After social distancing measures were implemented earlier this year and the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to businesses nationwide, some might have expected the housing market to stagnate as well.
However, that has not been the case for Collingwood.
One brokerage reports becoming even busier than before, coordinating a constant influx of inquiries, virtual showings and even virtual open houses.
Max Hahne, licence partner, Engel & Volkers Collingwood Muskoka, said he’s seen a significant uptick in interest from Torontonians looking to permanently move out of the city or purchase a second rural and recreational home with more acreage.
“Space is the new luxury,” said Hahne.
Hahne, who believed he would be able to tackle his household to-do list after everyone started working from home, was initially surprised by the influx of inquiries.
“The phone wouldn’t stop ringing,” said Hahne. “Back at the beginning of April we started getting a lot of inquiries. I couldn’t find five minutes of peace. I thought, what the heck is going on?”
Despite local governments pleading for people to remain in their townships, the majority of inquiries were coming from people who were passing by properties and calling the number they saw on the for sale sign.
“It wasn’t that they were sitting in front of their computer looking, they were up here,” said Hahne.
However, Hahne saw less resistance from the local population as he initially expected. Especially those with houses on the market. Some had made arrangements to move into a retirement home, for example, and need to sell their house before they can do so. Others sold their home prior to the pandemic and need to purchase another property before their place closes.
“Real estate is still such a vital part of our economy and of our lives,” said Hahne. “The fact of the matter is it is an essential service, and it’s been deemed an essential service. People will always have to buy and sell.”
With more space and fewer people, Hahne believes the lifestyle in markets like Collingwood and Muskoka are easier to navigate than dense urban areas such as downtown Toronto — and market activity indicates that buyers agree.
After Easter, queries shifted to showing requests, and Hahne said he had to adopt a new way to do so that still fit within social distancing requirements.
Potential buyers have to sign several forms indicating they aren’t symptomatic, haven’t been in contact with anyone infected or travelled recently. All parties wear personal protective equipment, and the seller is required to prepare the property appropriately, including turning on all of the lights and opening all of the doors, among others, in order to reduce contact.
In April, Hahne even hosted his first open house over Facebook Live.
“It’s actually quite comical,” said Hahne. “But people are forgiving. It doesn’t have to be polished, people just want real.”
Over thirty people “attended” the live event virtually, and the video received an additional 1,500 views the following week after it was shared on Facebook. Hahne has since hosted four virtual open houses, improving the process every time.
“I don’t think we will ever do another real open house again,” said Hahne.
Hahne said his brokerage will continue to invest in this type of technology, enhancing their ability to host virtual walkthroughs, share floorplans and create visuals of the surrounding community in order to help prospective buyers narrow their search.
“It will save everyone time and money, and it saves exposure,” Hahne said.
Hahne calls Collingwood a "discretionary market," noting that the type of client he typically deals with are the ones who hope to make the move here, but are in no hurry.
“This pandemic has moved up their plans,” Hahne said. “They want to buy here, and they want to buy here now.”
However, the majority of Hahne’s current clients are also ones with money to spend.
“People spend a larger amount of money for reasons of safety, and I think moving forward, people will be willing to spend money on space as well,” he said.
