Bu Jule’ Dunham
Greetings from the World of Real Estate with Julè. This past week has been productive. How about for you? Working from home is not so bad. So far, the reduced travel time to the office has given me just a little more time to do a little something around the house, like cooking more hot meals a bit earlier. The project of going through personal papers no longer needed is still an ongoing project. I must admit that it would be great to just keep tax returns and burn the rest. By going through each sheet of paper I have found a few things that I really do need to keep, so it is worth the effort.
Our household is continuing to make the best of the “Safer at Home” situation. Several times I have mentioned doing a project in the home that you need to complete. This weekend we did just that. We removed the microwave oven from over the range and replaced it with a vent hood/light. There is a microwave on the counter that we use because it is safer. How is it safer? When the microwave is in an elevated location there is a great risk of a person getting burned from food, whether it be solid or liquid, spilling on them. For instance, if the container has oil or other substance on the handles (if it has handles) and it slips out of your hands, or a child that cannot quite reach it but thinks they can. When the microwave is at or below counter level, this reduces harmful situations by allowing more control of where the container lands. Remember, when something comes out of the microwave, it does not immediately stop cooking. Please consider this when you make any changes to your kitchen.
My husband took advantage of this time to clean the gutters this weekend. He used a different method than his usual. By using the wet vac with an extension hose long enough to reach the gutters, while the leaves were still wet, he was not only able to get all of the leaves, pollen and debris out of the gutters, but it was done without the dust and pollen getting all over him. This method also made cleanup much easier. There was no mess on the ground to clean up. He just took the wet vac bucket out of the container, dumped it out and got it ready for the next round.
Have you noticed that your neighbor’s lawn or home exterior needs attention? This is a great time to be a good neighbor and help them. Of course, keeping your social distancing at 6 feet minimum is important. Maybe you and your neighbor can come up with a plan to help one another. If your neighbor is disabled or simply unable to do a task, let’s not complain, but devise a plan of action to help them get that task completed. There is nothing like building relationships than helping one another.
We have heard it said, “Every set back is a set up for a comeback”. This is a great time to take an online class to either sharpen your skills, learn a new language, or study something you have always wanted to study but did not have the time. Learning something new is always helpful, one way or another.
Have you done the “Decluttering”? Donations are not being accepted by the various organizations at this time, however, this is a great opportunity to prepare for yard sales when the “Safer at Home” order has been lifted. Keeping a safe distance would still be advised.
Sellers – Realizing that now is a difficult time to show your home because of COVID-19. We realtors using techniques that are helpful to help you through this time, while trying to help you meet your goals. We and the buyers are using masks and gloves. This reduces any doorknobs being touched. We do ask the buyers not to touch anything, anything at all. Also, we are letting them know not to bring children to any showing. Sometimes, we can do a virtual tour with a buyer. This is done without the buyer present. We use our cell phone as we walk through your home on a video chat. The buyers can ask questions as we show them the home. Also, we may ask that you open all doors including closet doors for viewing. If we all work together, we can help you meet the goal of selling your home.
Buyers – Pay close attention to what your lender is advising. Their advice is valuable for the purchase of your new home. These trying times are putting a little stress on everyone. Be patient. Please be respectful to homeowners when you are viewing their home to purchase. Under normal circumstances, you would bring your children, maybe parents or a friend to view a home that you are interested in purchasing. Times have changed for now. Please follow instructions from your realtor while viewing a property. By wearing a mask, and gloves you are not only protecting the homeowner, but yourself as well. Also, please do not touch anything! Your realtor should open any unopened doors for you.
Fun – Have you done anything fun this week? My daughter has invited me to do “Quarantined Karaoke” on facebook with her soon. This will be fun AND interesting. She has a beautiful voice and I do not mind taking a back seat to her talent. Try the “quarantine karaoke” and have a little fun! Have you come up with a family activity? I really like the idea of getting a sheet of exterior plywood, some exterior paint and painting a scene(s) of what is going on now, or a scene of summer activities, fall scene, winter scene or Christmas scene. Make it fun time. So what if you get a little paint on one another in the process. Soap and water can take care of that problem. Come on – let’s get creative! I would love to hear about some of your ideas.
I have been doing some research on the world events and have learned some very important information. It would be worth your while to research as much as you can and stay informed as to not only our country’s affairs, but world affairs. There is a lot happening throughout the world that will affect our lives in the future.
Remember, a family that learns patience, planning, compromise, cooperation and working together will be a happier family.
Should you have a topic you would like addressed, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for reading my column and have a blessed week.
Here is your local realtor, Julè Dunham, signing off until next week.
Crye-Leike Realtors
Julè Dunham, Affiliate Broker, SRES, RENE. Contact her by phone at 901-828-8471 (cell) or 901-840-1181 (office) or by email to: [email protected] for an appointment to speak with you, your group or club.
“Let’s Make This Happen Together”
