7/2/2020: Quarterly E-Newsletter
Real Estate in the Time of Covid-19
If being stuck in quarantine during the Covid-19 pandemic has done one thing, it's really illustrated how people feel about Stay(ing) At Home, in their current living situation. It’s been really cool to hear many of my clients are so happy they have a home haven, and grateful for the space that they have. Many others are realizing the downfalls of their current homes, never once anticipating that it would have to contain an entire family for living AND working, for prolonged periods of time...and it's no surprise that some are going a little stir crazy with the lack of living space. This especially rings true with those feeling the constraints of apartment living, or those who were hanging on to a space they've simply outgrown. Whichever side of the fence you fall on - rediscovering home bliss, or clawing at the walls for more space - your feelings are totally valid. These are unprecedented times, and none of us could have predicted how we'd be spending the first half of 2020 (which is turning out to be a rollercoaster of a year, for sure).
We've also seen an influx of out-of-town buyers (from San Francisco, and New York, specifically), which also makes sense considering many employers are adapting to the remote worker model, and this is freeing up people of where they choose to live. Portland's always had an enviable lifestyle, and a huge part of that is the living space available in comparison to what you can get in San Fran or the Big Apple. Despite being exorbitantly pricey, homes in those two cities don't tend to offer the simple luxury of a back yard, for starters. Plus, we have enviable access to parks, forests, and incredible outdoor attractions like the ocean, all within a few hours' drive of the city. So it makes total sense that, as listings are picking up, buyers are keeping the market chugging along, even during a pandemic. In fact, buyers are jumping on decent listings, and many homes are attracting multiple offers and selling over list price. Portland realtors also have our systems down as Buyer/Listing agents - hint: it involves masks, gloves, and loads of sanitizer - so like many, we've adapted to our new normal, and it's mostly business as (un)usual.
Are you ready for a home that allows you to stretch out a bit more, or that serves you and your family better as a work-from-home situation? Or are you considering selling, now that the market is feeling a little more stable? Let's discuss your options and get you on the path to your new home situation!
Spring Scouting & Market Report
It's fair to say that Covid-19 has, and will, continue to impact real estate markets all over the world for some time to come. Here in the Portland metro area, we weren't sure what to expect, but can safely share that the market is not dead...
Join the Resistence!
You'd have to be living under a pretty big rock to not see the social shifts currently underway on our streets, and how so many of us are finally waking up to the injustices faced by our more marginalized communities. I'm learning, reading, and listening right alongside you, and brainstorming ways in which my time and resources can best help the cause. I'm grateful to be living in Portland, where the Black Lives Matter movement is strongly supported - especially important, considering our dark history of redlining, the Vanport travesty, and white supremacy - and as usual, our city is at the forefront of protests and action. It can feel a little overwhelming as to where to start and how to help, but I've found that focusing on one or two areas to implement change is the way to go. If you have the energy and are able bodied, there are protests happening daily focused on health and safety while still showing up. If you're more comfortable sharing financial resources, I'll list a few local groups that are legit and doing excellent work. Help educate your social circles - family, friends, co-workers - on what's really going on, and how they can contribute. Find your strengths and apply them, and together, we can make some much needed change.
Get your own Queer Trans POC Community Flag (see pic) here! Designed by a local community member.
Show house support on your street with one of these rad yard signs and bumper stickers from Signs of Justice, a local, BIPOC-owned group. Go in on an order with your friends and neighbors to save $.
Donate donate donate to black-run grassroots organizations that organize and supply protests, so that your money directly assists in the fight for justice. Don't Shoot PDX is a clear choice, SNACK BLOC provides supplies and refreshments for protesters, and PDX General Defense Committee assists black protesters with bail and legal resources. We're lucky to have so many great groups working together to get the message across with the protection of our vulnerable neighbors in mind.
Quarantine Diary
So, how are you staying sane in these tumultuous times? Aside from keeping busy with real estate, and fighting the fight for social reform, I'm taking meditative walks, re-arranging my furniture, growing my own food, getting my hands in the dirt, and of course, petting cats for therapy. I've also had a lot of time to reflect on my business and the direction I want it to take in the future, and I'm excited to continue to evolve my Real Estate practice and utilize new technology. Here's some examples of the upgraded marketing I'm now offering on my listings - this is my latest, at 3320 N Arlington St. First, I offer a "doll house" virtual tour, or Matterport, that puts you right inside the home and you lead the way. Second, a video tour, which offers another unique perspective. And of course, the regular tricks are still up my sleeve. If you have any questions on how a listing is marketed during a pandemic, I'm your gal.
Important Resources & Links
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