HOMELESS IN PARADISE

DO SOMETHING CHARITABLE AND LOVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

You have cabin fever.

You can’t get used to wearing a mask.

Your candidate lost.

Your cruise to the Caribbean got canceled due to COVID.

The toilet flushes during your work from home Zoom.

The company cut your pay by a fraction due to the pandemic.

These are minor problems. 

They are fractional reductions in quality of life while we heal physically, psychologically and politically.

People have lost their lives.

Households have lost every job that support them.

Vulnerable people are living each day in fear.

Back off the attitude.

Stop griping.

Search your soul for bias and bigotry -- erase whatever it is that’s causing those destructive thoughts and behaviors.

Do someone a favor.

Buy a grocery gift card for someone in need. Bonus points, do it anonymously.

Embrace life.

Embrace people.

Find something enchanting and interesting and life-affirming in someone who is completely different than you – It’s very easy to do.

Work to make the world a better place.

Do something hands-on to help those who are homeless, jobless, hopeless.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Super Solstice.

About the image: This was taken in the early morning in Downtown Miami. In the postcards boasting sun, sea and sand – Miami is a paradise. To the eyes of anyone who walks the Central Business District between the Miami River and Biscayne Bay – sidewalks, overhangs, vacant storefronts and space under bridges is home to hundreds of homeless people. Was it hard to take this picture? Yes. I walked past a half dozen times. But I am a street photographer and storyteller. As an advocate for people with disabilities in specific and marginalized people in general – I am compelled to tell stories (visually and in words) that are painful, sad and challenging. Harsh images, in turn, can help compel people to get involved in positive change. That is why I left this person to their hopefully peaceful slumber while capturing their heart-tugging image.

COVID-19 TEST EPIC FAIL AT MARLINS PARK IN MIAMI

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION, 3 HOURS AT SITE FOR 15 MINUTE TEST, 10 DAYS WITH NO TEST RESULTS AND ULTIMATELY LIED TO THAT WE WERE NEVER TESTED (WE HAVE PROOF THAT WE WERE THERE)

To check our health and make sure of our COVID status for those we come in contact with, we went online and scheduled appointments for the two of us.

We had that 8 a.m. first appointment of day 9-10, but took nearly 3 hours.

Follow up calls have produced an idiotic and painful answer that they have no record of our being there.

We have proof – online appointment print out, paper work plus grease pencil marking on back of our vehicle that they only do onsite.

It doesn’t matter, they failed and lie about it.

While we’re recounting the endless list of failures, here's a hint for testing site.

Don't blare loud music at tent where they draw blood/take nasal swab.

There is car engine, traffic, MIA flight path, generator noise.

You are talking through a mask, through your closed window to a person wearing a mask - no one can hear.

At free test site, train staff to accommodate people with disabilities.

Guy in charge did major discrimination, telling my wife to drive home without getting tested. I had to start phone video to make him responsive.

Tens of thousands of people with disabilities deserve better

Staff said they could not enter wheelchair ramp van to swab my wife and draw her blood.

They ignored my clear, booming voice explaining she could roll out the ramp (full or to top of it) to give them access to her same as rest of drivers rolling down their window.

Clueless, rude, discriminating staff forced delicate door to $75,000 wheelchair ramp without asking first.

This can cause damage, detected weeks later, that will destroy my wife's mobility.

Proof that we were persons tested #34 and #35 on September 10, 2020 at Marlins Park

To document this, I started taking video on my I-Phone.

The staff then threatened to remove me from the site without testing I kept exercising my basic American right of documenting incompetence and discrimination via video on my phone.

Got blood results onsite, (negative for both of us, bud advised that nasal swab results also must be read to know for sure) then told swab takes max four days for results.

Nothing online, so my wife calls to see what's up after four days.

She reached a totally unhelpful person who claimed she had zero record of our even having an appointment for September 10, when we wasted nearly half a day trying to get tested.

Worthless call to info number took more than an hour -- 20 minutes with an imbecile who insisted we had no appointment & were not tested (we have proof otherwise) then 40 minutes on hold waiting for a supervisor -- then hung up on before reaching a human.

We have no symptoms, but when you take the time to go in -- trying to be responsible -- you want to see your results.

My wife has multiple underlying conditions and is undergoing a treatment that lowers immunity.

She needs test results now.

To date, three wasted hours at Marlins Park (should take 15 minutes) = disability discrimination + unprofessional behavior + lost test results. 

My wife, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, needs results -- but it is clear that none are coming and the company making tens of millions off of testing for Florida could care less.

Who is going to fix this?

 

 

 

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 16

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

RESOURCES

National Association of REALTORS

https://www.nar.realtor/coronavirus

NAR FAQs

https://www.nar.realtor/political-advocacy/coronavirus-advocacy-faqs-re-transactions-independent-contractors-nar-grants

John Rosshirt/Stanberry

https://www.seeaustinareahouses.com

Ohio REALTORS

https://www.ohiorealtors.org/coronavirus-updates-and-information

Scott R. Williams, Ohio REALTORS CEO https://www.ohiorealtors.org/blog/1276/this-is-not-a-time-for-business-as-usual

Houston Association of REALTORS 

https://www.harconnect.com/2020/03/26/real-estate-in-a-coronavirus-world/

Will Doerlich/Realty One Group

http://www.rogtoday.com

Sara Briseno Gerrish/Beatric Briseno Team

https://www.remax.com/real-estate-teams/the-beatrice-briseno-team-san-antonio-tx/101894139

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 15

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

“I believe most people will still want to walk through what may be their largest purchase of their lives. These tools will not replace the knowledge and expertise that a REALTOR can provide in a transaction,” Gerrish said.

“We assist a lot of first-time home buyers and many have had their jobs affected.  

They are coming to us for guidance about how the Cares Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, that allocate $2.2 trillion in federal support to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic and economic downturn) can help them,” Gerrish said, noting that REALTORS – in good times and challenging ones -- help people find, afford, and protect their homes. 

“This is not the right time for everyone to buy or sell -- but if it is, we are trying to equip our agents with tech tools to be safe but also effective in this climate.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 13

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Regarding remote closings, we remain in continued communication with organizations representing real estate attorneys, financial institutions and title insurers to ensure that closings can continue across the state,” NCR’s Palmer added.

“This has included recommending clarifications to local orders to require that Register of Deeds offices remain open in some fashion, as well as any additional allowances for closings to be completed in a timely fashion.”

Sara Briseno Gerrish is broker-owner of a family-operated, boutique ReMax real estate office in San Antonio. She assists buyers, sellers and tenants, as well as managing the agents in her office.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 12

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

NC REALTORS, the statewide association in North Carolina, has an online platform that supports “Selling Homes from Home.” 

The resources, gathered from numerous sources including the National Association of REALTORS, discusses topics such as virtual showings and how to host virtual meetings. 

“Throughout the state, real estate has been both designated as and as not an essential business activity through local governments’ stay-at-home orders. This has resulted in a significant amount of disparity in how REALTORS are able to conduct business in different areas of North Carolina,” said Seth Palmer NCR’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and External Communications.

“In support of those who are able to conduct business in their area, we have created a Best Practices guide for members with important information about how to conduct any activities in compliance with health and safety guidelines.”  

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 10

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Doerlich said the channels are now virtual versus in-person but it still is vital for him as a broker to keep in contact to encourage and mentor agents for continued engagement and returning to full productivity.

“On-line messaging and social media access were `nice-to-haves’ – now it’s essential to maintain continuity, communication and camaraderie among the agents and staff,” he said.

“We have started a weekly web conference with all the agents in our offices. It keeps the team in synch and is encouraging to hear the activity of our agents. 

We can also answer questions about new protocols and maintain the enthusiasm in a difficult market time,” Doerlich added.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 9

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Will Doerlich is Broker/CEO of Pleasanton CA-based Realty One Group in the eastern San Francisco Bay Tri-Valley area.

“As REALTORS, we need to support the efforts to contain and maintain the health of our communities – the economic as well as the physical and mental health of our communities. Each of these are intertwined together,” he said.

“And right now, a healthy community will be a strong economic community sooner when the market is fully opened and available to our clients.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 8

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

“What’s about to happen to Houston real estate reminds me of Hurricane Harvey in that we are bracing for impact, but don’t yet know what the full extent on the market will be,” said HAR Chairman John Nugent with RE/MAX Space Center. 

