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!!!