Blog…What’s Brewing
The #1 homebuyer obstacle is affordability followed by discrimination, mortgage access and agent performance according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) latest consumer survey. Measures are being taken to reduce these barriers by NAR so that the economy can thrive.
Affordability in the housing market is of great concern. Rising rates, low inventory and inflation on the rise!
In this time of uncertainty there is a great new tool from our local MLS called the Downpayment Resource. You will find down payment help here. You do not need 20% down to purchase a home!
You don’t need 20% down.
A 20% down payment on a home is great, but it’s not a requirement. Many mortgages require no more than 3% to 5% of the purchase price as a down payment. Plus, there are loans and grants that may help cover these costs. Search for down payment assistance in your area, and let’s discuss your results!
4 Common Down Payment Program Myths Debunked – Down Payment Resource
5 Ways You Can Benefit From Down Payment Programs
- Helps you to purchase a home sooner.
- Helps offset FHA premiums and mortgage insurance.
- Helps community service employees live close to their job.
- Gives you an important cash cushion.
- provides valuable homeownership education.
If you like what you are reading in this blog please contact Elisa, Team Leader with The Café Residential Team at McGrath Realty Inc and 35 year residential expert. We specialize in a delivering an educational and stress-free real estate experience.
914-912-1355 call/text or Ebruno@McGrathRealtyInc.com
Elisa Bruno-Midili is a local guide, Realtor and small business advocate. A Westchester resident for about 45 years she grew up in the Bronx in the 60s and attended school in the 70s. Elisa always considered herself an artist expressing herself through design, photography, graphics and now as a curator of content.
EARTH DAY 2022 – APRIL 22 The theme is Invest In Our Planet! It’s NOT just a day, it’s a movement. Find out more information here www.earthday.org
The environment is a treasure and needs that delicate balance to be protected and preserved for a future of sustainable living. Many areas of the earth are in jeopardy. The work of earthday.org is vast. Here are the areas of concern which are the focus:
- Climate and environmental literacy
- End plastic pollution
- Conservation and restoration
- Food and environment
- Act on climate change
What is happening in your community to assist with the awareness to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYLE ?
🌎Creative use space https://www.retake-remake.org/ is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Barbara Korein. The mission is to promote creative reuse, environmental awareness and community by providing affordable, reclaimed art materials.
🌎 Artist Natalya Khorover‘s mission is Art for Earth’s sake. She uses materials that many consider to be trash. This repurposing creates amazing canvases that are architectural, organic, purposeful and delightful to view. Her work can be found here https://www.artbynatalya.com/
🌎 Sculptor Wilfredo Morel is a highly acclaimed Hudson Valley Region artist known for his utilization of recycled materials, related to the communities where materials are found. As such his work provides a powerful symbolic model for art as a focal point in urban renewal, emphasizing a revitalization of discarded and neglected resources. http://wilfredomorel.com/
🌎 Protecting our natural resources is essential. Riverkeeper https://www.riverkeeper.org/ protects and restores the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. SATURDAY MAY 7 Riverkeeper Sweep – 9am-12pm. Join in for a clean up by the river. Kayak Launch, Tarrytown, Lot G. Info: https://tarrytownenvironmental.org/
🌎 Ossining is on board with the Annual Earth Day Festival on April 23rd, Westchester County’s largest community-run earth day festival. https://www.greenossining.org/earth-day-festival/
🌎 Bedford 2030 envisions a carbon neutral world and aspires to a sustainable community that conserves natural resources for future generations. See more about their mission here https://bedford2030.org/
🌎 Towns in Westchester county participate in programs and initiatives as a commitment to environmental justice and sustainable practices. https://sustainablewestchester.org/
🌎 Food scraps are one of the largest components of trash sent to landfills and incinerators. However, food scraps are not trash, they are a resource that can be turned into useful compost. Many town have this program, does yours? If so are you doing your part?
https://www.yorktownny.org/refuserecycling/food-scrap-drop-site
https://www.scarsdale.com/495/Food-Scrap-Recycling
https://www.mynewcastle.org/452/Food-Scrap-Recycling-Program
https://www.mountkiscony.gov/residents/food_scrap_recycling.php
There are many resources to explore where we can be responsible and accountable for how we treat the earth and all its beauty!
