Covid 19 Updates and Resources

Written By Georgia Kaye
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RESOURCES FOR SAN DIEGANS DURING COVID-19

IF YOU FEEL THE CALL TO HELP:

Support Small and Local Businesses

Most local businesses have already lost massive amounts of revenue as people self-quarantine, and with the mandated closure of bars and restaurants and other public spaces businesses are facing potentially weeks worth of lost income. The local businesses that are so integral to the fabric and character of our communities may not have the margin to survive. 

How you can help: 

  1. Buy a gift card to use later, or better yet to gift to someone whose income has taken a hit.

  2. Order delivery or curbside takeout from your favorite local restaurants.

  3. Check if your local farmer's market vendors are selling online. Check out marketboxsd.com

  4. Shop at your favorite local retail stores online.

  5. Tip well.

  6. Keep paying the people who work for you. Your house cleaners, gardeners, piano tutors and nannies are being hit hard as their clients cancel during their social isolation. If you need to cancel, consider sending them their normal fee via venmo, anyway.

  7. Signup for that membership you've been wanting. If you've been thinking of getting a membership to a local attraction or nonprofit, now is a great time to do so.

  8. Reschedule, don't cancel. If you've had to reconsider services such as home maintenance, beauty appointments or events you are planning, consider rescheduling instead of cancelling.

  9. Be kind. Follow your favorite local businesses on social media. Take a few minutes of your extra time at home and leave them great reviews. Say thank you and offer grace and patience with others.

Be a Good Neighbor

It's likely that you have neighbors and people close to you in your community who are older, immunocompromised or are in need of taking extra precautions during this time for other reasons.

  1. If you are going to the store or the pharmacy, send out a text or give them a call and see if you can pick up anything for them while you're out. You can leave items at their door to reduce risk of exposure.

  2. If you’re fairly tech-savvy, offer unique assistance to people who aren’t. Skills that many people take for granted—like, say, knowing how to order groceries online, deal with a pharmacy’s automated phone system, or recognize fake news—are not given realities for some older people. Keep this in mind if you’re feeling like you don’t have anything useful to offer right now, or if your own health concerns mean you can’t be too hands-on with your neighbors. Let them know what you’re offering—maybe it’s just that they can call you if they need help navigating a particular website, or perhaps you’re willing to just do certain tasks for them online if that’s easiest for everyone.

  3. You may also want to consider reaching out to your local food pantries and non-profits for at-risk individuals and see whether they are accepting donations. Supply shortages are greatly affecting our most at-risk citizens including disabled folks, single parents and low income workers going without a paycheck.

  4. Lastly, consider helping out with childcare for your family and close friends. With schools likely closed until the Fall, many parents are struggling. For those working from home - they are struggling to balance homeschooling with their new schedule and they could use a break. For others, they are forced to still go into work and childcare is hard to come by. If you're able to lend a hand to a parent even for an hour, they would be eternally grateful.

 

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW COULD USE SOME HELP:

San Diego 211 - Community Resources Non-Profit

For nutritional assistance, mortgage/rent or utility payment assistance, mental health assistance, accessing free childcare, home internet, or receiving unemployment benefits during this time go to 211.org or dial 211 to speak to someone who can connect you with resources.

If you have been laid off or are going with reduced or no pay

Filing for unemployment with the EDD is your best bet at this time - you can apply if you have lost your job or if you have had your hours or wages cut significantly. The state is working on relief for affected people but no measures have been approved yet.

Relief is on the Way

Nothing has been passed yet, but legislators are working on a plan to stimulate the economy and provide relief to small business owners and individuals. Keep up on the news about an economic relief package and be sure to take all necessary steps to apply for assistance when the time comes.

MAKING THE BEST OF THIS TIME:

Check out these links I've handpicked for you:

For the Kids

If You're Missing the Gym

If You've Got a Little Extra Time on Your Hands

STATE OF SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE:

As for how this pandemic is affecting real estate, there is much that remains to be seen. Here is what we know... We haven't seen a huge impact locally, yet. If you are able to refinance your home or are prepared to buy a home right now, the timing is very good. Interest rates are lower than they've ever been since Freddie Mac began tracking in 1972. Home values have risen over the last 12 months, however with the drop in interest rates you could be paying hundreds of dollars per month less on your mortgage compared to this time last year and the buyer pool is likely to be less competitive than usual.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That being said, many workers are vulnerable to lay-offs and closures so we'll need to keep a close eye on unemployment numbers. With the drop off in the stock market, many would-be buyers are seeing their savings dwindle and may need to put their purchases on hold. There's also the more practical issue of social distancing and the ways in which that could restrict home buying simply because showings are grinding to a halt.

Of course, I’ve been asked “How do I sell my home at this time?” Homes are still selling. If you need to get a jump on selling your home, we can video conference, instead of an in-home selling consultation if you prefer. I’ll likely have enough information to list it for sale with a quick tour on your phone, tablet, or laptop. We may be able to sell it without showings, too. There are individuals and companies who will buy your home outright. I can refer you to those companies and shop the offers. We can also use 3D tours and virtual walkthroughs to show your home to buyers digitally. If we do need to show your home, I’ll provide a hand washing station and anything else the CDC recommends to lower everyone's risk of infection. Safety is my #1 priority for you.

I’m here to guide you and make fact-based, researched decisions if you need to sell your home, or buy one, since life must go on for those in situations who need to move. That may be you or someone you know. I have your back.
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If this does cause a market slow down, it's likely to be temporary as it would have the effect of creating pent-up demand as the market rebounds and social restrictions lift. We will get through this together.

I’m here to help if you need anything. Let me know. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Georgia Kaye
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February 2020 - San Diego Real Estate Market Update