Program helps new residents make the move to Erickson Living community

Business as usual has been anything but since the pandemic closed parts of the economy.

“When everything shut down, new listings in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex fell 27% and the volume of homes for sale dropped 14%,” says Jane Clark with Keller Williams Realty. “But as Texas was in the vanguard of states opening with increased safety precautions, we’re busy again.”

The North Texas housing market has been hot in recent years, and with low interest rates and limited inventory, the impact of COVID-19 might not be as dramatic as many think.

“We’re still seeing movement in our market, with a one-to-one ratio of buyers and houses on the market,” says Cindy Gay, Personal Moving Consultant at Highland Springs, the Erickson Living managed community in North Dallas. “COVID-19 has certainly put a unique spin on the market in our area. It’s an ever-evolving situation, requiring outside-the-box thinking to accommodate the needs of those moving to our community.”

To assist future residents with their move to Highland Springs, Ms. Gay maintains a network of moving professionals with experience helping people move to the community. Ms. Clark is one of Highland Springs’ preferred real estate agents, with 20 years in the industry and 11 years helping clients move to Highland Springs. She says houses in North Dallas average 22 days on the market.

“Well-maintained homes with a neutral palette are selling quickly, often with multiple offers,” she explains.

Safety measures

New safety standards offer protection for both buyers and sellers. Virtual tours of the property via video or FaceTime are becoming mainstream as a way to minimize the number of people in a home.

“A photographer will come to take pictures of the property when no one is home,” says Ms. Clark. “Same for the inspector and appraiser. They’re maintaining physical distancing to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.”

For in-person showings, the agent and buyers wear gloves and a mask. She recommends the seller leave doors slightly ajar to minimize contact points.

“A buyer’s not going to walk into a home with an agent unless they are a true buyer,” notes Ms. Clark. “The days of the looky-loos are gone. We’re taking every precaution to ensure careful, controlled showings. It just takes a few people through the door to find the right buyer.”

About Highland Springs: Highland Springs, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 89-acre campus in North Dallas, Texas. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,150 residents and 520 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of Highland Springs. Additional information can be found at http://highlandspringscommunity.com.