Real Estate Corner - VIBE MAGAZINE Summer/Fall 2020
By Bernadette Donohue, Contributing Author or REALTOR®

Being a passenger with a teenage driver, I am constantly aware that I have absolutely no control, at least over the brake and wheel. This has become a good reminder to me lately of the trust that we must place in others. Our society is built on trusting others, otherwise we would never get into a car (much less with a teenager driver). What keeps the traffic flowing and the oncoming cars from crossing the line, however, are not just the rules that our society has agreed upon, but also a human desire most have to survive, thrive, and not cause harm to others. While driving, we are required to wear safety belts and obey traffic signals,
which is also for the greater good. Following these common rules doesn't mean that we are inviting an accident to happen, nor are we preventing one, but in doing so we are taking an intentional measure to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and others, should an unfortunate incident occur, out of our control.

As part of the "no seat belt" generation, I fondly recall many a car ride where the nine of us would pile into the family station wagon and head to our summer vacation destination. With one kid in the front seat, between Mom and Dad (the lucky one who controlled the 8-track player), the rest of us fought between the middle seat (and who would stand on the hump), and the "way back." With suitcases loaded on top to make room for sleeping bags, pillows, games, books, and candy bags (plus some necessary spit up bags) we would lie around and sometimes jump between seats, never a worry about possible dangers. Those were the days well before highway accident statistics would influence then "new" safety rules, now commonplace.

Today we are being asked to adhere to some new rules that feel as uncomfortable as the early days of required seatbelts. There are people who feel their freedoms are being limited and are reluctant, obstinate, frustrated, and even angry. Others are doing their best to comply, albeit awkward, tense, or afraid of possible health risks and consequences of not doing so. These are surreal and unusual times for everyone, and while many may feel righteous in their opinions, it is through common sense, compassion, cooperation, and kindness towards others that we will navigate these bumpy and unpredictable new roads and rules together.

Real estate and affiliate offices rely on friendly competition, honest communication, and mutual respect—and I've never been prouder of the cooperation and leadership I have seen in my industry during these past months. While our new protocol has included limited contact, formal meetings turned into Zoom calls, and new virtual and electronic programs, we have strived collectively to make buying and selling a smooth process for all. Many of our showings start with video tours. Our in-person appointments have demanded the wearing of masks, gloves, and shoe covers to help ensure safety as we carefully move through the process of showings, inspections, financing, and appraisal in order to reach the closing table with a mutual goal of happy clients, even when the road to get there may be a bumpy one. Not unlike the rest of the community and nation, real estate offices and affiliated service providers have had to change their methods of operation for the common good.

With an extremely low inventory of homes, a pent-up buyer demand, and low interest rates, the current real estate market is hot, hot, hot. Well-priced properties may only last a few days or weeks, have multiple offers—and in some cases, will end up selling higher than full price. Although not every property can expect the same level of enthusiasm, with the help of a real estate advisor, buyers and sellers both can expect service with a smile (under a mask, of course). A professional real estate agent's role and goal are to help you put your best foot forward.

"While things may not look like "business as usual" for visitors, know that your patronage is what keeps our doors open and our area flourishing, for which we are grateful."

Knowing that we will all get through the hard times better if working together, the Mt. Washington Valley businesses are making extra efforts to support each other through the ups and downs of these  unprecedented times. While things may not look like "business as usual" for visitors, know that your patronage is what keeps our doors open and our area flourishing, for which we are grateful. Patience and understanding are also even more appreciated as we adapt to the changing rules of the road. One certainty of survival that will never change is the ability to trust in each other's best intentions. As we buckle up for unexpected twists and turns ahead of us, remember that a community collectively committed to compassion, cooperation, and kindness will help ensure we all arrive alive.

Bernadette Donohue is a seasoned professional, helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for the past 35 years. Bernie works for Badger Peabody & Smith Realty in North Conway, NH where she has dedicated her career and lifestyle to serving clients and the community with the heart of a mom. Bernie can be reached at (207) 542-9967, or by email at bernie@badgerrealty.com.