Covid-19 Home Critiques Continue

May 2020 - Issue 31

Having Trouble Opening Email? - View as Webpage

This lovely image by Mad Paperie

Is it possible that we're emerging from the COVID-19 cocooning?

Obviously, safety should be everybody's overriding concern. And we shouldn't be in such a hurry to get out, to socialize, to travel (my personal craving), or to be entertained that we endanger ourselves or others.

I choose to be optimistic, even while being concerned. As we'll see in this month's main article, if we're smart and take appropriate precautions, keeping in mind the formula for infection (you'll see what I mean in a bit), we'll get through this safely.

The data bear out what I've been saying since this began: staying at home really highlights what we like - and don't like - about where we live.

What about you? Are you in the group that wouldn't change a thing? Or have you zeroed in on those aspects of your home that just won't do?

What will it take for you to

Love Where You Live?

xo-

817.903.1112

debra@debrabarrett.com

p.p.s. - please share Harmonious Home Adventures with friends and family (everyone deserves to love where they live!). Just hit the "forward" button on your email. They can sign up here:

COVID-19 Forced Home Evaluations Continue

Even among the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the experts are unanimous: Staying at home and maintaining social distancing is the safest course.

Back when this began – what seems like months and months ago – I mentioned that staying at home would magnify the things you like and don’t like about the place you live (you can see that issue HERE, in case you missed it).

Realtor.com conducted a survey about the things that people like, don’t like, most want to change, and what’s highest on their wish lists for a new home, all as revealed and amplified by coronavirus quarantining. You can find the article with all the results HERE.

Owning or Renting?

One of the things that stands out to me in the survey is that homeowners are far more likely to be satisfied with their living arrangements than renters.

Say what you will about the responsibilities of owning a home – the ability to make it the way that you want it without having to ask anyone’s permission is an intangible asset. It may be tough to put a dollar figure on it, but it’s real and valuable.

Not surprisingly, given the amount of time we’ve all spent inside lately, the most popular answer to: “What one thing would you most like to change about your current home to make it more livable during quarantine?” was "More space."

Ranking second, however, was “An updated kitchen.”

I’m sure you’ve heard the adage about kitchens selling houses. It’s true. Because of that, many people will renovate the kitchen before putting their home on the market.

A void Unnecessary Expense

While this is not a bad approach, a complete kitchen renovation is expensive.

Call me before you sign the agreement with a contractor for the job. I have a lot of experience remodeling kitchens and, as part of your over-all selling strategy, can help you identify the changes that will give you the most value for your remodeling dollar.

Home Maintenance & COVID-19 Avoidance

Talking about renovations brings to mind another subject on many people’s minds: it can be a little scary to have workers in your home while taking COVID-19 precautions. Of course, the best plan is to postpone any work that will be done inside your home if you can. If you can’t, just be smart about it.

Dr. Erin Bromage, a professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, published a very helpful article called “The Risks – Know Them – Avoid Them.” You can find the whole article HERE. It’s well worth your time.

One salient feature of the article is the formula:

Successful Infection = Exposure to Virus x Time

The key is to minimize both elements: exposure and time.

So … keep your distance.

Masks will help reduce exposure potential for yourself and others – one critical element of the formula.

Disinfect surfaces before workers arrive and after they leave.

Time is the other critical element of the infection formula, so minimize it when you can. Do what you can to make it easy for them to access whatever they’re going to be working on.

Avoid physical contact. Pay online, if possible. If it’s not, even fully extending your arm to hand them a check is effective to put distance between you and the potential source of the virus.

And, as if it needs to be repeated, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face until and unless you have just done so.

With common sense and reasonable vigilance, you can have work done – and do work, yourself – safely.

I know it seems as if this situation has lasted eons already. And while it will end, the picture of our safe future is not yet clear. Until it is, carry on but know the risks and avoid them when you can.

In the meantime, remember that it is possible to shop for and buy a new house safely, even during social distancing. Selling an occupied property is a bit more problematic, but that can be done, too.

If it's time, give me a call and let's write the next chapter in your adventure of

Loving Where You Live!