If there’s one positive that’s come from our new way of life in 2020 – and despite the many negatives, there are many positives, as well – it’s that we’ve reconnected with “old fashioned” ways of communicating.

Certainly some high tech ways, as well – how many Zoom calls have you been on this week? – but actually picking up the phone to call people, speaking to neighbors from your front porch, and good old fashioned letter writing is on the rise.

Here’s a letter I recently and mailed to many of my real estate clients, colleagues, and friends.  Consider this a letter to you, too!

“Dear Sally,

Well, these are certainly interesting times we are living in!  I hope you and your loved ones are all doing well, keeping healthy and staying (reasonably) sane!

I decided to reach out to you with a good old fashioned letter because, if you’re anything like me, you’ve been spending WAY too much time in front of a screen lately.

First, I’d like to know how you are doing.  So when you get this, PLEASE send me a quick text to say you’re doing A-OK, B-SIDE YOURSELF, or going C-NILE!  I’m serious!  Please text your name and answer to my business number, 704-313-8514.

Secondly, I’m writing to let you know you do not have to be overly concerned about your home’s value in the midst of the current pandemic situation, and I’ll tell you why.

Inventory (number of homes on the market) is very low, buyer demand from new and relocating home buyers is still relatively high, and interest rates are super low right now.

Overall, sales activity has been down nearly 25% since late March / early April compared to this time a year ago, but home values are mostly holding steady.  In fact, they are actually rising in some cases when sellers are receiving multiple offers due to low inventory.

Additionally, Mecklenburg County recently relaxed some of its restrictions, allowing interested home buyers to again tour homes for sale in Charlotte.  We are already seeing an increase in showings and I expect this to have a positive impact on the health of our housing market.

As long as buyers are employed and feel confident about their future prospects, and we don’t have any major setbacks with respect to the virus, I expect the market to improve gradually over the next few months.  It will take some time to get back to full speed, but this does NOT look anything like 2008 when we had an oversupply of housing inventory.

My biggest responsibilities right now as a REALTOR are to give my honest interpretation of the situation, to stay informed and provide factual information about the local market, and to serve those who have a real estate related questions and needs.

I am posting information daily on my website and on social media (@TheCLTLife704 on Facebook and Instagram / Jimmy Grappone on YouTube).

I have also been talking about and promoting our local small businesses and restaurants who need our support during this time, and I will continue to do so. If you know of one I should promote, let me know!

Please, continue to be safe and STAY POSITIVE and I look forward to being in touch, both literally and figuratively!”

If you have any real estate questions, concerns, or needs, I’m just a phone call, text, email, snail mail, DM, or front porch conversation away.