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any area lenders and Realtors are overwhelmed with customers who want to buy, sell or refinance. And according to some in the industry, the pan- demic has changed the way homebuyers are look- ing at homes they may want to purchase. They increasingly see home as a place they will spend extended amounts of time with family making memories. Therefore, borrowers are becoming more selective about properties and more receptive to all financing options. We recently talked to several industry professionals for insight on how buying or selling a home is different during this pandemic as well any tips for potential homebuyers who may be uncertain about how to proceed. Phelps Reid has been an agent with Davis and Copeland Realty since 2008 and cares deeply about his clients, enjoys guiding them through the home buying/selling process, and takes pride in helping Montgomery newcomers discover and enjoy his hometown. Jimmy Parsons is the branch manager of Guild Mortgage in Montgomery and has been in the mortgage business for more than 15 years. He has earned the AccreditedMortgage Professional Designation, been named to Guild Mortgage’s Presidents Club for the past two years, and was recognized by Mortgage Executive Magazine and Scotsman Guide as a Top 1% originator in the nation. Amy Schone is an agent with RE/MAX Cornerstone Realty in Wetumpka and has been with RE/MAX since she began her career in real estate in 2013. Q: How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the home buying process? PR: Online content is critical in attracting buyers and allowing them to view homes at a distance before they decide they are serious enough to come in person. Agents, buyers and sellers have had to embrace technology more than ever before JP: Technology has played a major part in buying or selling a home, even more so than usual. Applications are taken over the phone or online. Zoom meetings are being held for initial consul- tations instead of meeting in person, and documents are being signed electronically, so now the process is primarily electronic. Also, mortgages have become more affordable. The government is doing all it can to keep interest rates low and now we are seeing the lowest rates in history. Demand for refinances and purchases is extremely high. Everyone in the industry is running at max ca- 22 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com SPOTLIGHT 360................................................................................................................................ Insights From the Experts: How the Real Estate Market Is Changing S TAFF R EPORT T HE CURRENT COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS BROUGHT WITH IT UNCERTAIN AND UNPRECEDENTED TIMES . M ANY ARE STILL WORKING FROM HOME , HAVING SCHOOL AT HOME , AND TRYING TO SOCIALIZE VIA UNLIMITED APPS TO CONTINUE HAVING FACE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS . H OMES HAVE BECOME OFFICES , SCHOOLS , GYMS , BARBER SHOPS , BAKERIES — SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST SHELTER . M