THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS MANY ON EDGE ABOUT THE ECONOMY AND THE REAL ESTATE MARKET. HERE IS A LOOK AT WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON, ACCORDING TO DR. LAWRENCE YUN, CHIEF ECONOMIST AT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, AND REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY LEADER BRIAN BUFFINI. 

The Economy Will Bounce Back 

Economies in China and South Korea are already starting to recover as coronavirus gets more controlled.

No Imminent Housing Crash 

Overbuilding has declined dramatically since 2008 — in fact, builders have been underproducing, and banks have increased regulations to protect borrowers from subprime mortgages.

If the “economic quarantine” is short, real estate could bounce back in one to two months. 

Because market fundamentals are strong, housing is safe in the long-term.

Spring Selling Season Pushed Back 

Expect the market to jump again in late summer and early fall.  Pent-up demand could lead to a hot market later this year 

Buy Now if You Can, Wait if You Can’t 

Mortgage rates are at historic lows, with Yun suggesting they could get as low as three percent. 

If you’re worried about your job, pause the homebuying process. If you know you’re secure, now could be a good time to lock in a low-rate mortgage. 

Now is the Time to Serve 

Serve others by practicing social distancing to avoid the spread of illness. 

Help your friends and neighbors in ways that are responsible, safe and sanitary, like dropping off groceries on the doorstep of an elderly neighbor. 

Connect with others in your community on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor.