Gas prices impacting real estate world ...

Thoughts from MAR past president E. Pat Foster:

Gas prices have definitely impacted the real estate world ...

* Attendance is down at broker open houses ... and educational and board meetings
* Some agents are starting to more clearly define their "territories" with buyers, and referring them instead of driving long distances
* Listing agents more inclined to use lockboxes ... and, although typically continue to show their listings … are now starting to embrace the lockbox concept (no driving to get keys)
* Carpooling to meetings/events now being offered more often
* Caravan type schedules for open houses are being coordinated
* Noticing more people walking to the bank and post office ... and starting to notice buyers asking how far a property is to area amenities (buyers considering distance too)
* Traveling distances for state meetings can be quite a stretch; coordinate multiple live meetings/events, offer more webinars, and email voting instead of ‘face to face’ meetings