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April Preferred Client Update


Blog by Kim Twohey | April 2nd, 2020


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Real Estate is Open, But Different

To encourage the flattening of the curve and to keep the public safe, the Government of Alberta has issued restrictions on social gatherings and face-to-face interactions. To extend this effort, all non-essential businesses have been forced to close. What about real estate? Understanding that many consumers are caught in a life circumstance that requires them to make a move or sell a home, real estate has been deemed an essential service.

But, it’s not business as usual. CIR REALTY has adapted quickly to put the safety of our clients at the forefront and we have modified our practices accordingly. All traditional Open Houses have been cancelled, but Virtual Open Houses have become popular and potential buyers can watch a live streamed tour of the home to ensure no important features are missed. This concept works similar for Virtual Showings as well.

Often you will want to see an interesting property in person. In these cases, lights will be left on, doors and closets left open and clients are asked to not touch anything. Furthermore, limiting the number of people viewing the home, washing your hands before and after, as well as keeping a safe distance from each other has become standard practice. When it comes time to draw up the paperwork, everything can be done digitally for further protection.

Food, clothing, and shelter remain the basic human needs and we at CIR REALTY view our responsibility to provide essential real estate services in the safest manner possible.

 
  

Surviving Being Stuck at Home


The whole family is stuck at home and you’re not allowed to visit anyone. This can put a strain on any household. Here are a few things to keep in mind during this situation:

Reframe - Force yourself to take a moment to think about a few things you are grateful for. Gratitude has been scientifically proven to improve our mental state. Also, focus on the things you can do, rather than all the things you can’t.

Set Goals and Time Block - Determine what each member of the family needs to get done each day. Then have a discussion and make a plan. Time block the various items in to make sure everyone gets what they need for personal time or attention.

Physical, Not Social Distancing - Do not socially isolate yourself. Who can you call? Try new video apps with a friend or multiple friends at the same time. Stay connected and reconnect with as many people as possible. Again, science says this is great for you.

Use Google! - Need ideas to entertain the kids or yourself? Use Google! You will get hundreds of ideas in just a few minutes of research.

Be Compassionate & Empathetic - If someone has a shorter temper than normal, or posts something online you don’t agree with, practice compassion and empathy. Know that they are just doing their best to handle this unprecedented situation in the best way they know how.