Make every day Earth Day!
Elisa Bruno-Midili is a local guide, Realtor and small business advocate. A Westchester resident for about 45 years she grew up in the Bronx in the 60s and attended school in the 70s. Elisa always considered herself an artist expressing herself through design, photography, graphics and now as a curator of content.
It’s mid-April, spring is finally here, and economic unrest is on the minds of many.
How do we spring into action when there are so many factors affecting the housing market and our lives in general? Let’s explore!
- Baby Boomer Sellers – Those born between 1946 and 1964, live in 46 million owner-occupied homes with a total combined value of $13.5 trillion, according to research. These sellers are finding it challenging to make a decision to move. The question being “Where do I go?” This problem has contributed to the shortage of inventory. They are also competing with millennials who are purchasing a home for the first time. These homes are often smaller and less costly therefore desirable to both groups.
- Millennial Buyers – 4.8 million millennials turned 30 in 2021 and the desire for homeownership is peaking for this group.
- The Great Resignation – Many people are reconsidering their jobs with a fresh perspective and they are quitting due to the unsettling nature of the pandemic, Also called The Great Rethink causing the examination of a company’s culture and opportunities. This is reported by Harvard Business Review in a March 2022 article. A more purpose driven life and meaningful work is the catalyst.
- The Great Reshuffle – This term is synonymous with the Great Resignation and describes workers being strategic about their careers/employment. Remote work, flexible work hours, 4 day work weeks and more freedom are trends that will continue to disrupt the traditional idea of a job/career. Employers are developing ways to incentivize their employees.
- Inflation Mindset – Supply and demand issues persist, prices are increasing in almost every sector of the economy, and 8.5% inflation is the highest in 40 years!
- Political Milestones – The first Black woman, Ketanji Brown Jackson, will serve on the nation’s highest court. Never in 233 years has this happened, this decision is immensely important to the advancement of women and people of color. Positive news helps with general morale.
- War in Ukraine – It is unsettling to think that a war of this nature is happening. Supply chains are disrupted which greatly affects the housing industry. Sadness and heartbreak for this nation brings concern about US involvement and what the future may bring.
- Homebuyer Obstacles – Affordability is the #1 reason plaguing homebuyers followed by discrimination, mortgage access and agent performance according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) latest consumer survey. Measures are being taken to reduce these barriers by NAR so that the economy can thrive.
Real Estate is a very noisy environment and in order to cut through the fog, home sellers and buyers need a reliable advocate on their side. A trusted advisor to interpret data and explain the market and the process. Great resources are needed to advocate for clients.
Bottom line is that we have many options when it comes to our lifestyle and life/work balance. Sparking joy in your life is a priority! There is a surge in entrepreneurship with 5.4 million applications submitted in 2021, this trend will continue as people have the time and resources to reconsider their purposeful life.
If you are considering selling or buying in 2022 our team has the time to listen, the resources to share and the skills/talent to assist in the home selling or home buying process.
If you like what you are hearing in this blog please contact Elisa, Team Leader with The Café Residential Team at McGrath Realty Inc and 35 year residential expert. We specialize in a delivering an educational and stress-free real estate experience.
914-912-1355 call/text or Ebruno@McGrathRealtyInc.com
What should a buyer expect from their Realtor? A Realtor is hired to represent a buyer in the purchase of what very well could be the largest asset of their life, so what is expected?
Firstly, understand that the Realtor/buyer relationship is a partnership and there is a team necessary to complete the process. Buyer, agent, loan officer, financial advisor, attorney, title company, inspector, and brokerage support. When all parties to the transaction are in sync it creates a smooth, seamless experience.
Setting expectations – It starts with a dialogue that explains the market and buying environment. Right now it is a seller’s market so buckle up and be ready to listen to the strategy for this type of market. Inventory is at historic lows, rates may be rising, and pent up buyer demand looms.
Finding your property – Be enrolled in a portal and on the agent’s website to get notified of any new properties. Response time will be critical from scheduling a showing, to making an offer, to doing an inspection. A new property on the market means getting in to see it immediately and acting quickly.
