iBuying has proven itself a worth business model. Though it might have gone through the most unexpected trial this year, the service is resilient. Many iBuyers across the country have been able to restart this summer and they’re better than ever.
One such iBuyer service, Zillow Offers, has been continuing its reopening since the summer months and has also begun expanding into new markets, following its pre-pandemic trajectory.
Now homeowners in Jacksonville can directly sell their home through Zillow with Zillow Offers. Jacksonville, Fla is now the 25th market in the US where Zillow Offers is available.
The service has come back with changes. Virtual tours are currently available in lieu of in-person open houses and viewings; A new cleaning initiative developed by experts at both Zillow and a former Surgeon General to make sure the spaces are sanitized between visits; Social distancing during in-person viewings is a must; And the company has pumped even more work into proptech capabilities to keep all of these moves in-line with current safety protocols.
The reason for the business model’s resilience? Zillow President Jeremy Wacksman says that it’s most likely due to consumers rethinking their priorities when it comes to a home.
"We've adapted Zillow Offers to give homeowners even more convenience and peace of mind to make their move easier with our new health and safety protocols. Florida is an important market for us with Jacksonville being the first new market we've expanded Zillow Offers to since March.”
It makes sense. Though lockdown has ended in The States and things have gone as back to normal as they can, given the circumstances, people are still social distancing, sanitizing everything, and wearing masks in public to keep from getting or spreading the virus. It’s only natural that technology for services would need to adapt as well.
iBuying was already an online service. It was created for ease and convenience. Who knew that in 2020, the business model would represent safety in real estate transactions, as well.