What You Need to Know About Buying a Home During a Pandemic

It’s safe to say that 2020 and the pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives. Working, entertainment, seeing our families – it has all been affected by this unique and unprecedented situation – including real estate.

So, where does that leave home buyers? Not everything can come to a halt, and if you’re in the market to buy a home during this period, you might be wondering what the process might be like and what you need to know. Here are a few of the things you should be prepared for.

1. Rates are at an all-time low & the market is hot

Perhaps surprisingly, the housing market is actually hot right now. So much so, that home purchases are at the highest level since 2006, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors.

Since there’s a health crisis, a recession, and the unemployment rate is growing, you’d think this would deter home buyers. The explanation why it doesn’t is simple: interest rates are at an all-time low, so everyone is rushing to secure their forever home.

That’s good news, but it can also be bad news. It’s great that interests rates are low, because that makes buying a house more affordable. You may be able to also put down a larger deposit, making things easier – and cheaper! – for you in the long-run.

On the other hand, the competition is fierce, especially for homes in the suburbs. That means you need to act fast and dedicate a lot of time to scoring your ideal place, before someone else gets to it.

1. People are buying in the suburbs

As we mentioned, the hottest competition is for homes in the suburbs. As you’re probably aware, there’s been a so-called “exodus” from cities this year, due to concerns over the virus and its prevalence in cities.

It makes sense – cities are crowded, people live in close quarters, and they’re more likely to become infected. A place in the suburbs buys you space, and lots of it, and a buffer from your potentially sick neighbors.

That means two things: first, competition is intense for homes in the suburbs, so if that’s your ideal location, then you need to act fast and get ready to get into bidding wars. Second, it might actually be worth looking at a place in the city.

While the virus is a threat right now, you’re purchasing this home as a long-term investment. The virus won’t be around forever, but cities most certainly will. This time next year, you’ll be glad you scored a more affordable home in the city. It may very well be your only chance to do so.

1. Home viewing is a little different

Understandably, safety rules include social distancing, so home viewing can be a tricky situation. Open houses are not exactly the norm this year, but if you do still need to do a viewing, there are some options that will still allow you to do it safely.

• Viewing homes over video

The solution you may have seen others choose is to “view” the homes online, through video. The video of the home is usually posted online. Alternatively, the realtor does the walkthrough in the new home and records it, or video calls you and shows you the home. This is not an ideal way to view a home, but it’s safe, and it’s better than picking a home based on pictures alone.

• Viewing homes alone

The other option people are doing is visiting with their realtor, but only doing the walkthrough one at a time. Because of social distancing rules, several people from different households may not be allowed inside the home at the same time.

So, you might be in a situation where you may need to view the house, wait outside for the realtor to also view it, and then discuss outside, where it’s safe. It’s a pretty good compromise that favors safety, but still allows you to go through the proper process.

1. Buyer priorities have shifted

The other thing that’s hot on buyers’ list? Seamless remote work amenities – in the suburbs. That most people look for space in their new homes is not a secret, but the pandemic has turned that from a desire into a requirement for a lot of buyers.

With everyone working from home this year and next year – or perhaps even long-term – most buyers want at least an extra room they can dedicate to a workspace or home office. Chances are you are looking for the same thing, in which case, get ready to pay more for what you want. Single-family home with 3 to 4 bedrooms are getting snatched up quick.

Stable, reliable internet connections are also a concern. If you’re going to be moving to the suburbs and work from home long-term, the last thing you want is to move into an area that gets spotty internet coverage. Michigan luckily benefits from pretty good access, but if that’s important to you, then you need to prioritize it. If you get stuck somewhere with poor services, there’s no telling when you’ll be able to solve that.

1. Inspection & appraisal may not be as thorough

Unfortunately, social distancing rules and an overall concern for safety may also mean you won’t be allowed to attend the inspection and appraisal. Moreover, the appraisal may not be done in a traditional way at all. Instead, the solution seems to be to perform a drive-by appraisal and rely on other similar homes in the neighborhood to judge your home by.

Understandably, this can create some feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, because buyers often feel that their potential home hasn’t had the thorough investigation it would normally have, which may lead to problems being overlooked and discovered later down the line. However, in absence of alternative options, buyers must simply accept this fact and the potential risk if they want to purchase at this time.

Bottom line

Like everything else in 2020, buying a home during a pandemic is different, and not always easy. While the basic process is still the same, you have to be aware of a lot of aspects that are shifting, from priorities to interest rates, and even some essential parts of the process, like viewings and inspections.

Buying a home during a pandemic may require you to compromise on some things, so if you’re not ready to do that, you may consider sitting it out until this situation has passed. If you decide to move forward, at least you’re fully informed on what awaits you.

Tom Stachler is a state of Michigan Licensed Broker selling homes and condo in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti and Milan and surrounding area real estate markets.  Call us today to get information about your home value or finding your dream home .  Use Tom's 30+ years of experience to successfully negotiate and transaction today.  

Upsizing in Retirement: 3 Major Reasons
to Purchase a Larger Home

(Photo via Pexels)

More often than not, the discussion of Buying a home in retirement usually centers around downsizing. In 2017, 12% of home buyers aged 45-64 decided to downsize their homes (as reported by PressConnects.com). Moving to a smaller dwelling offers the benefit of reduced cleaning and maintenance, less clutter, and affordability.

However, when it comes to home buying, one size certainly doesn’t fit all. Whether you recently retired, or have been retired for years, there are many valid reasons for doing just the opposite of downsizing: upsizing.

To see if upsizing is the right decision for you, read more from Ann Arbor real estate expert Tom Stachler about the three major reasons to purchase a larger home.

Starting a home business

For some, the definition of a fulfilling retirement doesn’t include bonus leisure time. In fact, AARP reports that more retirees are becoming entrepreneurs than ever before.

If you plan to enter the world of business ownership, it is important to consider whether your current home can fully accommodate your needs. This is especially true for those who plan to open a business that requires inventory storage, or who will be selling heavily regulated products (e.g. baked goods, meals).

Also, be sure that your home business complies with all licensing regulations. This can be extremely important if you want to form a Michigan LLC (which offers tax advantages and the benefit of limited liability). Because each state has different rules related to forming an LLC, do your research prior to moving ahead. To save time, money, and effort, use a formation service as an alternative to expensive hourly lawyer fees.

Accommodating the whole family

Nothing is better than spending quality time with loved ones. If you’ve welcomed new in-laws and grandchildren over the years, your current space may no longer suit your family’s needs.

Many retirees desire more space to accommodate their children, their children’s spouses, and their grandkids. If you want enough rooms and square footage to entertain, host overnight visitors, and make memories for years to come, upsizing could be the right choice at this stage in your life.

Pursuing a cherished hobby

Have a hobby that could take up an entire room (or two)? If your existing home no longer allows you to pursue a cherished hobby due to space constraints, it might be an excellent time to buy something larger. With time to dedicate to this passion, why not see how far you can take it?

If your spouse also has a hobby that could benefit from extra space, you’ll definitely want to explore properties that can accommodate both of your wants and needs.

Factors to consider when searching for the right home

If one (or more) of the above apply to you, it could be time to find an upsized space to call your own.

As you plan your move, start by calculating your budget. You can use an online calculator to help determine your monthly budget/mortgage payment. Be sure to factor in the estimated equity from the sale of your current home.

Also, make a wish list of features you’d like in your new home. Consider how much land, rooms, and square footage you want. Think about the specific features you’ll need for entertaining, running a business, fully realizing your hobby, and so on. Next, connect with agent Tom Stachler, who can help you zero in on Ann Arbor properties that fit the bill as you begin your search.

No matter your vision, the right upsized home can help your retirement be the most joyful and rewarding time of your life. Whether you want to make more amazing memories with your family, or fully realize a lifelong dream, a home suited to your needs awaits.

Want to upsize to a stunning home in Ann Arbor? Tom Stachler is the area’s leading real estate professional, with over 30 years of experience in the local community. Get started by calling 734-996-0000.

But we may still have to adapt the way we distribute candy, as CDC officials maintain that having children head door to door comes with the most risk this Halloween. With consideration to families wishing to celebrate the holiday this year, the CDC breaks down activities that carry more risk than other socially-distanced options. These kinds of plans are considered among "higher risk" for Americans:

1. Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door.
2. Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.
3. Attending crowded costume parties held indoors.
4. Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.
5. Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.
6. Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19.

CDC officials say risk can be lowered in a multitude of ways, mainly by keeping activities to your own home or backyard, or in a controlled walk around the neighborhood. Carving pumpkins, decorating your home inside and on the front porch as well as in the backyard, virtual Halloween costume contests, or movie nights at home. The lowest risk comparative to traditional trick-or-treating may be doing a "scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance."

As more information about the coronavirus pandemic develops, some of the information in this story may have changed since it was last updated. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the online resources provided by the CDC, WHO, and your local public health department. You can view the CDC's full Halloween safety guidelines here.

