None of us can argue that this is a typical spring real estate market. The world has been turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and news changes quickly. But the need to stay focused, calm and committed could not be more important. As your President, I can assure you that your Board of Directors, the NVAR staff team and I are committed to going the distance – no matter what challenges we might face as an industry, profession or community. As a Realtor®, you should endeavor to do the same with your clients.
My primary wish is that everyone is safe and healthy. While we are not clear about when things will begin to get back to our “new normal,” we must all take steps to continue to operate our businesses and maintain a healthy mindset.
These are indeed trying times, but as Realtors® it is so important to remain committed and available for your clients. Continue to stay in touch with your sphere of influence and your clients to provide service in the best way possible. This is not the time to retreat or depart from the basics of good business.
As we all follow the Governor’s stay-at-home orders, this is the perfect opportunity to reach out to your clients and friends. Chances are, they’re available! We all realize the need to practice social distancing, but there is nothing to keep us from being “socially committed;” in that respect, do not be socially distant. Pick up the phone to see how they are doing, if they need anything, or if you can be of assistance to them in any way. At times like these, it’s more important than ever for you to remind your clients that you are there for them, you are a market expert, and you are available to support them should they need you.
Reach out using the phone, greeting cards, email, social media or whatever it takes to connect. Third-party internet vendors can never replace Realtors®. The value of a Realtor® who is caring, knowledgeable, and empathetic cannot be minimized during difficult times. As most of us are working remotely, we have learned to adapt and adjust to the circumstances that have altered the way we conduct much of our business. We have had to re-invent the way we operate on a day-to-day basis. Each of us has our own unique style, but I challenge you to think of ways to improve so that you are prepared to hit the ground running when we can return to our “new normal.”
Let your commitment to real estate show. We will get through this. In the meantime, thank you for your continued professionalism and commitment. Now is the time to stay positive. In my many conversations with Realtors®, I’m encouraged by our resilience as an association and individually.
Many of you have shared on social media the ways that you’ve stepped up to our challenge to #ShowUsWhoYouR because as Realtors® #ThatsWhoWeR.
Our clients still needs us – the economy needs us – the community needs us.
Nicholas Lagos
2020 NVAR President
president@nvar.com