Editor's Note: Q&A with real estate expert Joel Schemmel about the real estate market in Sarasota, FL during the 2nd quarter of 2020. Click on "Learn More" to contact Joel.
What do you ask clients to not have displayed when showing their home for sale?
When we take a listing, we have our staging consultant walk through the property with the Seller and make a list of items that will make the home show better. This includes removing personal items such as family pictures and photos, making sure jewelry and other valuables are safely stored and tweaking furniture arrangements to enhance the appearance and optimize space.
Photo Credit: CMS Photography
How did the second quarter of 2020 real estate perform in your market?
So of course, by the time the second quarter rolled around, we were shut down due to COVID-19. We were truly fortunate that in May and June our market bounced back quickly. Comparing pending sales for the first half of 2019 and 2020 you will see that we are way ahead of last year.
Photo Credit: CMS Photography
Pended Sales:
$1 million to $2 million - Up over 25% in Unit Sales in 2020 vs. 2019
$2 million to $4 million – Up over 20% in Unit Sales in 2020 vs. 2019
$4 million-plus – Up almost 10% in Unit Sales in 2020 vs. 2019
Photo Credit: Coastal Home Photography
Clearly, the beautiful weather, ability to be outside all year round, access to beaches, boating, and other outdoor activities even with social distancing in place is making our market even more appealing.
Photo Credit: CMS Photography
Is it currently a buyer or seller’s market in your market?
With the strong activity in the latter half of the second quarter, we in general are seeing a shift towards a seller’s market in Sarasota County. Of course, that is on a macro basis. On a micro basis, some areas in the county are balanced markets or slightly favor buyers.
Photo Credit: CMS Photography
What do you love about the housing market in your market?
One of the things I love about the housing market in the Sarasota area is the diversity of lifestyles available. Do you want the island lifestyle? Are you a boater? Do you like to play golf or tennis? Do you want a downtown urban feel etc. etc. We have it all! The result is that we get to work with people from all over the country and the world. We would not want to live anywhere else!
Photo Credit: Coastal Home Photography
