Home sales in March reflected the early impacts of the coronavirus on the housing market, according to the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.). During the last two weeks of the month, Californians were under a stay-at-home order.

Statewide, home sales in March 2020 were down 11.5 percent, compared to February, and down 6.1 percent compared to March of last year. In March, closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in the state totaled 373,070 units, compared to 421,670 in February. The statewide month-to-month drop was the first double-digit loss in more than nine years and the largest since August 2007. Additionally, the year-over-year decline was the first in nine months and the largest decrease since March 2019.

However, in San Diego, home sales in March 2020 were a whopping 23.4 percent higher than in February, and down only 1.3 percent compared to March of last year.

Meanwhile, despite a dip in housing demand, March home prices were up from those in February. March’s statewide median home price was $612,440, up 5.6 percent from February ($579,770) and up 8.3 percent from March 2019 ($565,740). It was the first time in three months the median price surged past the $600,000 benchmark.

The median home price of $675,000 for San Diego in March was slightly higher than the $670,000 figure in February. The March 2020 figure was 8.2 percent higher than the$623,800 figure of March 2019.

March 2020 County Sales and Price Activity
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

“The relatively moderate sales decrease that occurred in March is only a prelude to what we’ll see in April and May because sales were still modestly strong during the first two weeks of March before stay-in-place orders were implemented throughout the state,” said 2020 C.A.R. President Jeanne Radsick.,. “However, pending sales, which is a better reflection of the current market conditions and consumer concerns about the coronavirus, dropped nearly 25 percent and suggest the decline could extend beyond the next couple of months, depending on the duration of the pandemic and the lockdown.”

“While the median home price continued to record a strong gain in March, most, if not all, of the closed sales were negotiated in mid- to late-February prior to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “Still, the fast deterioration of the economy, the steep decline of the financial market and record-setting job losses have not been factored into March's closed sales but will become obvious in coming months.”

Reflecting the dramatic change in market conditions, a monthly Google poll conducted by C.A.R. in early April found just one in four (26 percent) consumers said it is a good time to sell, down from 59 percent a month ago, and down from 48 percent a year ago. The market uncertainty has not curbed the optimism for homebuying as much. 28 percent of the consumers who responded to the poll believe that now is a good time to buy a home, up from last year’s 22 percent, when interest rates were 82 basis points higher.

C.A.R. reports that potential home sellers are holding off listing their properties as uncertainty remains over the future of the economy and market conditions. As the fast-moving coronavirus continues to dominate daily lives, many potential home sellers may delay selling their homes, which would lead to fewer new listings.

California’s supply of available housing decreased in March from the prior month. If delay their buying plans due to  concern about the pandemic impact on their finances, sales willdecline and trigger a jump in the Unsold Inventory Index in the short term. The Unsold Inventory Index dropped to 2.7 months in March, down from 3.6 months both in February and March 2019. It was the lowest inventory level in three months. (The index indicates the number of months it would take to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current rate of sales.)

Other key points from the March 2020 resale housing report include:

• At the regional level, all major regions experienced a sales decrease from last year, with the Bay Area dropping the most at 12.1 percent, followed by the Central Coast (-7.3 percent), the Central Valley (-6.4 percent), and Southern California (-0.3 percent).  Twenty-nine of the 51 counties tracked by C.A.R. experienced a year-over-year sales loss. 
  
  
• Median prices in all regions increased in March over last year, with the Central Valley leading at 7.7 percent, followed by the Bay Area (7.4 percent), Southern California (7.3 percent), and the Central Coast (7.0 percent).
  
  
• Forty-two of the 51 counties tracked by C.A.R. reported a year-over-year price gain in March.
  
  
• The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home fell significantly from a year ago, declining from 23 days in February 2020 and 25 days in March 2019 to only 15 days in March 2020.
  
  
• In San Diego County, the median number of days an existing, single-family home remained unsold on the market was 10 days in March 2020, which compares to 12 days in February 2020, 23 days in January 2020 and 19 days in March 2019.

March 2020 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

• The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 3.45 percent in March, down from 4.27 percent in March 2019, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate averaged 3.16 percent, versus 3.83 percent in March 2019.

In other recent real estate and economic news, according to news reports:

• Online home searches declined in March with the arrival of the coronavirus, according to LendingTree. In January, people searching for “homes for sale” in San Diego County were up 25 percent year-over-year right before the coronavirus hit. By the end of March, the searches had dropped by 43 percent from the January peak.
  
