WE HOPE YOU "DANCE"

 

THIS CHRISTMAS GIVE THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL...

Did you know that Charles Dickens was credited with reinvigorating interest in Christmas and its traditions almost 180 year ago, when he wrote his novella, A Christmas Carol?  The ‘New Christmas’ that Dickens helped to create was essentially a family affair.  Dickens put home and hearth at the center of things, to stress fellowship, empathy between different sections of society, the responsibility of employers, good cheer and social harmony.

Today in America, and so many years later, we carry on much of the traditions that Dickens portrayed in The Christmas Carol – The Christmas tree, roasted turkey, holly, Santa Claus (Father Christmas), presents for the children and family and friends, gathering together for fun and fellowship. 

But 2020 has presented us with a new challenge at Christmas, a life & death challenge, to avoid gatherings to stay safe. The safety measures that the health professionals are asking us to follow are not theory.  They are based on science and taking a page from history.  The world suffered over 50 million deaths 100 years ago from the pandemic that started in 1918 and ended in 1920.  The second wave hit the world right after Christmas.  This year, we have seen the number of covid-19 cases increase dramatically again, after Thanksgiving.   In Southold Town, some hamlets have reported 30-50% more cases in the past 20 days.

So many friends and family are torn between traditional family gatherings and staying at home.  It seems almost impossible to establish a “safe” gathering when relatives and friends are travelling from other parts, working or going to school, or engaging in seemingly harmless activities, that expose us all to the virus. 

The greatest gift you can give your family and friends is to stay safe and encourage them to stay safe as well. You make the decision that will protect all your friends and loved ones from becoming ill or possibly worse.  The vaccine is a beacon of hope, but it will take some time to reach us all.  Stay home this year for Christmas, wear a mask, wash your hands, disinfect, practice social distancing, get tested if you are not feeling well, and let others know you expect them to do the same.

On the plus side, technology has given us new ways of communicating with each other.  Zooming, Facetime, and so many other ways of seeing each other, can brighten up the holiday and bring us closer together.  Our family will be zooming on Christmas Day and opening gifts we have sent to each other.  Create your own, new family tradition!

This Christmas, give the greatest gift of all to your loved ones – stay home, stay safe so we can all celebrate together next year…in person!

“God Bless us, everyone.”  

Wishing you a very hopeful Christmas!

HOLIDAYS WILL SOON BE UPON US…

     If you want to sell or buy a home, you may be thinking that you should wait until the holiday season is over.  It’s generally assumed that people are too busy shopping for gifts and not for real estate.  But today’s turnover of home sales is faster than anything we have seen in many years. In fact, the real estate environment created by the pandemic is like nothing any of us has ever experienced.  There are many serious buyers, anxious to buy and not able to find homes that meet their needs.  For sellers who must sell, there is no time like the present. Prices are continuing to be pushed up by the high demand and low supply of homes on the market. 

     For those would-be sellers who are staying put for safety’s sake, especially those who are most vulnerable to the covid-19 virus, be patient, stay safe and consider fixing-up projects that will make your home increase in value when you do put it on the market.

     In the meantime, spend time enjoying each day and planning for a stay-at-home holiday.  Send those gifts earlier, so they will be sure to arrive in time for the holiday.  And think about adding a gift or donation for a needy child to your holiday plans.

     This year, we should all consider adding a Hanukkah or Christmas donation to our list, especially for needy children. Certainly, we should start with our community -  local Churches, Synagogues, and charities like CAST, all offer opportunities to give at this time of year.  Here are a few top charities that help children at Christmastime: Toys for Tots, The Salvation Army, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse (help children all over the world), Prison Fellowship Angel Tree (help children with a parent in prison), and Operation Christmas Spirit (help children in military families).  

Together, let’s make this a better holiday for as many kids as we can!

We Have Much to Hope For and Be Thankful For…

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most cherished times of the year to gather with family and friends. Yet due to the second wave of the COVID-19 virus and the increasing number of cases worldwide, we have been advised to limit our holiday gatherings.  Perhaps you will be celebrating virtually, or only with immediate family members.  Whatever you decide, please take the warnings to heart and heed the guidance we have been given from the CDC and the Governor – don’t gather in groups larger than ten both indoors and outdoors, stay home if you can, stay socially distant, and wear a mask.

We are in the second wave, we must all persevere and take care to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by doing what we are asked to do.  It has and will save lives.

Why all the concern and warnings about the second wave? If we look back to history - the 1918 pandemic took over 50 million lives worldwide and lasted almost 2 years.  There were no vaccines or drugs to treat the disease – the only way to control the spread of the “Spanish Flu” was to quarantine and wear masks.  The second wave, which came in the fall was the most deadly, and some say it was attributed to the movement of troops during the first World War. 

