On Saturday, March 21, 2020, NJ Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency and announced extensive social distancing measures to mitigate further spread of COVID-19. The Coronavirus seems to have affected everyone and every business, including the local real estate market here at the Jersey Shore.
Governor Murphy’s Executive Order directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, with the exceptions of:
- Grocery stores, farmer’s markets and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores, including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists at a grocery store
- Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries
- Medical supply stores
- Gas stations
- Convenience stores
- Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities
- Hardware and home improvement stores
- Banks and other financial institutions
- Laundromats and dry-cleaning services;
- Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years
- Pet stores
- Liquor stores
- Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics
- Printing and office supply shops;
- Mail and delivery stores
Non-essential businesses can be deemed as:
- All casinos, concert venues, nightclubs, racetracks, gyms, fitness centers and classes, movie theaters, and performing arts centers will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. and remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect.
- All restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor or limited brewery license are limited to offering delivery and/or take out-services only.
For more information on the Governor’s Executive Order and announcement on March 21, 2020, please refer to the Governor’s Executive Order on the New Jersey State website.
How does COVID-19 affect the Jersey Shore Real Estate Market?
As we adjust to our new “norm” and maintaining social distancing, here are some things to consider regarding buying, selling, or renting real estate at the Jersey Shore.
The shore market is still strong and our expectation is that the effect of COVID-19 on business is only temporary. Also with low-interest rates and motivated sellers we are still seeing plenty of activity.
The health and safety of everyone is our top priority. We must work differently than before the NJ Executive order was issued to help slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Changes to the way we now conduct real estate transactions include:
- There will be no open houses.
- There will be no in-person showings.
- There are no certificates of occupancy inspections conducted by local municipalities however we recently heard that some municipalities may be considering waiving the CO inspection in lieu of a seller’s declaration.
- Home inspection services are still being completed however safe practices like social distancing and discouraging buyers from attending are strongly recommended at this time.
With these new restrictions, we are forced to consider new ways of doing business. With that, Apex Prime Realty is going to upgrade listings with more comprehensive virtual tours. We will also offer, where appropriate, safe and in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order, live streaming tours of properties of interest. This would include Skype, Facetime or other requested venues.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss ways we can assist you with your real estate needs given the current need for social distancing and safe business practices.
Be Safe and Stay Healthy!
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate