Selling your home during uncertainty
By Patricia Nugent
When you’ve risen to the top of an industry over the course of more than 35 years, people come to you for expert advice.
“The number one question people are asking me right now is what effect will Covid-19 have on the housing market,” says Denise Zervos, who, along with her husband, Mark, heads up The Neighborhood Experts at Platinum Real Estate. “With so much happening so quickly, and the amount of uncertainty that entails, homeowners are calling me wanting to know if they will be able to buy or sell a home in this climate.”
Although the perception is dire, the reality is not. Having navigated the housing bubble and crisis of 2008, this team is well poised to gain relevant factual information for their clients and communicate with them quickly.
Housing experts do acknowledge Covid-19 will impact the market in March and April, but this is a short-term condition considering the strength of sales prior to the outbreak. Existing home sales performed strongly in February.
“Our team has continued to see offers come in and new buyers emerge eager to look for a new home,” she says. “We are servicing sellers in a unique way who desire their homes on the market now to take advantage of the limited housing availability and attract top dollar.”
Denise anticipates that once the quarantine measures are relaxed, they will experience a flood of buyers entering the market with the same enthusiasm as demonstrated prior to the pandemic.
“Due to our current and ongoing housing shortage, home prices are not expected to drop,” she says.
If anyone has specific questions about the current local market and how it impacts their individual situation, Denise doesn’t mind if you give her a call on her cell to find out more, 216-440-9089.
Right-Sizers
A prime example of a smooth transaction at the height of the virus is the recent home purchase by Caroline and Alan G. of Kirtland.
Denise has been working with them for more than a year to find the right-fit home.
The couple is in the mode of “right-sizing” as opposed to downsizing. Although they wanted to say adios to their excessive lawn care—Al says it took two hours to mow their three-and-a-half-acre lot—and upkeep of their two-story, 2,816-square-foot home, the duo still needed plenty of storage and living space for their family that includes a son and daughter-in-law, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren, most of whom live in the area and love to visit.
“Denise was always a calming and reassuring presence for us, very patient,” says Caroline. “We were pretty particular about everything we saw. And when the virus hit, we struggled to determine if now was the right time. We decided to put our trust in Denise’s professionalism and knowledge.”
When the 1,682-squre-foot home in Marshview Landing came on the market, it checked all the right boxes. The maintenance-free home in this gated community features three bedrooms and an open floor plan that will be ideal for entertaining.
According to Denise, “Caroline and Alan experienced a normal roller coaster of emotions that anyone would expect when making such a big life transition, coupled with the uncertainty of doing it during a pandemic. I know since they built their current home 23 years ago that there are many memories and it’ll be tough to leave. But now is the right time, while they can make the decisions and take the time to find a perfect fit. It is an honor to work for them, and to see their desires become reality, not to mention how God weaves goodness and his blessings in uncertain times.”
Expanding Into New Digs
This summer, look for the company to open a new corporate headquarters in Mentor in the former Polo Building, which will be renamed The Platinum Center. All other locations and branches will remain open, as they are adding agents who enjoy being under the umbrella of Platinum’s leadership vision.
“We are excited to breathe new life into a much-needed local landmark,” says Denise. “We will have more room for agents looking for a tech-rich environment, as well as the capability to offer our clients one-stop shopping for their real estate and financial needs. We will have title, insurance and financial investment companies all under one roof.”
Platinum Real Estate has14 offices in Northeast Ohio and Columbus and nine in Florida. For a confidential appointment or to get more information, call 216-990-2100 or 440-974-SALE, and visit YourNeighborhoodExpert.com.