This has certainly been a year of crisis and uncertainty. But even in this time of crisis, there is a reason to be hopeful - we have two promising vaccines that are in or near production. We have refined and improved treatment of the virus and many more lives are being saved each day.

Right now, our job is to follow the guidance we have been given, and  to support each other.  Americans are innovative and bold.  We are a “can-do” nation.  We will see an end to the dreadful virus.  We all must persevere and encourage one another. 

Please take time this Thanksgiving holiday to be mindful of and grateful for all the blessings in your lives.  May this year’s Thanksgiving serve as a time of healing, hope and new determination.  We wish you all God’s Blessings and a Hope-filled Thanksgiving.

WHAT NEXT?

As we post this, the presidential election is undecided.  It maybe that way for several days as mail-in ballots are counted. “With the coronavirus now surging anew, voters ranked the pandemic and the economy as top concerns in the race between Trump and Biden, according to AP VoteCast, a national survey of the electorate.”*

Both issues have had and will continue to have a significant impact on the Real Estate market:

·       The coronavirus lockdown in mid-March affected our ability to do business for many weeks.  And to this day, many activities are curtailed by necessary, but cumbersome, guidelines and restrictions that affect every property showing and transaction.

·       The slowdown of the economy, due to the restrictions to control the spread of the virus, has affected jobs, businesses, schools and places of worship. We all have had to curtail our social activities. 

We can only hope and pray that whoever wins this election, will focus on getting the coronavirus under control so that a second wave does not cause another lockdown, and that Americans, and people all over the world, can return to a normal life, albeit a “new-normal.” 

For now, let us all be diligent in protecting ourselves, our families, our friends and co-workers.  Wear your masks, be mindful of staying socially distant, wash your hands, sanitize home and workplace, and avoid large gatherings, until this dreadful virus is squashed and gone forever!!!! 

*Source: Newsday, The Associated Press, updated November 4, 2020 4:43 AM

POLITICAL DIFFERENCES?? LOVE WINS!!!

          The Wall Street Journal, had a particularly meaningful story about how two neighboring families get along even when their political views differ.  It’s particularly important now, in this time leading up to the Presidential election, that we are mindful of respecting one another’s views and having civilized discourse. I wanted to share the article’s message with you. Here is an excerpt:

“Millions of Americans are alarmed at the bitter split in the country, with 9 out of 10 Americans saying incivility is a problem and two-thirds saying it’s a ‘major’ problem—according to a 2019 poll by public relations firm Weber Shandwick taken before this year’s tumultuous events.

‘People know how wrong this division is and actually want out of it, but they don’t know what to do,’ says Carolyn Lukensmeyer, former executive director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona. The institute, which describes itself as a nonpartisan organization set up to promote healthy and civil political debate, offers programs on getting along despite differences. 

‘People can start by listening attentively and with an open mind,’ says Dr. Lukensmeyer. ‘Too often, people interrupt others or mentally prepare rebuttals while another person is talking.’

‘Listen long enough to understand how that human being came to hold the view they hold. If someone says something you don’t believe is factual, don’t respond in conflict or try to convince them otherwise,’ she says.

Troubled by the national discourse, next-door neighbors with opposing political views used yard signs to send a message of civility.  One family, lifelong Republicans, put a Donald Trump sign on their lawn. The other family, lifelong Democrats, planted a Biden sign in front of theirs.   Not extraordinary, except that another homemade sign stands in each yard.  It reads: “We  💗 Them” with an arrow pointing to the other house. In the middle of the heart are the words, “One Nation.” (see picture below)

Some additional advice: ‘ Accept that you don’t have to be right all the time. If you don’t think you have to be right, you listen more. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Recognize that the other person deserves respect. Be willing to consider their opinion. Don’t be so quick to judge someone because of the political sign in their yard.'”

Do you have friends who support opposing candidates? How do you get along with them? 

Appeared in the October 21, 2020, print edition, Personal Journal pA13 as 

'How Neighbors Split on Politics Stay Close.'

SELLING REAL ESTATE IN THE AGE OF COVID-19

Although we are doing our best to facilitate the process of showing homes, doing inspections and accommodating buyers, it is still not business as usual.  There are many CDC requirements we must follow to protect sellers and buyers from transmitting or getting the virus.  We feel our primary responsibility at this time is to protect our clients and customers in every way we can.

Clearly, the pandemic is not over.  Countries in Europe are closing down venues for the second time this year.  Witness in this country, the recent positive diagnosis of the President, the First Lady and so many people around them.  We cannot and should not let down our guard.

So again, we ask buyers and cooperating agents to be diligent and make sure that everyone knows that it is expected of them to provide up-to-date signed questionnaires. If they are coming from one of the states identified by Governor Cuomo’s office, that they quarantine before visiting homes for sale. Also, signed COVID-19 disclosures for the protection of all involved.

Other precautionary requirements for home showings:

•        Home must be unoccupied – seller must not be present
•         6-feet physical distancing
•         Face covering (mouth and nose) must be worn at all times
•         Should wear gloves and shoe coverings (must if seller requires)
•         Recommend showing only one party at a time
•         Visitors may only touch essential services like stair handrails
•         No children or extraneous visitors (they may remain in the cars)

We know that there are times, when all these precautions get in the way of our individual goals, but we urge you to step back and look at the bigger picture. Would any one of us want to be responsible for someone becoming ill of even worse? 

Protecting each other’s health, while we facilitate home sales, is our primary goal.  And we take this seriously.  It is the responsibility of each and every one of us.  It is the way we will help keep this deadly virus at bay until a vaccine is proven and widely distributed.

Please, don’t drop your guard!  Southold Town has had very good results in recent weeks – let’s keep it that way!!!

HOME SALES IN AUGUST ZOOM!

Existing-home sale closings, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and co-ops, increased 10.5% YoY (year-over-year) as of the end of August and 2.4% MoM (month-over-month) for August compared to July.  This marks three consecutive months of gains in home sales.  Conclusions regarding these results should be tempered by the fact that the Nation was in lock-down for several months prior and New York also imposed very restrictive rules for marketing and selling homes even after things opened-up a bit in April.

National Association of REALTORS® reported that existing-home sales in each of the four major regions of the U.S. saw month-over-month and annual growth.  Home prices in August climbed 11.4% compared to a year ago, reaching a median of $310,600. Prices rose in every region of the U.S. last month.  The Northeast saw the largest monthly improvement in home sales – making up for lost ground in prior months.  Existing-home sales for the Northeast increased 13.8% in August (MoM) and 5.7% YoY. The median home price was $349,500, up 10.4% YoY.

Housing inventories which have been historically tight, dropped even more with the sales growth, putting upward pressure on home prices. Total housing inventory at the end of August was down 18.6% from last year - a three-month supply.

First-time home buyers accounted for 33% of home sales in August, up 31% from last year.  Investors and second-home buyers accounted for 14% of homes sold in August, equal to a year ago. Investors and second-home buyers tend to make up the biggest bulk of all-cash sales. All-cash sales accounted for 18% of transactions in August, down from 19% in August 2019.

On the North Fork, real estate sales generally slow down after Labor Day, and we are seeing some of that, although it appears that the population this fall has increased. More people staying around our beautiful North Fork will certainly help business owners.

               If you are thinking of selling your home in the near term. Call us at 631 765 5333. Do it now while the weather is good and COVID numbers are low.  Please don’t procrastinate.  Take action now, based on what you know.  None of us can predict the future…we can only pray that the worst is over and hope that things will go back to normal in due time.

Source: National Association of Realtors, Home Sales hit 2006 Levels, ‘Continue to Amaze’, September 22, 2020

“Work-From-Home” 2 Million Potential Buyers Nationwide

           The coronavirus pandemic has caused many companies to resort to remote work and the result to their surprise, has been higher productivity.  Certainly, part of the reason is because employees can work varied hours and balance life-work demands. Also, the elimination of the time spent preparing to go to work and commuting, has added to the work day.  As such, many companies are continuing the “experiment” or have already decided that work-from-home is here to stay. 

A recent study has projected that remote work could impact the homeownership rate for almost 2 million renter households.  This potential depends on location, home affordability, and income level of the renters.  In New York City, for most renters the price of a spacious city apartment is out of reach, but the monthly rental is affordable.  In many cases therefore, the option of purchasing in the suburbs   has become feasible with the elimination of a daily commute.  Some renters have actually made the decision to keep their apartments in the city for convenience and move to a new home in the suburbs.

“The tipping point was envisioning both of us working from home indefinitely alongside our daughter and a second child on the way,” said Chris Chan. “We wanted to maintain the balance between space and proximity to the city. We could get more for our money just outside city limits and we’re still only 30 minutes from Grand Central Station.”

Proximity to New York City, brings buyers to Long Island- where there is a wide range of home/condo prices.  Many of these potential buyers are seeking to escape tight quarters and afford themselves space to work with privacy and also, have room for the family to live comfortably and safely.