“There are consumers out there for whom finding a home is critical, however, HAR has urged all Realtor members to conduct as much business as possible online, using technology such as virtual open houses, virtual tours and electronic signature documents, in the interest of protecting everyone’s health.”

On March 20, all in-person open houses were removed from HAR.com out of an abundance of caution. 

The website introduced a virtual tour feature allowing REALTORS to host and post virtual open houses and conduct virtual showings. 

Consumers can watch them live on HAR.com at scheduled times and REALTORS can then share the recordings on their own websites and social media platforms.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 7

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

The Houston Association of REALTORS (HAR) has member coronavirus FAQs on its website and has published columns that address business in the pandemic era. 

With more consumers home-bound, there has been a surge in traffic to its award-winning HAR.com website.

HAR is waiving Q3 MLS fees for both residential and commercial subscribers, which represents a savings of more than $5 million.

It’s an innovative strategy that proves REALTORS are committed to rebuilding the nation’s economy.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 6

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Rosshirt said prolonged work from home will show the weakness or benefits of current living arrangements.

“Flex space may be less desirable than a dedicated work area. Internet reliability, capacity and speed will be critical for some jobs. Areas with Google fiber may earn a premium,” he observed.

If two people are working at home, a shared work space may not be practical,” Rosshirt added.

“One couple I just closed with on a new house have been both forced to work at home. Her counseling work is transferring to the internet well enough, but she must maintain privacy in her work.

His work is high tech and he has been capable or working at home for a long time but now it is full-time and it can be loud (gaming). So, the floor plan they chose provided two workspaces very separate from the other.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 5

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Ohio REALTORS has created a coronavirus resources page on its website, providing members with important links and top headlines from lawmakers, agencies and related groups in Ohio and across the nation.

Its best practices include conducting virtual meetings with its local boards and associations, as well as with elected Realtor leadership -- since the onset of the pandemic.

Rosshirt said with so many people working remotely, there likely will be a permanent change to facilitating virtual work in home design.

“A company may realize they do not need expensive real estate if their employees can be effective remotely,” he said.

Developers are already moving to multi-use plans where the office component is matched with nearby appropriate living and retail/entertainment.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 4

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Ohio was one of the first states to adopt remote notarization three years ago.

The legislation requires notaries to obtain a separate certification, but the opportunity to process documents and finalize deals exists. 

Closings in the Buckeye State are now occurring with only one party present to ensure social distancing compliance.

“Ohio’s Realtor community has dramatically changed its individual and collective business practices – using proper social distancing protocols, tapping into technology to conduct virtual showings and remote meetings with customers,” said Chief Executive Officer Scott Williams. 

“Throughout, we’ve stressed to our membership that, while Ohio deemed real estate as an essential service, this is not a time for business as usual. It’s imperative that the industry make necessary adjustments to find the proper balance of serving our clients while also protecting society’s greater good.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 3

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

Rosshirt sees the pandemic focusing some homebuyers on high-performance, healthier homes – noting a house with a tighter seal and better air exchange and filters may now be well worth the expense.

These are features of High-Performance homes that may be called Energy Efficient or Green by some builder.  

As homeowners respond to difficult times, their house serves as the: office/boardroom, classroom, coffee shop, movie theater, gym and safe sanctuary to shelter in place.

Ohio REALTORS, a statewide association, is conducting weekly surveys to track the market’s condition in an effort to provide insight to members. 

Equally important, Ohio REALTORS are sharing the data with Governor Mike DeWine’s administration (lauded for quick action to stop Corona spread), the Economic Recovery Task Force of the Ohio House and other key policy makers to be influential partners in identifying initiatives to stabilize the real estate sector during the pandemic.

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 2

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

John Rosshirt, Associate Broker/Co-Owner of Stanberry REALTORS in Austin Texas, said more visuals are being added to many listings. He said agents are using high and low tech to add video.

“Some agents are just walking through their listing with a simple wordless video on their smart phone to have something extra to upload,” he said of low-tech solutions. “Photographers are adding 3D technology to their offerings to agents. 

Agents are using Zoom to stay in touch with their clients.

