As I sit here writing this message, I know that so much will have potentially changed by the time it goes to print. We are currently a week into our quarantine and while I would like to say that I am bored, baking a lot, and playing games with my family to pass the time away, I can’t. I have found very creative ways to continue to service my client’s needs and to ensure their dreams of owning a home in their dream neighborhood, selling their homes here so they can purchase a larger one for their growing families, or finally buying in San Diego after having relocated here several years ago. I am happy to say that their sales and purchases are moving forward…perhaps at a little bit of a slower pace, but forward nonetheless.
Many of my clients have asked me how COVID-19 will affect real estate. The truth is, I have my hunches, but what I DO know is that the real estate will still be standing once all this is over and dealt with…once our “machine” is back up and running. We will all still need housing for purchase, rentals, and vacations.
As we continue to learn and adjust during this unprecedented period, I have made some observations and would like to make the following suggestions:
- Stay inside your home as much as possible.Even if you are not worried about contracting COVID 19, this will help stop the spread and allow our hospitals to function more efficiently.
- Support local small businesses as much as possible(see your Kensington Talmadge Business Association Directory that was recently mailed to you or go to KenTalBiz.org for a list). They will be some of the hardest hit economically. Many are taking orders online or over the phone, packaging up your order and have it ready for pick up (food, gifts, etc.). Call or email the business to see what the easiest way is for you to get what you need and help keep them in business.
- If you are currently in escrow and have inspectors coming through your home, be mindful of what they may have touched and wipe them down prior to touching them again. Ask them to take their shoes off before entering the home.
- If you are in escrow in process of purchasing a home, minimize the people attendingthe inspections – this is not a time to bring your parents to see the home. The fewer people coming through, the less risk there is, in my opinion.
- Expect delays. This applies to ongoing home sales transactions, and basically any function in our daily lives. We will all have to adjust for a period of time. If we set realistic expectations for ourselves, perhaps its a bit less frustrating and allows us to all work together to accomplish our common goals– whatever they are.
- Enjoy the time we have at home -whether with our loved ones or alone. Although perhaps not our choice, the quarantine does provide opportunities we did not have otherwise…always look for the positive.
One thing I do know is that we are resilient. Let’s all be smart about doing our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. I look forward to seeing you all at an open house once again in the near future!