A Message For My Friends
Our hearts go out to everyone that has been impacted by Covid-19. With limits placed on public gatherings, and so many of us at home or practicing social distancing, this is reshaping our lives in ways we never dreamed of.
For real estate, we are seeing historic low mortgage rates and new buying opportunities emerging in markets across the U.S. and Canada. To provide for the needs of our communities, we have taken steps to ensure that it's easier than ever to view homes for sale from the comfort and safety of your living room. For starters, our online MLS search systems are updated continuously throughout the day with the latest new listings, prices, photos and videos of properties, ensuring you get the most up-to-date information available. From there we fast-tracked new search options to make it even easier to locate homes with detailed video walk-thru tours. We even reshaped Open Houses by rapidly expanding opportunities to locate and arrange Virtual Open Houses, allowing you the ability to arrange a tour with your family from the comfort of your home.
These are unprecedented times, and we know how important it is to have a sense of security right now. We want you to have an easy and immediate real estate experience, free from concern or hesitation. We are doing our part to ensure that your search for a home is as safe and carefree as possible.
Making A Move Easier for Children
Moving is stressful, and that stress can be compounded if you have children. If your family is set to move, you can help ease fears and anxiety by being proactive and using the tips below to make the moving process as smooth as possible for you and your children.
Before
Helping ease the fears of children toward moving needs to start before the actual move. It's important to remember that it will take time and patience to help your kids through the moving process.
Before the move:
- If you are able to, take your kids house hunting and let them see the neighborhoods or communities you're looking at. Allow them to tour the properties with you.
- If you can't bring your child, take photos and make videos of the area to show them.
- Once you've picked a property, visit the home with your kid(s) before moving day – if you can, allow them to choose their new room.
- For younger children, get books about moving and prepare them by reading about the process together.
Including your children as much as possible can help them adjust and help them feel they have some control in the move. Make sure you encourage them to express their feelings and emphasize the importance of their feelings and that it's ok to be sad or scared if they're experiencing those emotions. Remember to share your positive feelings about the upcoming change.
During
Once moving day arrives keep your children active or occupied to make the moving process easier. If you have family or friends who can watch your children during the move, ask for help. If not, prepare ahead of time to make the day less stressful for you and them.
During the move:
- Let children pack – provide a box and let them pack some of the items they'd like to have in their new room.
- Have entertainment options ready – books, coloring sheets, a tablet or phone, handheld games, anything that can help keep their attention if they have to be present on moving day.
- Give your child a camera and let them document the day.
- If children are older, give them tasks to keep them involved.
- Make the day exciting by buying lunch or having special treats that kids wouldn't normally have.
- If you have younger children (like toddlers or preschoolers), do not make the move a time to also implement other changes like potty training or transitioning from a crib to a bed.
Moving day can be hectic and stressful. Remember to keep communication lines open with children and to help them feel remembered and involved. If your child has expressed sadness or anger toward the move, encourage them to talk about it and help ease their discomfort.
After
Adjusting to a new normal can take time, especially if the move is difficult for your kids. Help children become accustomed to their new home by exploring the neighborhood. Look for parks and playgrounds, check out the local library, see if there are any community centers, and join local playgroups to help your child acclimate to his/her new surroundings.
After the move:
- Unpack your child's room first, allowing him/her to choose where to put their items and to help them feel more at home in the new house.
- Have a picnic at the new home.
- Stick to your old schedule as much as possible – make sure meals and bedtime are at the same time every day to help establish the new schedule.
- Consider planning a visit back to the old neighborhood, if it's feasible.
- Communicate with schools or childcare centers to help get teachers involved in the transition process.
- If a child has a hard time adjusting, a family therapist can provide some helpful guidance.
Moving is rarely easy, especially for children. Be proactive and help make the move as stress-free as possible for you and your kids by planning ahead of time and keeping older children involved. Contact me david@laquintare.com or visit my website davidburke.bhhscaproperties.
