See how important it is to love where you live?

March 2020 - Issue 29

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This lovely image by Mad Paperie

It's officially spring.

This year, the vernal (or spring) equinox fell just before midnight on March 19 - earlier than it has in the lifetime of anyone reading this. Since 1896, in fact.

There is an explanation involving leap years and leap centuries and resetting calendars every four centuries. It's pretty geeky but, if you're like my husband and enjoy that kind of thing, you can find it all spelled out HERE.

The big news, obviously, is the COVID-19 pandemic. Things are in a state of flux and, unfortunately, likely to get worse before they get better.

Please, take this situation seriously. While panicking will help no one, being cautious will help everyone. And not being cautious could do a great deal of harm.

I wish you safety and I wish you good health. And I wish you the joy of loving where you live.

xo-

817.903.1112

debra@debrabarrett.com

p.p.s. - please share Harmonious Home Adventures with friends and family (everyone deserves to love where they live!). Just hit the "forward" button on your email. They can sign up here:

Staying Home Shows How Important it is to

Love Where You Live

Complying with the Centers for Disease Control recommendations may mean staying home a lot more than you normally do.

Not to make light of a serious situation, but if you're going to be stuck at home, it really helps if you love being there.

And if you don't? Well, this would be a good opportunity to figure out why not. Jot down some notes about the aspects of your house that just aren't working for you or that you'd be happier changing.

Once things get back to something more like normal, you can look into making the adjustments that will make you more comfortable in your surroundings - or you'll have begun a wish list to help in shopping for a new place.

Or, if you identify something that's just not right and it's something you can remedy while you're home - do it!

My husband and I are following the CDC recommendations for self-quarantine because we recently came home from a country designated as Level 3. In addition to working from home, we decided to re-hang a gallery wall - something we had been meaning to take care of for some time.

Current State of the Market and

What Does the Future Hold?

It's clear that, at least for the present, the market is active. Between March 12 and March 19, 218 homes in Fort Worth went under option. That's significant activity.

Of course, no one knows exactly how the pandemic will affect the real estate market. It's clear, however, that major real estate institutions recognize the need for patience and adaptability.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD announced that they are suspending foreclosures and evictions for at least sixty days to accommodate the difficulties many will face in these frightening and uncertain times. Many states and local governments are doing likewise.

The fact that governments and institutions recognize home ownership as vital to our economy is cause for optimism about our collective ability to weather this storm together.

Stay Safe

For now, let's all do what we can to flatten the curve and help keep our healthcare facilities from becoming overwhelmed.

You know the drill: wash your hands well and frequently, use alcohol-based sanitizer, keep at least six feet from other people, avoid gatherings. For heaven's sake, if you're sick, stay home unless your symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room - in which case, go there.

Support local businesses and restaurants with pick up and delivery options. Be generous.

Take it seriously. Use common sense. Be kind. Be considerate. And be safe.