Hello friends! The first half of 2020 is almost behind us. Part of the year is a blur due to COVID-19. Despite the blur, my digital calendar reminds me of what I've been up to:
The year started off with a bang. January and February were filled with buyers, sellers, inspections, and closings. I stayed busy with volunteer activities, networking meetings, and seminars. Plus, I completed my Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation at the end of February.
March, as the expression goes, came in like a lion. Surrounding states were experiencing coronavirus outbreaks. Spring break was in full force in the south, and many residents were vacationing on the beaches and mountains. Mississippi's first case was diagnosed March 12. Our 
governor declared a state of emergency March 14. Everything from hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, Lysol and certain foods were sold out. People panicked because supplies were hard to find.
Governor Reeves declared a shelter-in-place order for the State of Mississippi on April 1. Non-essential businesses were required to close. School let out for the remainder of the year while parents began home schooling. Mississippi real estate professionals were declared "essential", so we were able to work. Zoom calls became the norm. Instead of birthday parties, we planned drive-by birthday celebrations, drive-by senior appreciation days, etc.
Attorneys offices remained open, but buyers and sellers signed documents in their vehicles. Applications with lenders were taken online and over the phone. Masks were made and worn for showings. Sellers and Realtors scrambled to provide hand sanitizer for showings.
By May, everyone was frustrated with being sheltered. A Zoom call was scheduled almost daily for one group or another. (Once excited about zoom calls, I have grown weary of them.) Businesses began to reopen. My daytime hours were filled with work. My night-time activities consisted of staying home. But there was a little excitement. Along with the activity for my "regular" clients, I became a client, too. I purchased a fixer-upper in a neighborhood affordable for first-time buyers, and am excited to make it beautiful.
June brings the reopening of businesses and restaurants. We are advised to remain safe, wear a mask, etc., but at the time of this post, coronavirus numbers are on the rise. Senior citizens in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc., remain sheltered in place. Friends and families cannot visit. Thankfully, I was able to join the Fathers Day parades for two facilities, which was the highlight of my weekend. Seeing the joy in the residents faces and waving to them was such a treat.
Despite COVID-19, it's a sellers market. People are moving and homes in Central Mississippi sell fast, sometimes in multiple offer situations. The coronavirus has changed HOW we do business, but we continue to represent our clients while taking the necessary precautions to remain safe.
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