Flourishing in Strange Times: A Look Behind the Scenes With Agent Carley J Moore
It’s quite the understatement to say that these are strange days. Now that we are several months into this pandemic and it’s clear life isn’t going to simply bounce back to normal quickly, I’m taking stock of life in these unusual times and trying my best, just like you, to make the most of it. If you’re wondering what life is like as a REALTOR® and a full-time working mom these days, this will be a little glimpse behind the curtain. If you are in the same boat then none of this will be news to you, but I hope it encourages you that none of us have this thing figured out. I’m convinced that there is not a perfect balance, but we are each trying to harmonize our circumstances as best we can.
Like many of you, I’ve felt the push and pull of concern for health and safety, doing my best to enjoy this extra time with family, and yet still working hard at my job. My job heavily involves working with people -- It’s part of what I love about this work. But these days I’ve been spending more time at home, working from our breakfast room, surrounded by natural light. There have been plenty of Zoom meetings (some without video because I’m outside playing with the kids or haven’t washed my hair in a few days, ha). Sometimes I have to apologize to clients for interruptions from my 4 and 2 year old. And sometimes I have to apologize to my children for a work call interrupting a game or activity. It’s all a balancing act.
The work of real estate certainly hasn’t slowed down. For clients who are actively looking to buy a home, this means touring homes equipped with gloves and face masks. Thanks to low interest rates, this remains a good time to buy. For clients looking to sell it’s proven to be a great market. Several clients have wondered if prices would decrease. I don't think they have. But strategic pricing still matters regardless of the world around us. Value shifts up and down depending on the economy and the inventory, but proper pricing for the market, condition and location of a home is still key. The inventory went down when sellers held off from listing, so things began moving that had been sitting. The spring market is still coming... it's just a few months behind schedule!
Slowing down a bit has also provided more time to reach out to past clients. There is definitely a consultation side of the business that's not immediately related to a buy or sell. Sometimes I simply get to have a quick phone conversation to check in on the health and wellbeing of a former client. Other times it’s a longer conversation helping clients consider what they should be doing now to sell in the next 3 years. Regardless, while the current climate has certainly provided some challenges, I’m also thankful for the opportunities for resourcefulness and creativity.
Speaking of resourcefulness and creativity, it’s definitely been fun to make more time for the things we have always meant to do as a family but were just too busy. While the kids have watched more than their usual amount of PBS Kids these days, we’ve also spent far more time outdoors than we normally would. We dusted off a bike trailer that had been unused for about 2 years and the girls have loved going on neighborhood rides! We enjoy meandering down the Trinity Trails, but the girl’s favorite part is riding up the biggest hill in our neighborhood, turning around in the cul-de-sac, and then squealing as we plunge back down the hill. We do this a total of four times since our oldest demands it should be done as many times as she is old. Thank goodness she’s not five yet because after the fourth turn we are pretty beat!
Don’t get me wrong, we miss so many things about pre-Covid world. Most of all I miss gathering with friends over a delicious meal. But the challenges have also come with opportunities. I have finally started using my treadmill (maybe only once a week, but it’s something). I’ve grown more comfortable with Facetime and Zoom. And, most importantly, it’s given me the opportunity to better understand what's important. Life can be less complicated because we can survive on less noise. No matter where you are in processing these strange current times, know that you’re not alone and if there’s anything I can do to serve you amidst the chaos, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Carley J Moore
REALTOR®
817-734-8466
carley@leagueRE.com
