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