“I have set up special lighting and rearranged what is behind me so I make a professional impression. People who are isolated love this contact and I find they like to talk,” he said, reminding REALTORS that the personal touch is needed – even if it is virtual.

“Calls do seem to take longer because people have a need to talk about the new challenges in their life as well as the new challenges in achieving their real estate goals.”

REALTORS EXPAND USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- PART 1

CONTINUE CUSTOMIZED CLIENT SERVICE IN THE TIME OF COVID

The Corona Virus Pandemic is rapidly changing the way REALTORS conduct business. 

Virtual tours and app-based conferencing have played a major role while brokerages scramble to balance excellent client service with social distancing, stay at home orders and other elements of the new normal.

Perhaps the most profound lesson, in the view of leading residential and commercial REALTORS around the nation, is that COVID-driven changes will make lasting impressions on the industry – even after there is a vaccine, a drop in cases and a general return to life before the virus.

Virtually every top-producing pro contacted for this story believes virtual technology will play an even larger role – in a field already known for online video walkthroughs of houses and properties. 

Many feel remote work will greatly increase, changing the way firms large and small measure their need for formal office space.

COMMERCE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS -- Part 28

Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts and Downtowns Lead the Way

RESOURCES

National Main Street Center https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/covid19resources

Ball and Chain https://ballandchainmiami.com

Oakland BID https://onlyinoakland.org/supportoakland

Salud Juicery Oakland http://www.saludjuicery.com/oakland

Strong Towns https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2020/3/30/building-strong-local-economies-without-cheesecake-factory?rq=cheesecake%20factory

Crystal City BID https://www.crystalcity.org/covid-19

Gibbs Planning Group https://gibbsplanning.com

Central Square BID https://centralsq.org/blog/regional-impact-study-relief-measures

Off Their Place https://offtheirplate.org/

International Downtown Association https://downtown.org/covid-19

COMMERCE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS -- Part 27

Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts and Downtowns Lead the Way

Crozier cited Brookings Institution data that found more than a quarter of small businesses are at risk of immediate shutdown and over half are vulnerable to severe disruption or shutdown.

The data showed women entrepreneurs and small business owners of color are particularly at risk.

“This crisis shows us exactly how much we value our local, independent Main Street businesses,” she said. 

“Without added and expansive federal action to preserve our small business economy, Main Street will wither, and Wall Street will seize an even greater share of our economy.

We run the real risk of corporate consolidation and monopolies being the only ones able to survive a prolonged crisis. 

If we want to support the small businesses that invest in their local communities, and provide good jobs, rather than extract from them we need to protect the backbone of our economy."

COMMERCE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS -- Part 26

Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts and Downtowns Lead the Way

“Small businesses have long been the backbone of our national economy and of Cherry Creek North,” said Nick LeMasters, CCN BID president and CEO.  

“With the largest concentration of independent business in the intermountain west, Cherry Creek North has long-served as an example of a unique, diverse and highly-personalized neighborhood experience.  

It is our highest priority to ensure that our community retains relevancy in this ever-changing market so when the time comes to welcome back those that visit, work and play in Cherry Creek North, we can do so as a strong and resilient neighborhood.”

Sarah Crozier, Senior Communications Manager at the Main Street Alliance, said Congress must create a policy response that is on par with the severity, scope and potential duration of the financial crisis that small businesses and their employees are facing.

“The current small business relief programs are too complex and underfunded. They are not delivering urgently needed aid fast enough,” she said.

COMMERCE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS -- Part 25

Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts and Downtowns Lead the Way

The Cherry Creek North BID, the first BID created in the state of Colorado, represents a neighborhood five minutes north of downtown Denver that touts the largest and most diverse shopping space between Chicago and San Francisco.  

Out of the 260 retail and service businesses in CCN, 70 percent -- just more than 175 -- are small retail businesses.

“It is imperative that we provide accurate information about available grant and loan programs to our constituents. We have created a Slack portal and opened it to the entire business community,” said Jenny Starkey, Senior Director of Marketing & Community Relations for CCN BID.

The BID invited critical resource providers to the virtual platform to ensure businesses have direct communication with representatives from the Mayor’s office, City Council, the Denver Metro Economic Development Office, Denver Chamber, Cherry Creek Chamber, Small Business Administration and Denver Police.