Love + Peace. Health + Safety.
First of all, I hope everyone is well, healthy and safe. Three agents on The Hoffman Team have caught COVID-19 thus far, but thank goodness, they are almost at full recovery.
Hats off to all the doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, staff, orderlies and volunteers who are working so hard during this daunting, uncharted time. There is a shortage of meals for these heroes of ours, and a friend of mine started www.meals4heroes.org to help. Please check it out. These hospital heroes are doing selfless, miraculous work for all of us. So let’s feed them!
The head-spinning about-face on not just the markets but on life as we know it.
During the strong real estate activity in December, January, and February, buyers (finally) made a real push to buy. Sellers (finally) adjusted price points to meet those buyers. And the New York City real estate market was (finally) coming back … and then the coronavirus began wreaking havoc on life as we know it.
So, where do we stand now? In New York City real estate — as with everything — it’s too early to tell. It's day by day.
The first week of the lockdown showed almost 1,200 apartments taken off the market by agents. At the time I am writing this newsletter, sales inventory in New York City shows about 5,600 units on the market. Normally at this time, we would have about 7,500 units available, a figure that would grow rapidly through April and May as the spring market plowed ahead. But not this spring.
Currently, some contracts are still getting signed. However, we won’t have details on discounts or percent off asking price for these deals until late Q3 2020.
The industry is acclimating to virtual listings and virtual showings. It’s learning how to orchestrate virtual board packages, virtual board interviews, and virtual closings. It’s all new territory. Everything is fluid. All aspects of life are day by day. We’re all learning as we go — and we’re doing it safely, from a distance, in our homes. As the days, weeks, months go on, we will get a clearer picture of things to come.
But one thing is for sure — when we get this coronavirus under control (and we will!), we will be on the road to what many say will be a swift recovery! And we’ll also have a lot of knowledge and tools that we can use if trouble should arise in the future.
However, for now, all we can do is focus on our immediate goals, which are to stay safe, stay quarantined, and show love and patience to your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. We will get through this together. #worldstrong
Virtual Happenings
Travel the World...From Your Couch!
Although we may be temporarily grounded, thanks to the internet, we can tour the world right from our living rooms! Explore our country's beautiful National Parks, zip over to Chile to explore its Natural Wonders, and even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Read Thrillist's full list of virtual travel experiences here. No passport needed!
Virtual NYC
Experience the best of NYC virtually! NYC & Company has launched Virtual NYC, an online resource that rounds up museums, galleries, comedy clubs, theaters, and other venues that you can experience virtually. Click here for dozens of ways to connect with your favorite NYC attractions from home or wherever you’re socially distancing right now.
Virtual Family Attractions Across the US
Visit your favorite zoo, aquarium, or theme park — and explore new ones — virtually with the whole family! Forbes has rounded up a list of destinations across the country that you can explore today. Click here to view the full list.
Keep New York working!
By donating, you are not only providing a much-needed service to the medical professionals but also keeping New York City's small businesses alive.
Why meals?
Every hospital in the city has been transformed by the coronavirus and the overwhelming number of patients in need.
With the long hours and endless need, the hospitals are overwhelmed and the medical professionals have little time to care for themselves to meet their own basic needs. By providing meals, we are caring for their health and showing we appreciate the work they do to help keep us safe.
News; Tips & Tricks
Congratulations, Compass!
Last month, The Wall Street Journal / REAL Trends, named Compass the #1 independent brokerage in the United States and the #3 brokerage by sales volume for the second year in a row. See the rankings here.
Trend Alert: Mixing Neutrals With Emerald and Aqua
Whether you're looking for the light brightness of aqua or the rich dimension of emerald, these two jeweled hues are guaranteed to amp up your. While designers often suggest sticking to neutrals for your main furniture pieces, one statement piece in a bold color choice takes your living room from ho-hum to dazzling. HGTV's trend alert is everything we needed and more.
Missing Restaurant Quality Dining?
Check-in with your favorite restaurants and see if they offer 'cook at home' meals or meal kits like The Capital Grille.
Which now offers their finest wine and prime steaks for pick-up or delivery which can be ready-to-eat or prepared for cooking at home. More information here.
This Is How to Set the Most Beautiful Springtime Tablescape
Spring has finally sprung; the robins are emerging, and leaves and blossoms are beginning to unfurl on trees. U.K. illustrator Robin Lucas takes Architectural Digest into his abundant garden to find inspiration for the perfect seasonal party backdrop.
Stay Connected!