What is needed – A current preapproval from a reputable lending institution. The choices are a retail bank, a mortgage bank and a mortgage broker. Ask your Realtor which is right for you. Please note that your financing options, downpayment amount are important factors. Is your team ready to perform? Have an inspector and attorney on standby.
How to win an offer in a multiple offer situation – Be prepared with your preapproval, proof of funds, inspector, and attorney. Be sure your Realtor composes the offer to purchase email to include the facts: you have an attorney and inspector on hand to perform quickly. Include any timing issues with closing and be as flexible as possible. When involved in a multiple offer situation remain calm, remove your emotions as to not get disappointed if your offer is not accepted. Think of it as a business transaction although you are in love with the house! Put in your BEST offer, this could sometimes be 20% more than asking. Be sure to ask for comparable SOLD properties as well as PENDING properties to see how much the market has accelerated in the past 6 months. This will help to determine where to start. Some buyers are willing to overpay for a home that you do not think is worth it…it happens. If this is you, then the home has absolute value and overpaying should not be an issue. If you do not want to overpay in this highly competitive market, expand your search into an area with less buyer competition or seek other options. Offer to pay closing costs, for the seller to rent back with no charge, to pay moving costs. Contingencies are often waived such as inspections and appraisals. Discuss these points to see what your options are. Tactics may add value to your offer in addition to purchase price. Don’t give up!
Buying a home is an exciting time, enjoy the process, you WILL find the right home with a knowledgeable Realtor!
If you like what you are hearing in this blog please contact Elisa, Team Leader with The Café Residential Team at McGrath Realty Inc and 35 year residential expert. We specialize in a delivering an educational and stress-free real estate experience.
914-912-1355 call/text or Ebruno@McGrathRealtyInc.com
Guide to a Stress-Free Moving Experience: 10 Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Your home is your sanctuary, your abode, your domicile, the place you go to when you seek shelter, comfort and solitude. You may be thinking of selling because it’s too much maintenance, the taxes are too high, or your lifestyle has changed.
When getting ready, an important thing to realize is that the only good time to put your home on the market is when you are ready. The market has its seasonal cycles, holiday gyrations and Super Bowl Sunday myths but you are the only one who can make the mental and emotional decision to move. When you do, you are half way there. Mindset is the first and foremost thing that must change in order to be successful the rest of the way.
It’s also good to know where you will go! Have a destination in mind and visualize the kind of lifestyle you desire. Where do you want to go? What do you want to be near? What kind of weather is best for you?
When your decision to move is made consider the following tips:
- Do speak to an expert Realtor for market trends and values in your area to get an idea of what your options are for selling. Your Realtor is your guide, a communication channel and a resource for all of your real estate needs, questions and problems.
- Do consult your financial planner, accountant and/or attorney to discuss the financial impact this decision will have for you.
- Look around…are you surrounded by years of collections, furniture and your kids’ stuff? Make 3 lists: 1. DONATE/GIVEAWAY 2. SELL 3. TRASH. Whatever is left, take it with you and since you have decided to move pack that extra stuff away and store discretely in the home or off-site. RESOURCE: https://www.gominis.com/ and https://clancymoving.com/
- Check with your city or town to be sure everything is legal: additions, decks/patios, finished basements/attics, fireplaces/wood burning stoves, pools/hot tubs, oil tank removal paperwork. The building department should have the documents on file. Just because you bought it that way does not mean it won’t be a problem now. RESOURCE: https://consumer.westchestergov.com/local-building-dept-contacts
- Check to be sure everything is up to code and safety standards: railings, deck and stairway spindles, smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors, electrical outlets, fireproof sheetrock over heating system, steel door in utility room, ventilation, electrical connections, mold in basements/attics, GFCI outlets, peeling paint, broken, windows, leaking roof. A pre-inspection will uncover things that may need repair.
- Replace loose deck boards, patio stones, walkway railings, pool fence enclosures, light bulbs, hardware, HVAC filters, broken screens, non-working appliances.