The North Fork, which is roughly 2 hours from Manhattan, has now become a suburb of New York City! Who would have thunk it! 

Our ad today focuses on homes where you can work and play. CALL US!!!!

              

Source: RISMedia, September 9, 2020.

July Home Sales - Record 24.7% - Carpe Diem!

Home sales in the month of July, showed of significant sales gains, marking two consecutive months of gains, reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).  Total home sales for July (excludes new construction) jumped 24.7% from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.86 million growth in home sales versus 2019.  Total home sales for July rose 8.7%, over July last year. July was the first month of positive growth since February 2020. Although June also set a record monthly increase in sales of 20.7% over May, the comparison to June 2019 was still negative.  

The median home price for all housing types in July was $304,100, up 8.5% versus last year’s $280,400. Home prices rose in every region.  July’s national price increase marks 101 straight months of gains. For the first time ever, national median home prices breached the $300,000 level.

The only region that did not show a gain for July was the Northeast, which actually showed a year-over-year decline of 5.9%, even though the median price of a home increase 4% to $317,000.  It should be noted the severity of the pandemic on the East Coast caused Governors to virtually shut down the real estate market in mid-March, April and May.  This shut down of business negatively impacted results for March, April, May, and June, pushed closing forward, which negatively impacted the year-over-year results for the Northeast. July results showed a turnaround of activity and sales closings.

Our experience on the North Fork certainly reflects this – very little business was done in March - May.  However, we have been experiencing a significant bounce-back in the last 2-3 months which has created a bubble in sales. Combine that with high demand for homes on the North Fork by city dwellers, we predict sales increases to continue for the next few months.

This is new territory for all of us.  It’s difficult to say how long this surge in sales will continue.  There are so many unknowns with the COVID-19 virus. So, my best advice is if you’re planning to sell – do it sooner rather than later. “Carpe Diem” – seize the day, seize the moment and benefit from the momentum of the positive results in low level of contagion in the New York area and the current wave of demand.

Source: RIS Media, Record-Setting: Existing-Home Sales Soar 24.7 Percent in July, August 21, 2020.

 

LIVING AND WORKING WITH OUR NEW REALITY – COVID-19

            For most of 2020 to date, we have been coping with coronavirus - a virus that can be difficult to detect, spreads quickly, and affects humans differently.  Some people become quite ill and sadly die. Some people carry the virus with no symptoms and sadly infect others unknowingly.

In New York, we have been blessed with good leadership and good citizenship.  To date we have overcome, hopefully, the worst and are controlling the level of contagion.  We have been responsive to the precautions we have been asked to take: wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, disinfect surfaces, and quarantine when necessary.

In other states there has been varying degrees of compliance and varying degrees of success in slowing the spread of COVID-19.  Some states like Florida have had increasing number of deaths.

It’s very clear that compliance with COVID guidelines does make a difference.  And it will make a big difference in helping this country get back to business until a vaccine is developed, tested and produced for the global population.   Because it’s clear that all human beings must work together to do their part in protecting themselves and their neighbors if we are going to eradicate this coronavirus menace. It’s also clear that even when we lick this, we will still need to put in place guidelines that will protect us from the rapid spread of any new threat that may present itself.

So PLEASE do your part.  It’s not a matter of freedom, it’s matter of protecting yourself, your family and your neighbor!  

“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40.

NORTH FORK MARKET ASSESSMENT

What’s up with this real estate market?  I am asked that question by buyers, sellers, other realtors, and most people I talk with on the phone, almost every day! It’s not just the North Fork. Most of Long Island, suburban Connecticut and New Jersey and Upstate New York are seeing a surge in sales and rentals primarily due to the COVID-19 escape from the city.

As schools remain closed, with the added uncertainty as to when and how they will open, many families have decided to buy or rent and work from home in more spacious homes, with room for schooling at home, and outdoor space for children and their parents to play! Also, some large corporations, like Google,  are already telling their employees to continue to work from home well into 2021!

The demand created is exacerbated by the low inventory we have been experiencing over the past few years.  The result, many buyers are struggling to find something to ride out the rest of the year, and for some, to change their lifestyle completely – move to suburban or urban areas, work from home or eventually work closer to home and give up the city apartments. In addition, most of our second homeowners are here for the duration of the pandemic, while hoping for a return “someday” to life in the city.

Right now, as homes come on the market, there is a frenzy of activity and often multiple offers, similar to the height of the market in 2005-2007. Unfortunately, many people who truly over-paid then, experienced significant loses when they sold several years later. 

