Everyone knows the phrase, “Careful what you wish for…”
Well, something that I had been wishing for before the pandemic was a bit more balance, more time with the family, a little more time for myself. Now that I have that I am very grateful. But, I’m also very stressed and worried.
What I worry about is the health of my family, friends, colleagues, and clients. I’m sure you can relate.
I have a 99-year-old grandmother who is alone in a nursing home because only essential visitors are allowed. I worry about her being bored and getting more stressed out because of all the isolation. As someone with mild dementia and depression, she needs human contact and activity even more so. But for obvious reasons, her activities have been cancelled, meals are being delivered to her room rather than in the dining room, and she can no longer use any of the facilities.
I worry about the repercussions for those who are far less fortunate than I am. After all, I have the luxury of being able to enjoy this time with my family, with plenty of food and all the comforts we enjoy. I was once one of the vulnerable and thinking of them now brings tears to my eyes. It may have been 30 years ago, but we don’t forget living life that way.
I worry for my renter client whose landlord is trying to force her to allow buyer visits while she and her young daughter are self-isolating at home. Thankfully, we found her a condo to buy a few weeks ago. She has been under terrible stress since her landlord listed the property and has been harassing her. This new reality is a huge added stress. Imagine if strangers were insisting on coming into your 600 sq. ft apartment where you are living? How can you protect yourself and your child when your landlord is allowing people to enter what is supposed to be your safe space during this period?
I worry about my clients who purchased their new homes and are set to close in the coming weeks. We have clauses to protect them now, but when things were calm 3 weeks ago there was nothing in place. And what if they still need to sell their homes in these uncertain times? Don’t get me started on that one because it is a hot topic amongst realtors even more so than the general public.
So how am I dealing with this all? I am trying to prioritize and create balance. Sounds like a theme in my life, right?
During the short window of time before self-isolating, I met with clients who needed my help as a priority before I left the city. We appropriately socially distanced and got done whatever was necessary. I have been staying in touch every day with clients so that we can analyze what has changed and how that impacts our strategy. We have very open conversations and I am clear that in these unprecedented times we are going to have to remain fluid. I don’t have all the answers, but they know I will hold their hands (figuratively speaking) through whatever comes their way.
I stocked up at the first rumblings of the virus coming to Canada (appropriately, no hoarding here) on an assortment of food and supplies so that I could feed my family healthfully and hopefully not have to return to a grocery store for as long as possible. I also bought some books so that I could try to take advantage of some downtime.
Having my kids around and my partner’s kids around is a pleasure. While we are all working, we are also socializing, helping each other, exercising together, cooking and eating together, and snuggling with the pets.
So, I did get some of what I wished for – but along with some challenges that I wasn’t expecting. This experience is uncertain and bittersweet. But I know that focusing on the good things and what I can control makes it easier.
If you are trying to navigate the home buying or selling process during this strange time, feel free to reach out to me. I’ll do my best to help in whatever way I can.
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