I believe it's incredibly quiet right now - with the exception of those who have sold and NEED shelter.

In talking to my sphere, the vast majority of them are saying they wouldn't want to make a move right now, simply because of the uncertainty.

I don't think we'll flip a switch when things open back up but, I think there will be some pent-up drive to buy and sell.

Without my crystal ball, that's the best I can do!

Demand will rev up as soon as people get back to work. I do suppose that a certain amount of buyers or sellers might think this virus is an omen to either hunker down or get out from under debt & live under a rock in the desert.

I agree and I think that the market is going to boom when this is all over!

Inventory was very low going into Covid-19. It will be even lower going forward. Buyer demand remains strong but buyers are very cautious. As the situation changes and we regain some normalcy of movement and socialization, we will see multiple offers and rising prices.

There will always be a demand for secure housing. The market is still moving and demand exists. Last week our small area had 11 homes go under agreement

Time will tell. As far as predicting, leave that to the psychics, seers and fortune-tellers of the world.  They, like so many other self-proclaimed experts, are seemingly never in short supply.   

Vacant homes are selling a lot easier and quicker now.  Many of the occupied homes have gone off the market here and those that haven't make it difficult to show.

The real estate market is a bottle of champagne. Shelter in place is methodically shaking the bottle. All clear is popping the cork on first time buyers, move up sell/buys, baby boom buyers and divorcing owners, etc.

Richie,

You certainly have made an interesting prediction.  It may be a possibility that what you are predicting will happen. A

I think there'll be some pent-up demand from people who have held off doing anything right now. I also think there are some buyers who will put plans on hold longer term because they were laid off and will need to regroup. I also think there may be some people who want to move to more rural areas now that they know they can work-at-home (call me!).  

But who knows if I'm right. We'll see.

Yes, I too am thinking there will be a stampede once the gate goes up. In the meanwhile it's been allright. Just today I showed buyers from New York a nice remote location in Connecticut. With the Covid stats so high (#1) in NY I've been seeing NY'ers looking to cross the border into CT for a safe, secure home. 

I think most people want a secure place no matter what. I suspect we will see an uptick due to demand when things open up. That will, in part, depend on how many people are back to work.

"safety & assurance a secure place is coveted. Home sweet home." 

Is always true ... not just in times of need. For many, times of need are constant. 

Good morning, Richie... my crystal ball, broken as it is, tells me the same as Debe Maxwell, CRS crystal ball.

That's a tricky one, whoever your listening to, they all have their own opinion, go figure... But, considering how hard it is to get a loan, the jobloss, people being very cautious etc. I predict a 10% decrease, both in prices and listings. People are staying put.

Many are predicting that trend here... especially when the city empties out in pursuit of more rural locations.  I think the duration of this will obviously impact things as people who want no move might end up not being able to financially, and along that vein, many will have to move with a distress sale.  Time will tell.  Be well! 

This virus is a blockage in the pipeline. And we know what happens when the blockage is removed. Flow returns under increased pressure.

I think the rental market will be more active as younger salaried workers will be hesitant to take on large obligations for a while. There may be more interest in moves away from more congested urban areas to "virus safer" locales, within commuting distance.

I have been writing about it in my blogs all week. I am getting lots of inquires about the future and if people should buy or sell now. When this ends, our market will thrive. I am ready for the end. 

I think people and their choices will vary according to their financial circumstances.