  
• Demand for San Diego County homes declined by 27 percent in late March and early April, according to data from Steven Thomas of Reports on Housing. He said San Diego is still a seller’s market, especially on the low end of prices, and homes under $750,000 still make up more than half the sales in San Diego County.
  
  
• According to CoreLogic, the median home price in March in San Diego County was $590,000, about $5,000 shy of an all-time high reached last year. The data reflects transactions that began in late January and February, since 30-day escrows are typical. It wasn’t until March that coronavirus stay-at-home orders swept across the nation.
  
  
• The National Association of REALTORS® said the coronavirus has led a quarter of U.S. REALTORS® (NAR) to have at least one client put a contract on a home in April without physically seeing the property. The NAR also reported the median number of homes a family visited either in person or via computer declined from nine in 2019 to just three in 2020.
  
  
• Redfin said the government’s coronavirus stimulus checks of $1,200 per person will cover only 42 percent of rent in San Diego, where monthly rent payments average $1,668, and only 14 percent of a mortgage payment, which averages $2,573, including utilities. Nationwide, the stimulus checks will cover one month’s worth of housing expenses for three-quarters of U.S. renters and nearly 50 percent of homeowners.

The CRMLS app, designed specifically for CRMLS users, has added a Virtual Open House feature. Keep your business moving during this uncertain time by hosting or attending open houses from your mobile device. 

CRMLS App features include:

• Seamless integration with CRMLS data including:

– Your listings
– Your saved searches
– Your full list of contacts
– Your carts
– The CRMLS agent roster

• HomeSpotter tool: just point your phone in the direction of a listing to find out listing info
• Edit your listing details on-the-go, including:

– List Price
– Agent Remarks
– Public Remarks

• Free download on Android and iOS
• Agent-branded apps to share with clients
• Supports Matterport 3D tours
• In-app messaging
• Search by schools or drive-time
• Mortgage payment calculations

The CRMLS app is available as a free download in iOS and Android for CRMLS users.

which works best for you – they’re all available at no additional cost.

SACRAMENTO – On April 16, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-52-20 which, among other things, extends several Department of Real Estate (DRE) statutory deadlines by 60 days.
Highlights of the Executive Order that relate to DRE stakeholders include extending the
following for 60 days:

• time-frames associated with examination application expiration dates
• time-frames associated with license expiration dates
• deadlines related to the payment of license application fees
• deadlines related to the payment of license renewal fees
• deadlines related to completing continuing education requirements for expiring licensees
• deadlines specified in existing Orders issued by the Real Estate Commissioner

DRE understands that right now licensees are focused on keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the signing of this most recent Executive Order providing for extensions of licensing deadlines, licensees can continue focusing on their safety and well-being.
Frequently asked questions about the Executive Order are provided on DRE’s website.

Additionally, DRE published the most recent Consumer Alert titled, “Consumer Alert- Fraud Warnings for California Homeowners in Financial Distress” in Spanish today. The Spanish copy can be accessed on DRE’s website on the Consumer Alerts page.

In its latest step to mitigate the challenge of the Covid-19 real estate environment, PSAR has launched a virtual version of its weekly “City Pitch” and “Rally and Ride” property pitch sessions.  REALTOR® members will market and pitch their listed properties in an online setting, along with adding contacts to their network and discussing potential deals.

“PSAR members have been meeting to market property to one another going all the way back to 1928,” said Rich D’Ascoli, PSAR’s Chief Executive Officer. “At this crucial point in time due to Covid-19, the counsel of a REALTOR® is especially critical. REALTORS® need to also engage with one another even more to help their clients buy and sell property. Markets go up and down, but life continues and people need housing.”

“Like any successful REALTOR®, we have altered our approach in a changed environment said D’Ascoli. “The coronavirus has caused your Association to leverage digital tools and other resources to help navigate the changing landscape. We’ve made the necessary pivots and are delivering what our members need from us: calmness, clarity and leadership.”

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, three PSAR pitch sessions were held weekly at 9:00 a.m. one each. at PSAR’s three Service Centers: “City Pitch” on Tuesdays at the Clairemont office, “Rally and Ride Too” on Wednesdays at the Chula Vista office and “Rally and Ride” on Thursdays at the El Cajon office. The virtual pitch sessions are now available on the Zoom online meeting platform at the same time on the same days for each event as before.

“In this new normal of social distancing, we all benefit from more interaction in whatever form. So, our virtual pitch sessions offer a “safe place” in which fellow members can meet and share experiences, ideas and tactics for growing business in today’s marketplace.” said D’Ascoli.