The main risks when it comes to trick-or-treating are:

While the CDC offers many different alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating, if you're still thinking about organizing a trick-or-treat outing, independent health experts say these considerations should be front of mind. The most significant risk may hinge on who you're actually trick-or-treating with, because close contact is defined as those "who are within six feet of you for more than 10 to 15 minutes," Dr. Kesh explains.

1. Joining a big group of trick-or-treaters: Planning to team up with a group of friends to trick-or-treat this Halloween? Know that visiting people from another household or staying close together for hours on end brings with it a risk of transmission, especially in tight quarters where kids can't keep their masks on (no haunted houses this year!).
2. Face-to-face exposure: Hopefully, your "trick or treat?" interaction at any given doorway or front porch is very brief, which means there's less risk here. But the more households you visit, the greater the chance that germs may be spread and linger — especially as others head from door to door, too.
3. Touching candy, toys, doors and other surfaces: It's the least concerning risk for parents, as washing your hands frequently (or using hand sanitizer) can prevent little ones from carrying germs home. Parents should be concerned if their child is likely to rub their eyes, pick their nose, or put their fingers in their mouth while out and about with dirty hands.

Is it safe to trick or treat with friends?

House parties (or any event involving welcoming your neighbors into your home) aren't safe by any means, Dr. Kesh explains. But you can limit the COVID-19 risks associated with trick-or-treating outside your home by making sure your trick-or-treat group stays small. "I wouldn't have a big pack of 10 kids from school going out together; I would limit it to 3 or 4 kids at most, and choose those who you know have also been practicing social distancing," Dr. Kesh explains, adding that some families may choose to trick-or-treat alone simply because they have at-risk family members at home.

And of course, wear a mask. Since Halloween already involves plenty of masks, it should be easy to incorporate a face covering into your child's costume, Dr. Kesh says. Nearly all parents should also be wearing a face mask, too, but if a costume involves a mask that doesn't sufficiently cover the face, consider skipping it altogether in favor of a regular cloth mask. "Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe," the CDC advises. "Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask."

Other ways to keep your trick-or-treating session safe:

• Establish ground rules. "Your child shouldn't be digging around a candy bowl, touching multiple pieces. Ask them to choose one and stick with it," Dr. Kesh advises. "And while it's hard to ask kids not to run around the street, you should ask them to stay as far away from people outside of your household, to continue to do social distancing even outside."
• Don't share props, toys or bowls. Keep the swords, wands and tiaras from being passed around if you can. Ask each of your children to hold onto their own candy bags.
• Bring hand sanitizer, and practice not touching your face. "It's always good to take a break, do a check in and give kids some hand sanitizer to clean their hands between multiple homes," Dr. Kesh adds. This is also an opportunity to give kids a break from wearing a mask if they need it, in a safe spot away from others where they can remove their mask with clean hands.

Should I answer the door for trick-or-treaters?

You're not a holiday grinch if you decide to skip handing out candy this year. "The best thing you can do to reduce your risk is to limit your interaction with others as much as possible," explains Molly Hyde, MHS, CIC, an infection control practitioner in Maryland-based GBMC Healthcare. "If you are going to hand out candy in person, make sure you are wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth when giving out candy."

Hyde says COVID-19 risk is lower if the face-to-face interaction is kept short, but you can also wash your hands frequently to ensure you're not accidentally bringing germs back into your house. It goes without saying that you should also keep all strangers outside of your home, and on your front porch or in your front yard instead. Dr. Kesh adds that at the end of the night, it might be a good idea to disinfect any doorknobs, doorbells, buzzers or other high-touch surfaces outside your home.

Should I use a candy bowl this Halloween?

If you're anxious about COVID-19, a candy bowl is a perfectly acceptable solution for trick-or-treaters and their hosts. "If you're at higher risk for severe coronavirus symptoms, I think a candy bowl is the way to go, especially if you live in a high transmission area," Dr. Kesh explains. As a courtesy to your neighbors, you might consider grouping candy in grab-and-go bags that each visitor can take — it reduces the need for kids to reach into a communal bowl. You can have a bit of fun creating Halloween goodie bags that can be simply left on your porch for visitors to take.

Should I travel to a different neighborhood to trick or treat or for an event?

