One of the best parts of being a Realtor is getting to know the client for the several months that we spend together, whether buying or selling. Various professions and lifestyles are encountered throughout the year, some clients moving to another state and others staying nearby. This year, I have worked with:

3 IT professionals

3 teachers

2 small business owners

2 administrative professionals

2 financial analysts

1 accountant

1 sales manager

1 nurse

1 TV news anchor

1 home builder

1 veterinarian

1 attorney

1 high school counselor

1 elementary school principal

1 city clerk

2 clients were veterans. 2 were first time home buyers. 3 were single women, 1 was a single man, the rest couples or estate sales. 5 were families with kids, 6 had grown kids. 2 were retired.

I had clients move to Boston, Florida, Chicago and Kentucky. My listings drew clients in from Denver, Ohio, and Oklahoma. 6 of my sellers moved less than 5 miles away. 2 sales were past clients who passed away.

I helped 4 sellers coordinate a home purchase right before or after selling their home. 6 sellers lived in the home during buyer showings, 5 of those during COVID, 8 had moved out or were otherwise vacant. 3 buyers purchased occupied homes, 5 buyers purchased vacant homes. Zero issues with COVID transmission due to precautions.

I have noticed with mortgage rates being so low and homes selling so fast, that homes on the market are just as often vacant than occupied. It is: (1) less stressful to move first, then sell; (2) more affordable to swing with the low rates, and most likely owning both homes only 1 to 3 months; and (3) much easier to prep the home for sale after your things are out. I expect this to be happen more often while COVID is in play, and people continue to work more from home (making it disruptive to show while living there).