DALLAS MAY NEWSLETTER
Things are a little crazy, but we have some hot new listings (with virtual tours) and interviews with industry professionals!
NORTH DALLAS LUXURY APARTMENTS
For more information reach out to one of our agents and ask for DAL842!
INTERVIEWS
This month we decided to do something a little different! We have interviewed several industry professionals on the changes in business they have experienced since being in quarantine.
Jared Robinette – Real Estate Agent at ULR Properties
1. How has Covid-19 changed the way you are conducting your business?
With normal coffee meetups cancelled for the near future my clients and I have certainly taken advantage of online video chats and many of them are much more consistent in response times via text and email. Virtual tours and self guided tours are in the works to help clients still feel out their potential future homes.
2. What in your option can clients expect in the next 60 days?
First and foremost, assessing their situation is most important. I am advising clients to pay close attention to the outlook for their work security and to let me help them lay out multiple paths for moving forward which includes extending lease terms to buy them time before making a big decision, moving to a new short term option to keep buying their dream home alive before the end of the year and watching reports I send them on housing trends as far as market stabilization.
3. Do you have any tips for clients that are considering buying a home right now?
Definitely reassess your financial security and speak with your lender as much as possible for any changes or updates while paying very close attention to drops in closing sales with each passing week. I go through and look back at sales for the previous 7-14 days to compare listing prices and closing prices to monitor any trends for our current situation to aid in negotiations as we move forward.
4. What TV show have you binge watched since being in quarantine?
I convinced my girlfriend to start The Wire! Such an amazing show. And I can’t recommend The Man in the High Castle enough, mesmerizing.
5. How long would you need to be in quarantine for before cutting your own hair?
Ha! I have been cutting my own hair for 20 years. It’s sort of a Jason Statham look, very trendy haha
6. Any other key takeaways?
We have definitely enjoyed cooking tons of crazy new things! I think through stressful times like this we are reminded of what we may have been taking for granted in our daily lives, the things we hold most dear. Although we may be fearful of loss, we have an opportunity to turn our focus to what we have to gain. Our loved ones and smaller details we tend to overlook will be noticed and attended to and I don’t believe we will forget these things when we move on from these times.
Amanda Wright – Property Manager at Cityplace Heights
1. How has Covid-19 changed the way you are conducting your business?
COVID-19 has changed absolutely everything regarding the day to day site operations. Work orders are performed on an emergency need basis to limit exposure inside apartments. Amenities are closed. Capital improvements are delayed or on hold. The leasing office is closed so virtual tours and online leasing are essential for conducting business. Vendor payment processing is changing. We are encouraging all vendors to sign up for our EFT payment system in an effort to phase out physical checks. Procurement of supplies (especially cleaning chemicals) is challenging. Internal site visits are nonexistent due to the suspension of corporate travel. Payroll processing has changed. Rent collection is complicated. We cannot follow normal demand procedures for collecting rent. Without the ability to file evictions, we’ve theoretically lost some of our power to recoup delinquencies. We’re being forced to teach ourselves new techniques to balance our fundamental role as “debt collector” with our duty to show consideration and empathy for residents going through hardships.
2. What in your option can clients expect in the next 60 days?
Continuation of concessions in the market. I think leasing activity will continue on a downward trend unfortunately as we approach the busy season. Reforecasting the remainder of the year is essential. It will be interesting to see how individual apartment communities will start to open up their amenities while following social distancing guidelines. Many fitness center equipment layouts are tight – will equipment need to be removed? Will we need to implement a reservation process to limit the number of residents using amenities at one time? There are more questions than answers right now.
3. Do you have any tips for clients that are considering buying a home right now?
If considering early lease termination, review your current contract with your property manager to ensure you’re following their guidelines while avoiding additional penalties. Ask for opportunities to reduce lease term fees.
4. What TV show have you binge watched since being in quarantine?
Bloodline, Shameless and Friends when I need a laugh!
5. How long would you need to be in quarantine for before cutting your own hair?
I’m tempted to trim my bangs but haven’t had the courage just yet. A full haircut will have to wait until quarantine is over.
6. Any other key takeaways?
One of my favorite quotes is “Patience is also a form of action.” I remind myself to be patient often – especially in this profession. Be compassionate when dealing with difficult people. High-stress times like this coupled with looming unemployment and furloughs can cause people to act irrationally. Not knowing what’s to come is scary. Continue to support essential businesses, shop and dine locally when it’s safe to do so. We all need to help each other through this.
AGENT OF THE MONTH: Jared Robinette
Specializing in Mid Rise, High Rise and Private Leasing in Dallas Proper as well as surrounding neighborhoods. Born and raised in DFW going on 32 years! Dallas has come a long ways in culture and walkability, don’t be afraid to ask about unique neighborhoods and hidden gems across all of Dallas!
For more information on Jared or to request his services, click here!
Banana Cinnamon Rolls
Make quarantine a little sweeter with this easy 5 ingredient recipe for a tasty dessert!
INGREDIENTS
- 4 spotty bananas
- 1 cup Medjool dates
- cinnamon to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- optional – 1 tsp vanilla and/or a pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 250F
- Slice the bananas lengthwise into 3 strips each.
-
Lay out the slices on 2 baking trays lined with parchment paper. Do not overcrowd. 6 slices per tray recommended. If you have any smaller strips that broke, lay them out too. Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for 15-20 mins. Gently run a finger or dull knife under each slice to release it from the pan. Flip them over so the side with more moisture is facing upwards.
- Blend together dates, water, and optional vanilla/salt into a paste.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of date paste down the length of each banana slice. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll.
- Arrange all the rolls on one lined pan. Return them to the oven for 1.5-2 hours at 250F.
- Remove from the oven. Allow to cool. Eat immediately or refrigerate for a firmer consistency. Keep leftovers in the fridge.
You can view the full recipe here.
AGENT ANNIVERSARIES