The short answer: No. Officials at the CDC say that traveling to a seasonal locale for trick-or -treating or any sort of local event tied to Halloween is among the riskiest things you can do this year. The reasoning for that, Dr. Kesh explains, is that every community has a different rate of infection or COVID-19 spread. Traveling can either contribute to an outbreak in local cases in your destination, or should you become sick, your Halloween excursion could cause an uptick in cases in your own neighborhood when you return.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL COMMUNITIES:

States have different regulations for visitors from neighboring states and travelers in general (AARP has compiled a master list right here). You should refrain from using public transportation to pursue trick-or-treating, but you may be able to visit locally sponsored drive-by parades or socially distanced community events in your state by car. If your family has an annual Halloween tradition that pulls you to an attraction or event in a nearby state, check the organizers' COVID-19 response first before you plan to head out this year — there's a good chance that safety guidelines has caused them to cancel altogether.

Should I disinfect my child's candy?

Don't freak out if your child rips open a chocolate bar and pops it into their mouth while trick-or-treating. "It isn't thought to be transmitted this way, but we always worry about the risk of touching something that's carrying infected matter," Dr. Kesh explains. "Try to really encourage your kids to hold off on eating candy until you get home, and make sure they wash their hands first."

It's true that SARS-CoV-2 particles can last up to 72 hours on plastic surfaces, but this landmark discovery was made in a laboratory setting, and most Halloween candy holds less surface area to harbor germs. Disinfecting each candy wrapper may be a bit over the top, Dr. Kesh explains, especially since you can naturally allow any potentially infectious surface germs to die off with time. "Something that you can also do is to put most of the candy away for the first three days that it's in your home, and then the rest of the candy is safe to eat after the time has passed," she advises.

Looking to Buy or sell your home in the Spring?  Time to get started to do it Right.

Tom Stachler is a Michigan licensed Real Estate Broker working in communities surround Ann arbor, Dexter, Milan, Saline, Chelsea, Ypsilanti house and condo marketing and sale home opportunities.  Contact us for more real estate related advice, listing and purchase plans and more.  

As you spend more time at Home it’s important to organize your home in a way that fits the new normal. Organizing your space allows you to spend less time searching for lost items that could easily be found in a clutter free space. From searching through random papers, old mail, or receipts to allowing clutter to pile up on the dining table or at the front door, it’s simply too easy to let clutter take over spaces in your home. Finding solutions to keep clutter at bay and frequently used items handy, can be done in a host of creative ways.

See the best tips for leaving unnecessary stress behind in a short period of time with 10 quick and clever ways to get organized.

1. Add storage below your seating.

Create extra room under a couch, chair, or bench. Choose a repurposed set of the following to add storage:

• Baskets
• Bins
• Totes
• Crates

2. Create a "drop zone" near your entryway.

Clear a messy entryway by giving common items a home near the door. You can use an end or side table and add containers for storage like:

• Baskets
• Fabric Bins
• Galvanized Tubs
• Colorful Buckets

3. Organize your coffee table for creative storage.

Add deceptively beautiful multipurpose storage items to your coffee table to create orderly space for remotes and other commonly used items in your living room and den. Great tabletop storage items include:

• Shadow Boxes
• Jewelry Boxes
• Decorative Bowls
• Wooden and Metallic Trays

4. Create a cleaning caddy.

Cleaning supplies can take up a large amount of space in cabinets and closets. You can condense the space for these items by creating an easy to carry caddy that includes your cleaning supplies like gloves, sponges, bottles and brushes. Great repurposed containers for this include:

• Galvanized Tubs
• Colorful Buckets
• Shower Caddy
• Plastic Container

5. Corral the junk in the junk drawer by creating zones.

The junk drawer is the home for many miscellaneous and like items. You can create zones of similar or related items to bring order to the chaos of the junk drawer. Repurpose the following to optimize drawer space:

• Plates
• Bowls
• Small Platters
• Small cups

6. Expand your linen closet space by using every part of the closet.

From towels to sheets to everything in-between, the linen closet can become a clutter magnet. Bring extra organization and save space by adding items to break up the shelves. Try repurposing the following items:

• Towel rack
• Book Ends
• File Sorter
• Baskets or Bins

7. Corral your cords into a tidy space.

Most modern households have a plethora of devices that often create a tumbleweed of cords. A few items repurposed from the junk drawer can help you organize your cords like:

• Zip Ties
• Rubber Bands
• Hinge Clips
• Twist Ties

8. Repurpose unconventional items for shelving.

Think vertical for shelf storage. Shelving does not have to be on the wall or in the form of a traditional shelving unit. Consider repurposing these household items to give your room a touch of charm and knick-knacks a new home:

