Weâre facing a sobering reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over as several states experience a harrowing resurgence in cases. NAR President-Elect Charlie Oppler says in the latest âPivot in Placeâ video that now is not the time to let your guard down as you return to a semblance of normal business. Set an example by consistently following your state and local safety protocols, using virtual tools whenever possible, and staying in constant contact with clients about changing market conditions, Oppler says. These are wise suggestions to help bolster what appears to be the start of a roaring housing rebound. After steep declines since March, pending home sales soared to historic monthly gains in May, NAR reported Monday. Coupled with an upbeat outlook for existing-home sales and a positive turnaround in mortgage demand, these developments âspeak to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery,â says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. But as Oppler reminds us, you must work safely and smartly with eager buyers and sellers because âthe pandemic is still very much alive.â Meanwhile, Mondayâs Supreme Court ruling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was a victory for NAR advocacy in the sense that it will result in minimal disruption to housing markets while clarifying that the bureauâs director serves at the presidentâs will. Read about the decision and NARâs involvement in the case. Stay abreast of coronavirus-related news at nar.realtor/coronavirus, and keep up on NARâs special offers to members during this time, available through Right Tools, Right Now. You also can have updates pushed right to your email: If you arenât already a subscriber, sign up for REALTOR® Magazineâs Daily News e-newsletter. |
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