- De-clutter by packing items that you are not using: personal photos, holiday décor, extra knick-knacks, souvenirs, religious items. The goal is to make the place as inviting and neutral as possible with some flair.
- Contact a professional stager for advice about furniture placement, paint colors, wood flooring stain, carpeting, window treatments, lighting and accessory placement. Paint does wonders for any room! RESOURCE: https://therefreshedhome.com/ and https://organizingwisdom.com
- You only have one chance to make a first impression, the curb appeal consists of landscaping, the front door and an overall feeling when a buyer drives up to the house. Put away hoses, garbage/recycling bins, toys, remove dead/artificial plants. Decorate seasonally and simply.
- Always speak with your Realtor before starting any project, an expert will know if your expense will be worth your time, money and energy.
BONUS RESOURCE: Are you a caregiver or do you know someone who is? This resource page has many options. https://www.realestatecafeny.com/resources/?cn-s=&cn-cat=22
The intention is to create a near perfect condition situation to obtain the highest value producing stunning photos and video. The better it looks the more attractive it will be. The more attractive the more interest and that means possible multiple offers and more profit for you! Your agent may be experienced in helping with the staging but if it needs a facelift for optimal value then a stager consult is an inexpensive and valuable resource.
These are some pre-listing preparation tips to encourage you to get started before you choose your moving timeline, logistics and ultimately the agent who will represent you.
If you like what you are hearing in this blog please contact Elisa, Team Leader with The Café Residential Team at McGrath Realty Inc and 35 year residential expert. We specialize in a delivering an educational and stress-free real estate experience.
914-912-1355 call/text or Ebruno@McGrathRealtyInc.com
“Should I sell in 2022?” 10 Things to Consider
Is this a question you are asking right now? We get it a lot!
So is it a good time to sell? The short answer is, YES it is a good time if you are ready!
Interrupters in real estate are ongoing and ever since the pandemic we are on high alert for new trends. There are positives and negatives so a trusted advisor is best to answer any questions you may have.
The Café Residential Team insures a safe, stress-free, educational experience. We are available virtually and in-person. Safety is of utmost importance next to giving you sound advice and guidance.
Here are the 10 most important things to consider when thinking of selling:
- Make the decision that selling meets your needs for where you are in your life.
- Decide where you will go. We assist with options.
- Preparation is key to obtaining the best value. We assist with this process of what to do with your “stuff” and how to best prepare your home for optimal value.
- Do you want to know what needs to be done to get the most for your home? Small changes may have a big return.
- A robust market is expected, not as frantic as 2021. Will you benefit from selling this year?
- Buyer demand is high because inventory is low. Competitive pricing will bring more than one offer. We will explain how pricing and a multiple offer situations work.
- City dwellers and those living is densely populated areas are looking for more privacy and sanctuary. A yard is on the top of the list for buyers. Make whatever outdoor space you have appealing.
- Remote working is widely accepted as the new norm. Does your home have a space for a home office?
- Digital systems and tools are essential. Choose a Realtor with great presence and proven results.
- It’s a seller’s market right now in most areas and sellers are in control. Structure the sale of your home around your schedule.
The more you know about selling, the better off you will be when it comes time to hire a Realtor to represent you. There is a difference between an agent and an agent who is a Realtor. A Realtor is bound to a strict code of ethics pertaining to our duties to clients and customers. Code of Ethics
If you are planning to sell in 2022, we welcome your questions. We are a team with over 100 years of experience and look forward to serving you, your family and your friends with their real estate needs.
For a confidential appointment and consultation contact:
Elisa Bruno-Midili
914-912-1355 mobile
Team Leader/Associate Broker
The Café Residential Team
McGrath Realty Inc
295 E Main St
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
914-666-7792
Cafe Realty teams up with the Hudson Valley’s most prominent commercial, land development and luxury brokerage, McGrath Realty Inc. After 8 years in business the community focused Cafe Realty will use their strengths, talents and skills to become the new face of McGrath Realty Inc’s residential services. Café Realty will take the new name The Café Residential Team with long time partners Carol Christiansen, Elisa Bruno-Midili and Walter Sadowski in leadership positions.