“While the number of new listing may have dropped a bit in San Diego County in March in year-over-year comparisons, mortgage rates are low and property is still selling. March saw no drop in sales. I am very proud of our members who experiencing success while taking necessary safety precautions. Our members are still helping their clients meet their needs.”

Tuesday’s virtual “City Pitch” event will focus on properties located in the following zip codes: 92103, 92104, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92120, 92123, 92124.

Wednesday’s virtual “Rally and Ride Too” event will focus on properties located in the following zip codes: 92135, 92118, 92155, 91932, 92154, 92173, 91910, 91911, 91913, 91914, 91915, 91950, 92139, 91902, 92114.

Thursday’s virtual “Rally and Ride event will focus on properties located in the following zip codes: 91901, 91906, 91942, 91935, 91962, 92019, 92020, 92021, 92040, 92071, 91941, 91977, 91978, 92119, 91945.

Property pitches should be no more than four minutes in length. While a realtor pitches the property, a facilitator will present a Paragon slide show of listing photographs. To request a pitch opportunity, Click Here, or have questions, call 619-421-7811 or 858-286-6080.

Facilitators for the weekly pitch sessions include Jason Lopez and Rafael Perez on Tuesdays, Dennis Ryan on Wednesdays and Sean Hillier on Thursdays.

A new addition to each pitch session will be a virtual Town Hall segment, hosted by Rich D’Ascoli, which runs from 8:45 am until the start of the pitch at 9:00 am. Covid-19 related business updates, information and insights for realtors and brokers and a Q & A forum are included.

All local San Diego County REALTORS® and brokers are invited to join the PSAR “City Pitch” and “Rally and Ride” pitch sessions, including the town hall segment. Zoom membership is not required for participation.

“While the pandemic has given us a jolt, it’s also bringing out the best in us. It’s a horrible thing going on in the world, but it’s a beautiful thing to see people helping others in so many ways,” said D’Ascoli. “So, we’re finding out that staying apart is the best way to stay united. Social distancing works to flatten the curve. A little space makes us all safer together.”

Congratulations to the more than 345 PSAR REALTORs® who have been honored with a PSAR 2020 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) award!

Award recipients were informed earlier this week about the honor. The PSAR R.E.A.L. awards program recognizes some of San Diego County's top producing agents who achieved excellence in sales production and industry leadership.

The 2020 PSAR R.E.A.L. Awards Committee members include:

Yvonne Cromer Chair
Reshia Guarnotta
Carey Guthrie
Laurie MacDonald
Amber Tannehill
Lupe Soto
Tony Santiago,
Paul Trudel-Payne
James Usrey
Robert Cromer

PSAR staff members assisting the committee include Rich D’Ascoli, Kevin McElroy and Sally Valdez.

An awards dinner where recipients of the inaugural R.E.A.L. awards was scheduled, but later cancelled due to event restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19.  This was, of course, a disappointment, but the health and safety of all was the primary concern of PSAR leadership.

The names of the R.E.A.L. award recipients are listed in a full-page ad to be published in the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper. The ad can be viewed by clicking this pdf (Kevin, insert the pdf address here).  Again, congratulations to all of our winners!

Awards are based on either sales volume dollars or units sold, including listings or sales units entered into the MLS, and closed in 2019. Both individuals and teams are eligible. Top 1%, over 31 sides and $26,130,000 in volume, Top 3%, over 19 sides and $13,667,755 in volume, Top 5%, over 14 sides and $9,920,000 in volume, Top 10%, over 9 sides and $6,134,179 in volume.

The California Labor Secretary released a letter called the "Open Letter to Californians Regarding Unemployment Insurance (UI) Payments and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Timeline" on April 14th.  CAR will be releasing and FAQ on this within the next day or two.

Here is a summary of the facts:

• The Employment Development Department (EDD) computer systems are not crashing.
• Californians eligible for certification on April 12 began to see the $600/week additional payments provided for under the federal CARES Act today.
• The CARES Act also created a special program for this crisis called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA.
• PUA provides federally funded benefits distinct from the UI program for certain individuals out of work or partially unemployed due to the COVID-19 crisis, including the self-employed, individuals who lack sufficient work history, and independent contractors. Federal guidelines on how to administer PUA came out on April 5 and include gig workers as an example of those eligible for PUA.
• Since April 5th, the EDD has been helping Californians get what they are entitled to under PUA.
• There will be a one-stop shop for applying for UI and PUA. Individuals will be able to go to UI Online to self-certify that they meet the COVID-19-related criteria for PUA. The EDD will make clear in the self-certification that certification of eligibility for PUA does not affect determinations of employee status under state law for other protections and benefits.
• Under PUA, individuals can receive weekly unemployment assistance that may be equivalent to what individuals would get under UI (depending on their earnings and whether earnings can be verified).
• Those who get PUA also get the $600/per week additional payment added to UI for weeks they are unemployed from March 29 until the end of July.
• PUA benefits can cover people unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 from January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020 depending on date of actual impact. (In other words, it is retroactive to the time before the federal stimulus bill was passed and before funding was made available.)
• When you apply and your application is approved, you will get PUA benefits going back to the first full week of February as long as you can show that your inability to work was COVID-19 related.
• A new system will be able to pay individuals within 24 to 48 hours of their application. The EDD needs two weeks to create this new system.
• 

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) posted FAQ’s for business practices on the DRE's COVID-19 Updates page. The DRE also recently launched an “Ask DRE Licensing” email feature.

In addition to real time updates provided on DRE’s website, you can also subscribe to their Twitter and Facebook pages for important alerts.

In particular, this page on Business Practices is of particular importance.

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Past leaders can teach us a great deal about handling adversity. Historians say that lessons learned by past leaders during tough times are often ignored or forgotten because people often view their current circumstances as different from those faced by people historically.

The truth is that for all that has changed throughout history, human nature remains remarkably the same . There are principles of individuals’ behavior that are constant over time,  especially when facing hardship. It’s also true that well-timed motivational words of encouragement and inspiration can lift morale during such times of crisis.

In spirit, we reached out to past PSAR presidents  from as long as 15 years ago for their “we-will-get-through-this-pandemic-together” thoughts.

So if you will take a few minutes and find a comfortable spot to read the following quotes, you may find that the words from these past leaders will resonate in this time of crisis and encourage you to believe that we will all not only make it through, we  will have gained something from the experience.

-- Robert Calloway (2019) 
“We will get through this tough time as we have done in the past. Continue to work with your past clients and update them on what’s happening in the real estate market. Also, please remain safe during the shelter in place, as there is no amount of money that can replace you or a loved one.”

-- Jan Farley (2018)
“We lived through the crisis of 2008. In every crisis and hardship, there is something good that comes out of it either by what we learn, or how we change the process, to make us better, smarter and stronger. That will absolutely be the case this time, too.”

-- Sarah Heck (2017)
“This too shall pass. This may be the catalyst for us as agents to find new ways to add value to our clients. Take this time to fine tune your processes, touch base with your sphere and practice self care. It can be easy to get swallowed up in the fear that comes from the valleys of a real estate career. Instead, focus on the peaks and how we are going to climb to the next one. I challenge you to look at this time as an opportunity to review and improve the foundation of your business so that you can grow stronger through today’s challenges.”

-- Anthony Andaya (2016)
“During uncertain times like these, some of the best things you can do are double down on your efforts to build relationships when folks are most receptive; triple down on your active listening and avoid sharing general opinions; quadruple down on your compassion and empathy for those you are speaking with. We are all in this together and together is the only way we will get through times like these. If you're going to quit on anything during these difficult times, then quit being lazy, quit making excuses, and quit waiting for the right time. Remember consistency is key in all you do especially in these trying times.” 

-- Carey Guthrie (2015)
“I think it’s a terrific time for REALTORS® to shine. I manage about 200 agents and I immediately ordered gloves, booties and masks for agents. During this crisis, I see a variety of things happening. My advice: don’t fall out of a regular routine; play by the rules, be safe and keep your clients safe; what you do now will contribute to success now and referrals down the road; provide the correct forms and the latest information daily to whoever needs it; keep a positive attitude for all.”

-- Bob Olivieri (2014)
“Just like past challenges we have experienced in PSAR’s 92-year history, we will get through this. Not only will we survive, our industry is in a position to thrive when this is over. Those of us who continue to work and keep in close contact with our friends, clients and prospects will reap the tremendous benefits that will come when we reach the slowdown of this pandemic.”

-- Peter Mendiola (2012)
“Your response to the current crisis is very important. How you react to any adversity and your attitude towards it will dictate your level of success for the days, weeks, and even years ahead. Many people will see the situation we are in, as completely doom and gloom, with a tone that the world is ending. I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for real estate professionals everywhere to stick to the basics, reach-out to as many people as possible and ask people how they’re doing. I’m extremely fortunate to be surrounded by very smart, optimistic people.
This is an incredible opportunity for all of us to lay the groundwork for an incredible increase in our production now and especially when the crisis is over. Having a positive attitude will give you a head-start and get you further ahead than many people who are unfortunately in a fearful place, and who are putting their heads in the sand.  It’s times like this that reshape our industry for the best and should remind everyone of the importance of being a professional well-informed Realtor. Stay positive and be a positive influence in peoples’ lives. Pick up your phone and start making phone calls!”  

