restaurants, boutiques, department stores, museums, vibrant nightlife, closed,   Families living in cramped apartments, worried about catching the virus, long for privacy, more room, areas to work, and space for the kids. Furthermore, they’re looking for outdoor living space. And approximately 60 miles away is the beautiful countryside of Orange and Sussex Counties.

NYC residents are looking for homes that provide lots of room for their family’s needs, including work from home space. Covid-19 has shown us the possibilities that exist in telecommuting. People and businesses are realizing that it may not be necessary for people to go to the office every day.  As noted above, there are also people looking for second homes, so that they have someplace to “escape” to, should another shelter-in-place be required. Even in a seller’s market, they know they can get more house for their money here. Finally, there are unique hamlets, villages, and towns that offer lifestyles and qualities that people have decided are just what they need in this day and age.

 

Housing Market News May 25, 2020

May 2020 Housing Market Update

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, welcomed everyone to the May 2020 Housing Market Update. The webinar was held on Tuesday, May 19 at 2 p.m. And, according to Green, “These are interesting times we live in,” to say the least. Geoff shares both national and local stats. Furthermore, he checks in with those who have “boots on the ground.” Sales Associates from Green Team New York Realty and Green Team New Jersey Realty share what’s happening in their respective states and communities. There are different regulations for the real estate industry in New York and New Jersey. Thus, there are differing impacts on what is happening in each state.

If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, it’s available here:

Meet the Panel

The May 2020 Housing Market Update panel shared their observations, experiences, and expertise in this Covid-19 market. Keren Gonen and Kristi Anderson with Green Team New Jersey Realty talked about Vernon and the Sussex County NJ market. Nancy Sardo and Angela Murphy, with Green Team New York Realty, discussed Warwick and the Orange County NY market. Summer Mangels, Home Loan Consultant with Valley National Bank, shared her experiences with financing and refinancing in a Covid-19 market. Watch the above video to hear what the experts had to say.

Something everyone is talking about is:

When is the economy going to fully recover?

The Chairman of the Federal Reserve recently said that recovery is going to take longer than most people expect. However, several major financial institutions are calling for recovery in the second half of 2020. They include Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo. And, although unemployment numbers are historically high, they are trending down in terms of the number of new filings. As the country starts to reopen, we will hopefully see unemployment numbers go down.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data on the professions and categories most impacted by unemployment. In our April 2020 Housing Market Update we discussed those categories making up the largest majority of unemployed. Service and Bartending were the biggest category then. That number has come down a little as of May 8. Hopefully, as more and more businesses are able to reopen, people in these industries will be able to return to work.

Impact of Covid-19 to Real Estate Showings in North America

Data from ShowingTime provides analytics on the impact of Covid-19 on real estate showings. In March, showings plummeted. However, in mid-April, they started to shoot back up. When thrust into shut-down mode, there was panic and uncertainty. But as time has gone by, we’re learning how to more comfortably deal with the challenges with safety in mind. The reality is people still need homes. People still need to find homes when relocating. Life goes on. And we’re adapting to the rules and regulations as they change.

Homeowner Equity

Another important factor is the percentage of homeowner equity. If you have no mortgage, you will probably be calmer about current financial challenges and uncertainty and be more willing to spend. However, if you have a high debt to equity ratio, things will be tighter and you’ll probably have to hold back on spending. 42% of homeowners in the United States have no mortgage. 58% of all homes in America have at least 60% equity. And the average equity of mortgaged homes is $177,000. These stats show that homeownership offers many Americans some financial stability.

Years for the unemployment rate to return to the pre-crisis level

More Depth, Less Length

National and Local Stats on Units Sold & Average Sales Price

On the national level, the chart shows existing home sales for March (pre-COVID). At that point, home sales were a little lower than the previous few years. Prices were on an upward trend pre-COVID. The months’ supply of inventory is showing a seller’s market, with the lack of inventory available.

What is especially interesting is what is going on in Orange County, NY versus Sussex County, NJ. These are bordering counties in different states, with different COVID regulations. In New York, realtors cannot physically show homes to buyers. In New Jersey, they can. Sales in Orange County have plummeted. April numbers were substantially lower than in previous years. However,  average sales price was not impacted. In Sussex, April was a good month. They held firm as far as units sold. And prices are continuing to rise.

“Housekeeping” Details:

Housekeeping Details for May 2020 Green Team Realty Housing Market Update

To reach any of the May 2020 Housing Market Update panelists,

Green Team Realty May 2020 Housing Market Update