“We were looking to expand yet stay local, independent and community-focused, this is the perfect opportunity to do so!” explains Elisa Bruno-Midili. “Our talents are complementary; our service will be unparalleled; we are better together.” “Both of our companies have passion and integrity for what we do” says Carol Christiansen.
McGrath Realty Inc. is the Hudson Valley’s premier commercial brokerage firm and specializes in the sale and leasing of office, retail, commercial, industrial and land development properties. Café Realty is a local, independent, community-focused brokerage serving the residential market. The collaboration with McGrath creates a unique and complete full-service brokerage serving residential, commercial, land development, property management and the appraisal sectors of the market. The new office location will be in downtown Mount Kisco, a Westchester County hub for dining, shopping, culture and transportation.
The Café Residential Team’s mission is clear and purposeful “In all we do we aim to create an educational and stress-free real estate experience. We do this by sharing our knowledge and expertise. We listen and empower our clients and agents to make informed real estate decisions.”
How did this get so out of control?
What started out as strategic home pricing for sellers to get more than one offer, has exploded into a full scale war involving historically low housing inventory. Bidding on homes for buyers should not be a war. Adapting during the pandemic should not result in damage control. So now this…
When pricing a home for sale, if it is too far below market value it is a disservice to all involved. We must look at all aspects of the home’s market. Trends happening in a particular neighborhood, absorption rate to determine level of inventory, and the pricing of active and pending properties for accelerating market clues. When that home is too far below where it will sell, there are too many offers and too much noise.
It is a known fact that buyers will overpay for something that they absolutely must have, however, some buyers are not willing. It has been frustrating, and challenging for buyers and buyer’s agents since the asking price is no longer the baseline for the preapproval. It can be as high as 10% greater than their top buying power number! The tactics that buyer’s agents must use for the offering process is now a much more involved conversation. It may sound like this: “The list price is 500K, the sale price could be 550K.” How does the buyer proceed? That’s when you ask an expert!
Due diligence is part of the process and now a word about the appraisal. Comps, what comps? Comparable properties are sometimes non existent. How will an appraiser value this home? Will it appraise? Is this negotiated with the offer? Will the buyer’s attorney agree?
Exhausted, defeated buyer’s agent are in the trenches daily fighting to get their offer in. Listing days on market =1, accepted offer, no more showings? How is this possible? Are listing agents being fair? We do not know what their conversation was with their seller client however this sends a distress signal to the buyers. They are as stressed, disappointed and frustrated as everyone else! It is our responsibility as Realtors to let sellers and buyers know what to expect. It takes extraordinary skill to navigate this war and reassure all participants. Both buyers and sellers need a “team” to show that they are ready, willing and able. Realtor, inspector, attorney, loan officer, title rep must all be in constant communication.
An agent compared this to buying concert tickets back in the day. Show up early, get in line, have your money ready and expect not to get the front row seat! For buyers in this insane market, have a preapproval that is less than 30 days old, have money in reserves to combat low appraisals, line up the inspectors, the attorney and be sure that you are flexible with closing. Sound like the perfect storm? It may very well be and this is still no guarantee!
Want to learn more about how to approach this market? Contact us for the latest on the market! 914-666-7792.
SELLERS CLICK HERE https://caferealtyny.com/sell
BUYERS CLICK HERE https://caferealtyny.com/signup
Elisa Bruno-Midili is a co-founder and partner at Cafe Realty. She is also a Score Certified Small Business Mentor and advocate for collaboration. Knowledge, expertise and strategy is backed by a 34 year real estate career. Click here for my Instacard
OR How an independent brokerage remains relevant and communicates value to customers and agents alike in a continuously changing environment.
You may ask the question “Does an independent brokerage have the same tools at their disposal as a well-funded competitor? And the answer is yes!
Café Realty has the technology necessary to service our clients and agents in a personal and customized way. The leveraging of powerful brands to systemize operations and optimize marketing is carefully chosen and implemented.
Sellers and buyers have access to digital presentations, documents and links to online forms in their listing program.
Agents who are looking for a better fit to elevate and organize their business have VIP access to the suite of systems for productivity, tracking, marketing and analytics.