That’s why it’s important to do your homework before you make an offer. Don’t get caught up in a “bidding frenzy.”  Remember the advice from country western singer, Kenny Rogers, “know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away and know when to run!” 

Ask your realtor, to help you understand the market, evaluate the value of the home or property you are considering and exercise due diligence before buying.  The absolute worst thing you can do is to bid a property up, win the bid, regret or reconsider, and pull out.  All parties are negatively affected financially and emotionally spent. 

We’re here to help you through this challenging time.  And with many years of experience on the North Fork, we know what to do. Kindly call Lee or me at 631 765 5333.

HOW REALTORS ARE KEEPING COVID-19 AT BAY

The CENTER FOR Disease Control (CDC) has published safety guidelines and we are all responsible to follow the guidelines required by New York State to protect ourselves and others.  As Realtors, it’s our responsibility to protect homeowners and homebuyers.  I would like to share with you what steps we are taking as an industry.  This is a list of guidelines we have been required to institute to mitigate health risks and the spread of the virus:

Prior to Showings:

• Encourage buyers to narrow their property search through photos, virtual tours, and other technology to reduce the number of in-person showings.

• Consider adopting a policy of asking all buyers for a pre-qualification letter to limit in-person showings only to qualified and serious buyers.

• Discuss with a seller the precautions that will be taken when showing their property and adhere to seller’s specific requirements.

• Require property showings by appointment, in lieu of open houses.

• Require sellers and potential buyers to disclose exposure to COVID-19 or if they exhibit any symptoms.

• Discourage non-essential parties from attending showings.

• Ask buyers to remain in their vehicle until the agent arrives at the property.

• For owner or tenant-occupied properties, request seller or tenant to open cabinets, closets, etc. and turn on lights before leaving the property.

• For vacant properties, open front door, open cabinets, closets, window coverings, and turn on lights.

During In-Person Showing:

• Require that all persons entering a property use hand sanitizer, remove footwear or wear booties, and wear a face mask and gloves.

• Social distance by maintaining at least 6 feet of space between persons at all times.

• Avoid shaking hands with clients.

• Limit the number of persons who may attend a showing and show only one person at a time.

• Instruct persons touring the home to avoid touching any surfaces in the home, except for handrails for safety and not to use bathroom facilities at the property.

• Do not share phones, pens, or tablets or other personal property during the showing.

• Provide hand sanitizer to all persons leaving the property.

After Property Showing:

• Wipe down any surfaces touched during the showing with a sanitizing wipe or disinfecting cleaner, and suggest the seller also disinfect the property.

• Speak with buyers outside of the property at a distance of 6-feet or speak by phone or email.

• Maintain a detailed log of interactions to enable contact tracing.

Over the past five months, we have learned that the virus is most contagious via contact with human droplets in the air that do not necessarily dissipate immediately, and a mask is an important deterrent. It is uncomfortable, but the alternative - catching the virus and possibly dying or passing it to someone who dies - is not an acceptable one.  If we are going to win this war against the coronavirus, we must work together to protect ourselves and everyone with whom we come in contact.

PLEASE - DO THE RIGHT THING…

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2020 – CELEBRATE ALL THAT IS GOOD

On July 4^th, we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the document that marked the emergence of the United States as an independent, self-governing nation, guided by the principle of liberty.

We remember the men who signed the declaration, but we should also remember those men and women who also played an important  part in our history, like the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat, who came to America’s aid and fought valiantly beside George Washington to win our independence. Lafayette was an American hero who was outspoken with his most-cherished American friends — including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson — in his belief that slavery was an abomination and should be abolished.

 It’s important to remember that the freedom we value today was earned by the bravery of many men and women putting their lives, reputation and personal property at risk, to collectively affirm:  

         

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
        
            In 1776, as copies of the Declaration spread through the states and were read aloud at town meetings, religious services and public assemblies, Americans marked the occasion with celebratory rituals. They lit huge bonfires, "illuminated" their windows with candles, fired guns, rang bells, removed the symbols of the monarchy from public buildings, churches and taverns, and decorated the walls of their homes with newspaper copies of the Declaration of Independence.
       
            This year, in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, our celebration will require us stay socially distant, to use masks, to gather in safe, small groups, and even quarantine ourselves if necessary.  All actions that are meant to protect our friends and family and yes, strangers, to stop the spread of this unseen enemy.  So even though we will celebrate in a different way this year, let us toast to our country’s independence and teach our children the reason for the celebration and the responsibility we have more than ever to be our brother’s keeper. 

May God Bless America. May God Bless us all.

IN MEMORIAM

CHRISTOPHER WYATT DRUM

                                              May 25,                                                           July 2, 

                                                1972                                                               2014