But tracking the possible spread of COVID-19 will require resources, sensitivity and an openness to new ideas and technology.

By Civil Beat Editorial Board  / April 25, 2020

Imagine this: A person with COVID-19 attends a party. If patient zero infects three other people, it could — because it is more contagious than seasonal flu — lead to 12 cases total.

“If that scenario plays out just 10 times, the first case will have led to more than 59,000,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.) wrote in a proposal released Wednesday.

The lawmakers, worried about the lack of a coordinated national effort on contact tracing, are proposing a “coronavirus containment corps” to assist state and local health departments with tracing potential coronavirus victims.
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As NBC News reports, Warren and Levin represent states that have among the highest number of cases. Warren, the former presidential candidate, lost her oldest brother to the disease on Tuesday.

With much of the country mostly staying home, it's not your typical spring homebuying season. 

You might think social distancing has made it difficult to meet with lenders, view properties and sign paperwork, but fortunately that's not the case. 

In fact, prospective buyers and sellers continue to move forward with their housing needs and doing so with safety in mind.

While the process may look a little different, modern technology is making it possible and, in some ways, more convenient.
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So how does it work?

• Virtual Open Houses and Showings: Facebook Live, FaceTime and Zoom are all being used to show properties. And many listings include a prerecorded tour of the home.
  
  
• 3D Floor Plans and Interactive Walk-Throughs: Online tools make it easy to create interactive 3D walk-throughs and even allow for decor and furniture placement to give buyers a more lifelike feel of the space.
  
  
• Electronic Signatures and Deed Filings: E-signing technology means there’s no need to meet in person to sign offers, contracts or any other paperwork needed in the process. 
  
  
• Desktop and Drive-By Appraisals: If sellers are hesitant to have an appraiser visit their property in person, desktop and drive-by appraisals are a good alternative. These use city data, prior appraisals and comparable sales information to assess a home’s value. Homeowners can video chat with the appraiser to show them the interior and exterior elements of the property.

The way we buy and sell homes may have changed for now, but it’s still an active and essential market. If you have any questions about making a move, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.