The independent model is not for everyone, it is for those who believe in and want to support small, local independent businesses. We are 2/3rds women owned and uphold our code of ethics, fair housing and anti-discrimination laws.
Sellers – We get you more and in less time, anyone can say it, we are confident that we can do it. Buyers – We artfully negotiate and navigate you through the offering process.
It is 2021 and Cafe Realty has been upgraded, connected and energized to serve you and your real estate needs.
Elisa Bruno-Midili is the co-founder and partner at Cafe Realty. She is also a Score Certified Small Business Mentor and advocate for collaboration.
LOCAL. INDEPENDENT. COMMUNITY-FOCUSED. REAL ESTATE. Café Realty | 914-666-7792 | info@CafeRealtyNY.com
Yes, we have had some traumatic experiences getting through 2020…is 2021 your year to make a move?
The real estate industry and technology is moving faster than ever before, 5 years worth in the last 6-12 months! Here is a bite from Inman Connect Now, (a series of fully digital events that bring together the real estate community to network, learn and grow).
“I see the beginnings of a new housing dynamism that began last year and will flourish in years to come. Today in what the Economist calls a dawn of technological optimism we see the benefits of innovation. For ten years, the pace of innovation underwhelmed many of us. Before 2020, we applied innovation to problems that we did not know we even had. Then last year, we innovated because we had no other choice. We did in six months what would have taken 5 years. Adversity often forces societies to advance. Faster growth and higher living standards are now within our reach.
The booming investment in technology is the first reason for optimism. In the second and third quarters of 2020 America’s private sector spent more on computers, software and R&D than on buildings and industrial gear for the first time in over a decade.
Nowhere is that more obvious than in real estate where billions have been invested in every corner of the real estate process, working out all of the kinks, making the process smoother for everyone.” ~Brad Inman
These are my thoughts on how we will move forward in 2021 with optimism:
- Single family home sales are rising at the fastest pace since 2006!
- This winter will be the best ever in pending sales
- Home sales will increase by 6-7%
- Price growth in our market will be 5-6%
- Interest rates will average around 3-4%
- Inventory will remain low
- Mortgages in forbearance is a thing to watch
- Millennial and Gen Z buyers need and desire education and guidance about financing and options to become homeowners
- Office space will continue to be off limits as brokerages continue to adapt to covid precautions and work remotely
- Referrals of people leaving the area will increase due to the exodus of people to suburbs and exurbs and into a different market
- Where will I go will still be a questions for sellers
- Video will prevail in education and marketing
- Original content will be the one thing that boosts lead generation and auto posting content will be largely ignored by algorithms
- LinkedIn will prove to be the #1 social site for connections and engagement for real estate professionals
- Storytelling is a critical part of marketing and self promotion and engages the target audience for important connections
“We expect single-family construction to move up 9% in 2021 — a much-needed relief valve for homebuyers,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “While buyer demand has slowed since December, it remains notably higher than one year ago, giving builders a strong incentive to keep building.”
“Between 2020 and 2040, Hispanic households will grow by 8.6 million, households of other races (mostly Asian households) will grow by 4.8 million, and Black households will grow by 3.4 million. White households will decline by 0.6 million. ~ The Urban Institute
Making a move in 2021? We make it happen! Contact us by phone 914-666-7792 or text 914-230-0650 or email info@CafeRealtyNY.com or website www.CafeRealtyNY.com/sell.
Elisa Bruno-Midili co-founded Café Realty in 2013 based on the mission to offer people guidance and options so they are able to make important decisions about their real estate needs. Experience the power and comfort of home with a local, independent, community-focused real estate company.
CAFÉ REALTY MISSION
“In all we do we aim to create an educational and stress free experience. We do this by sharing our knowledge and expertise. We listen and empower our clients to make informed real estate decisions.”
T’was the week before Christmas when all over the place,
Realtors were stirring to cover their face,
With masks that they use to work they are going,
The virus wouldn’t prevent Christmas from coming.
Covid it struck while all snug in their beds,
While visions of clients danced in their heads!
