For some, the days of working from home are on the way out or becoming less frequent as more people get vaccinated. If this includes you, then you know how exciting it is to see your favorite coworkers again and collaborate in person. And while you may have certain concerns about going back into the office, the best thing you can do is plan ahead, and make sure you’re aware of any new workplace policies related to masks, schedules, quarantining, and workspace configuration.
Working from home became an inevitable reality for many Americans over the last year. It has ultimately changed the meaning of home, and affected what we need or desire from our living spaces. As a result, many people have relocated both locally and nationally in search of a place that suits their new needs, and even more are planning to make a move this year.
The resort-home communities of Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin are known for being popular vacation destinations for Chicagoans. But their appeal isn’t limited to summer getaways, and that was never more apparent than when COVID-19 hit this spring. Many people with second homes in the area chose to shelter in place there. Others were inspired to find a retreat in the area once restrictions lifted and market activity picked up.
Summer looks a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s void of fun. As we enter the home stretch of the season, there are still plenty of things to do while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Here’s what we’re planning for the remainder of summer in Chicagoland:
With several weeks of social distancing under our belts, many of us have already tackled boredom-curing activities like spring cleaning, exercising, baking, and doing puzzles. We’ve previously shared ways to keep the kids amused, but we couldn’t forget about the adults! From organizing a virtual murder mystery party to learning how to bartend, here are nine activities you can enjoy now.
With a renewed focus on the value of home and a desire for more space, buyers are eyeing this summer’s real estate market with great interest. But, amid the changes brought on by COVID-19, many homebuyers also have questions about how to move forward – from getting a mortgage approval to safe showing procedures and from making an offer to navigating the attorney review and closing processes. So in this special edition of @ The Market, recorded in mid-May, @properties co-founders Mike Golden and Thad Wong are joined by a range of industry experts to shed light on the homebuying process today.
While it’s always critical to be cognizant of scams, it’s important to know they tend to be more prevalent during times of crisis. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, scammers will unfortunately be out there trying to take advantage of people who may be more vulnerable right now. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself and avoid fraud.
The last several weeks have been challenging on many levels. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that there is a lot to be grateful for – especially all the people and businesses who have banded together to support our communities.
Thankfully, there are also plenty of positive and inspirational real estate stories to be told, so here are just a few from some @properties agents. If you have a great story to share, we’d love to hear in the comments below.
Coronavirus has undoubtedly had a significant impact on our day-to-day lives. It has affected everything from how kids are learning to how we do our jobs and complete once-basic tasks like grocery shopping. We’ve put a lot on hold, but there are some things that absolutely cannot wait. So, what do you do if you have to move during the pandemic?
We’ve outlined all of the steps you need to take to make your move as safe as possible.
It goes without saying but is definitely worth repeating: We are so grateful for all the healthcare workers who are saving lives and fighting this pandemic around the clock to keep us safe.
While you are hunkered down at home, there are still ways you can help those supporting patient care on every level, from doctors and nurses to technicians and pharmacists to EMTs and transporters.
Aside from social distancing, here’s what you can do: