Like many of you, I look forward to getting a haircut, eating out, seeing friends, and getting my kids back into school when this health crisis abates. Though we’re not quite there yet, we want you to know that our offices remain open, staffed, and ready to assist you with all your real estate needs. We continue to list, show, sell, and close properties for our clients. Today I’m discussing how closing procedures happen during this unusual time.
Most title companies are only allowing the signers to enter their buildings.
When you reach the closing stage and are ready to sign the closing documents, the process right now is generally the same, but some of the procedures may be different due to social distancing guidelines. Most title companies are only allowing the signers to enter their buildings, meaning we real estate agents can’t attend closings with our clients. We hope this changes soon, as we enjoy being there to help celebrate your closing, but until then, we’re only a phone call away should you need us.
Some title companies are utilizing other methods and taking all safety precautions such as gloves, plexiglass dividers on the closing tables, extended distancing between the closer and signer, and sanitization between closings. Other options may be possible due to a client’s circumstances, such as a mobile notary to meet the client or online notaries for certain documents. Regardless of the method of closing, you will need a valid, government-issued picture ID, and if you owe $1,500 or more at closing, you need to have the funds presented via cashier’s check, or you can wire the funds to the title company.
If you have any further questions about closings or real estate in general, please feel free to contact us via phone or email. We would love to help you.
Although the pandemic has caused things to slow down in our real estate market, there are still plenty of properties being bought and sold. Here are the latest numbers.
Today we have a real estate market report for the first quarter of 2020. Like you, our lives have been inundated by the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic and the resulting business and school closures, as well as the stay-at-home order.
Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted and we pray that our leaders and families make it through this crisis with as little long-term stress as possible. Even though it’s a hazardous time out there, we’re taking every precaution to ensure our agents can continue to serve while remaining safe. They’re using gloves, masks, and antibacterial wipes at every turn.
Our agents are using gloves, masks, and antibacterial wipes at every turn.
Based on what I’m hearing from around the nation, our local market is doing surprisingly well. So far, we’ve closed 96 homes and have another 64 pending, for a total of 160 homes sold this year. In the broader local market, the supply has remained constant and demand has remained strong.
How’s your market doing right now? It all depends on your price, location, and condition. To get a better idea, take a look one of the following reports, which has city-specific information about how each area of the market is doing.
Copperas CoveTemple, BeltonHarker HeightsKilleenWe’re going to continue to monitor all developments to ensure that we can help you with anything you need during this time.
If you have any other questions or would like us to walk you through the data for your neck of the woods, don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you.
Whether you’re in the mood for some delicious food or you want to know how to make it, Let’s Cook Texas and Let’s Eat Texas are both places that you need to check out.
For our very first post of 2020, we’re here at one of my latest and greatest food finds. I heard about this place initially in the newspaper, and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it with you as well.
Josie is a chef and cooking instructor who came to Killeen from Alaska and has renovated an old downtown facility into Let’s Eat Texas and Let’s Cook Texas.
Josie needed some sunshine in her life and decided to move from Alaska, where she owned a cooking school and a bed and breakfast. She loves the community and what she has built here. The before and after pictures of the restaurant and cooking school are incredible!
In addition to having some delicious, fresh, homemade food, they also host private groups and solo cooking events. They’re a lot of fun as well.
To learn more about Let’s Eat Texas and Let’s Cook Texas, give them a call at 254 768-0106 or check them out online.
If you have any real estate questions for me, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