Protection we need from a virus so bad,
Everything changed and it was so sad.
When out in the field there arose such a clatter,
Quarantine is the thing that will certainly matter,
When dealing with people and homes and the process,
Remotely is how to be safe nonetheless.
Offices were closed for safety you know,
Adapting was key and from this we will grow!
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a way to continue to do business this year!
With an independent company so nimble and quick,
I knew all the while there would be an uptick.
More rapid than eagles the solutions they came,
Thinking of our children we called them by name:
Now Chase, now Ellie now Andon and Teagan,
On Jaelyn on Monty on Maylene and Kalynn!
On them that we focus and their future secure,
Now stay home and stay safe for this we assure
Will help us to stop the spread that is near,
And calm in our heads the things that we fear.
Their futures are bright and for certain they’ll thrive,
While many are grasping for ways to survive.
A bundle of services went quickly remote,
As a company retooled and pivoted take note.
Presentations how clever and messages so merry,
Like an ice cream dessert topped with a cherry!
The agents have patience, resilience and strength,
Coordinating transactions mostly arms length.
Their mindsets are set to serve you sincere,
Especially at Christmas and all through the year!
With tactics and strategy second to none,
And follow up response to please everyone.
From sellers and buyers and investors alike,
We acknowledge that covid inspections could spike.
The precautions we take and never for granted,
Real estate has never been so demanded!
The market we watch so diligent and focused,
And nothing we do will go unnoticed.
For a company that’s independent and local and small,
Is the best choice we profess and it is for all!
When you are thinking of making your move,
It’s Café Realty that makes all things go smooth.
A stress free experience is all that you need,
We guide you, connect you and it’s guaranteed!
You’ll love the attention that you will receive,
And in this small company we hope you believe.
That higher standards, integrity and trust we profess,
In all that we do education is best!
Sharing our knowledge with you is our gift,
As we navigate through and dance with the shift.
A year like no other, unprecedented they say
We made it through this one so what can we say?
Onward and upward to a brand new year,
We wish for this season some holiday cheer!
I heard some exclaim as we carried on with delight,
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Elisa is a Co-Founder and Creative Director for Cafe Realty, a local, independent, community-focused real estate brokerage. https://instacard.co/Elisa-BrunoMidili
2020 has not been kind but there were lessons learned. We were hurled into covid lockdown in mid March and life was very different from that point forward. A new normal, the next normal, it was not so normal. We learned how to wrap our arms around the world and appreciate life. We learned many things about ourselves. We learned how to be resilient, to persevere and how empathy works. We learned that kindness has new meaning.
We adopted this new normal and a new perspective. Learning and working remotely. Dining outdoors or with curbside pickup. Everything delivered right to our door! We stayed home and the concept of home became so much more than a place, it became a feeling, a safe haven, our comfort zone.
We also acknowledge the struggle and strife of many. The psychological toil this pandemic has created, a roller coaster of emotion. Many were unable to adapt to such isolating and demanding measures. The loss of work and lack of income were catalysts for the remarkable programs and outreach groups developed to provide aid to all.
The love of humanity evident in the work of those who gave and gave and gave prevailed. We fed others, donated our time and money to worthy causes to give relief. We cared for our families, neighbors, friends and local businesses. Some prospered, some not, but we connected and stayed strong.
We learned how to deal with anxiety, stress and overwhelming doom and gloom. The education about life and how we take those lemons and make lemonade now a routine. Adapting was a daily practice and it was difficult…we are always in school!
The lemonade is where we found the joy. We have never experienced anything like this before so we had to adapt. Zoom is now a household word and we communicated as often as possible without having to drive. We saved time and money and sacrificed human contact for safety. Social channels chatter flooded our day. Our reading and writing skills improved as we reflected on what was happening. Perhaps this was a call for creativity and you found your inner writer, artist, gardener or chef?
This was the year to discover hidden talent, recognize vulnerability and unlock potential. We have so much to be grateful for that a virus cannot remove. The innate goodness of humankind triumphs over all.
Elisa Bruno-Midili is an Associate Broker and co-owner of a local, independent, community-focused real estate company www.CafeRealtyNY.com