-- Nikki Coppa (2011)
“I have no doubt that REALTORS® can make it through this pandemic and come out stronger than before. Every transaction a REALTOR® goes through has crazy twists and turns and it is our job to figure out how to help our clients navigate each one. Although a pandemic is a new twist, every day I watch the resilient adapt, move forward and close sales. When stay-at-home orders are lifted, `home’ will have a deeper meaning for most. The agents that push themselves out of their comfort zones now and reach out to their friends, family, clients and neighbors repeatedly will likely enjoy substantial benefits once we are all on the streets again.”

-- Pat Russiano (2009)
“During my real estate career which spans nearly three decades, I’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate many up-and-down markets and trying times. Statistics label the ups-and-downs, but every market’s challenges must be met and can be met with continued belief in yourself and surrounding yourself with professional mentors and peers. This particular period in history, like all others, has very unique issues that require our problem-solving skills. When times seem toughest, it is not the time to withdraw. Engage with your industry leaders and you will realize there are resources and answers if you look and ask. It is just as important to engage and help where your talents can be used the most. The actual delivery of our services is requiring the most thought, the most care, the most caution. But we can do this. We are learning a lot and I’m certain the lessons learned will make us stronger for it. Focus on the problem to get your bearings. Then focus on the solution on how we can keep helping the families that we’ve always found ways to help using the safety protocols in all ways that this particular market requires.”

-- Barbara Brown Hahn (2008)
“Hang in there! Tough times teach you so much, lessons you’ll use throughout your careers. And they give you great stories to tell! Keep your sense of humor.”

 -- Susan Olivier (2007)
“I know that we are all going through a tough time now. But we will make it through. Keep your eyes on what you do have, such as your own wellbeing, your family and friends, your fur babies, all you've accomplished. Take time to reflect on all the positives in your life and before you know it, this will pass.”

-- Mark Scott (2006)
“Now is a time that you can show your value by implementing best practice safety measures while still going to work every day. The great recession required a level of professionalism that until then was unprecedented in our lifetime. This is no different. Reach out to your friends, family and sphere of influence and you can come out of this stronger than when this pandemic started. Stay safe and go to work.”

-- Suzanne Yavorsky (2005)  
“Tie a knot on the end of the rope and hang on for the ride as this too will pass. The sun will shine again and keep the faith.”

-- Isabel Hall (2002)
“I love real estate agents, because they are first and foremost optimists. That optimism in this time is essential. Through this challenge, make the most of your optimism. This situation is not going to last for years and years; it’s going to last for several months. And when those months have passed, the recovery will be amazing to watch. Meanwhile, exercise daily for endorphins, make the most of this time with your families, and stay safe so you can enjoy the incredible recovery.”

ShowingTime, available to CRMLS users at no additional cost, has made it easy to conduct showings virtually with its latest update.

Simply select “Virtual Showing” as the appointment type when verifying appointment details:

The showing agent may also add a note for the listing agent indicating which video conferencing solution they’d like to use for the showing.

Listing agents may also set their preferred appointment type to Virtual Showing.

For a full walkthrough of the Virtual Showing feature, visit the CRMLS Knowledgebase article.

PSAR launches Property Management Resource Page
PSAR will provide links and resources to property managers and landlords to help with information as we navigate the COVID-19 Crisis. It can be found here.

Judicial Council Suspends Evictions and Foreclosures
Among the actions the council approved, to go into effect immediately: Suspend the entry of defaults in eviction cases & Suspend judicial foreclosures. More information here.

CAR Releases two New Property Management Forms 4/6/2020
Form NTAP (Notice to Tenant of Ability to Pay Rent During Coronavirus Pandemic) is an informational notice that a landlord can send to a tenant for the purpose of starting a dialogue with the tenant regarding the payment of rent during the coronavirus pandemic.
Form RPD (Coronavirus Rent Payment Delay and Repayment) is an addendum to a residential lease or rental agreement that, when agreed to and signed by the landlord and tenant, documents the tenant’s claim that the tenant is unable to pay rent and the reason for the inability; proof of the inability to pay; the amount of the rent not being paid; and a plan to pay it in the future.