• Drying Rack
• Crib Side Rails
• Ladders
• Tiered Trays

9. Use office supplies and household items to organize the pantry.

Ready to bring order to the pantry? Surprisingly, office supplies and other household items can find an encore career in the kitchen pantry bringing order to pot lids and soup cans alike. Try repurposing these items:

• Tension Rods
• Magazine File or Holder
• Magazine Rack
• Curtain Rods

10. Add room in your closet for your accessories with repurposed closet and bathroom storage items.

Hangers are meant for more than clothing and hooks or rods can work beyond the bathroom. You can place sunglasses, scarves, jewelry and more on hangers and hooks. Try repurposing these items in your closet instead of throwing them away:

• Shower Curtain Hooks
• Shower Curtain Rings
• Towel Rods and Racks
• Extra Hangers

No matter which room you want to tackle, the ten ideas in this article can help you get organized in quick, clever and creative ways. Keep in mind, you don’t have to organize your home in a day. You can conquer clutter as time allows in 30, 15, or even 5-minute increments that work well with your busy schedule.

Some additional Sources

https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/52-totally-feasible-ways-to-organize-your-entire-h
https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/24-home-organization-ideas-under-5-minutes/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/g2911/linen-closet-organization-tricks/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/tips/g2610/best-organizing-tips/
https://www.womansday.com/home/organizing-cleaning/tips/g3310/how-to-get-organized/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2016/01/01/11-clever-ways-to-organize-your-stuff/#6075bf272803
https://www.onecrazyhouse.com/organize-accessories/

Tom Stachler is a licensed Michigan Broker with over 30 years experience in the helping people find their dream home or condo in and around the Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Milan, Ypsilanti areas.  Note the contact link and other resources for assistance today.  

Looking for a Home to fulfill your needs is important, and if you're a parent with children you'll also want to find a home that fulfills the needs of your family. While the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is always important, there are other home features that can either make or break everyday life. If you're in the market for a new home to support your current or growing family, consider the items below as you make your decision.

Bedroom Placement

Sure, the number of bedrooms in a home is important to ensure that your family is comfortable, but the placement of the bedrooms is important too. If you're just starting your family, you may want to find a home where the master bedroom is close to the other rooms to allow quick and easy access to babies or smaller children. If your kids are older, a home with a master bedroom away from the other rooms might be better for privacy for all family members.

Floor Plan

When it comes to a family home, the floor plan of the house is just as important as the number of bedrooms. For families with younger children, having an open floor plan can help parents keep track of a little one easier than a home with many different rooms. Also, if you're looking for a home with a backyard, finding a house that has easy sight-lines into the backyard and multiple access points can make life a lot easier should your child(ren) be playing in the backyard and need assistance.

The Location

While you may already know what area you want to live in, the location of the home is also important. If you have children, finding a home on a quiet street is desirable if you know your kids will play outside. A cul-de-sac is a great option for families. Other good options are small communities, quiet neighborhoods, side streets in urban areas, or homes on a large lot if you have to live on a busy road. Another thing to consider is whether or not the community has sidewalks. Sidewalks are crucial for those with small children and pets as they provide a buffer between you and traffic.

The Lot

The land a home sits on can play a large part in the enjoyment of the property. If you have children, Buying a home with a sloped yard can be troublesome, especially if the home is on an extreme hill. Outdoor activities are limited, and even yard upkeep can be burdensome. A sloped driveway can be an issue if you have to get a baby in and out of the car, or if you have a young child that needs assistance getting into the vehicle. For those with children, a home on a flat lot can be a lot more convenient in the long run.

Amenities

Amenities are important to all homeowners, parents and couples alike. When it comes to families, sure it's nice to live close to restaurants and grocery stores, but there are other amenities that should be factored in. Finding a home that's within walking distance to a park or outdoor area is extremely nice, especially if you have young children that require a stroller, diaper bag and all the other items that come along with small kids. Another amenity to consider when looking for a home is the proximity to medical offices or a hospital. Kids hurt themselves and get sick often - having an easy commute to the doctor can help calm an already stressful situation.

Finding a home to fulfill all your needs as a family can be tricky. Before you begin your search, write down all the items you know you need and want in a property and share them with your agent. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, [email protected] If you know what you want and you're ready to go, head to my website, www.TheRealtyTour.com to find your new home!

Tom Stachler is a licensed Michigan Broker with over 30 years of experience finding homes, condos and commercial property for real estate buyers in the Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, Chelsea and their surrounding markets.  Contact us today for all your realty and homes search needs.