Art DeVitalis, Peak to Peak. Nederland real estate agent Jessica Fitzer recently sat down to discuss the real estate business in light of Covid-19 and the anticipated soft opening in two weeks’ time.
“At first, like so many businesses with the Stay-At-Home order, in-person real estate appointments were not happening. But as of April 27th, real estate showings have been allowed to resume,” Fitzer said.
“While my hours or service has not changed, my method and delivery of service has expanded. In a post Covid-19 world, I am spending more time with buyers and sellers online or via phone, preparing them to be the most equipped they can be.”
That means ensuring buyers have lending in place and pre-approved prior to making offers. For sellers, Fitzer focuses on simple updates that guarantee a home looks its best for sale.
She’s offering “Real Estate Reviews,” or a quick email, phone call, or online meeting to keep sellers updated on the value of their homes.
“Quite a few of my clients pushed the pause button in March and April,” Fitzer said. “Now with Safer-At-Home and safety precautions in place, I am seeing a quick return to real estate transactions occurring.”
The realty group at 8z has provided for those concerned with exposure to Covid-19. Online buyer and seller consultation meetings through Zoom as a first step are offered.
“Even if you are just curious, I am happy to ‘meet’ and answer any questions,” she said. “We will also begin the buyer pre-approval process or the seller spruce-up process,” though sometimes, neither are necessary.
The process of looking at homes for buyers begins will health and safety steps taken at each property, including face masks, gloves, sanitizer and other items. For sellers, Fitzer will require all agents to provide their buyers pre-approval letter before any showings are scheduled.
In early March, Fitzer began planning ‘Family Fun Night’ at Chipeta Park. It was to be the start of an annual potluck-style family event with food, games, and an evening movie in June. But due to the current restrictions on gatherings, both Fitzer and city officials agreed to postpone the event.
She is still planning for the event, with the date currently to be determined. Work-wise, she said that the transition has been a smooth shift into moving many aspects of the real estate transaction online.
“We can meet on Zoom, we can preview properties via virtual tours to help whittle down your choices, [and] we can complete all aspects of the contract electronically,” she said. “But that’s not to lessen the fact that people still need to see houses to make a decision. That is a vital and irreplaceable step in home buying and selling.”
Fitzer first arrived in the area 16 years ago, living full time for the last six. She is the mother of four boys that attend NES and NMSHS. Clearly having roots in both the market and locale, she and her husband try to participate often in local and school events.
“I love our town and am excited to help my neighbors with their real estate needs or questions,” she smiled.
Contact Jessica Fitzer at jessica.fitzer@8z.com or 303-258-3686 with your real estate needs.
(Originally published in the May 21, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
