Realtor Weighs In on Home Buying During Pandemic

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WLVT) - Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, agents say the Real Estate industry in the Lehigh Valley is taking a hit as well.

“For the next 30 days, it’s going to be tight,” said President of the Greater Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors, Jack Gross. He’s also the president of Better Homes and Garden Cassidon Realty in Bethlehem.

“This has probably been one of the most trying times of my career,” said Gross. He’s been in real estate for 32 years, and he said he’s trying to remain positive about the current situation. “I really believe that those buyers that are out there now, they’re still going to be out there,” said Gross.

For people who were already in the process of buying a home, Gross said some companies are considering options like online notary services, though Lehigh and Northampton counties are not officially accepting that right now.

As for prospective buyers, he said many agents are doing virtual tours and open houses. “The agent themselves cannot go to the property under the current order as of today,” said Gross. “But the homeowner could do a virtual tour and supply that to the agent who can utilize that in their marketing.”

While real estate offices aren’t physically open, Gross said they are still doing their best to answer calls and emails to help those looking to move when the pandemic is over. “I don’t see it impacting values in a great way, unless it continues for an extended period of time,” said Gross. “I pray not.”