Prices Strong Despite Lockdowns Hindering April Sales
“The economic lockdowns—occurring from mid-March through April in most states—have temporarily disrupted home sales,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “But the listings that are on the market are still attracting buyers and boosting home prices.”
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Ralene Nelson, REALTOR®
SOLD – 2707 Cathedral Circle Brentwood 5bds/3-1/2bths/3273sf
Brilliant East Turlock 3 bedroom & 2 bath home, approx. 2,073 sf, situated on an 8,500 sf corner lot with lots of natural light throughout! Custom built and original owner, this home is immaculate! Vaulted ceilings highlight the spacious great room with beautiful marble fireplace and french doors that open to outdoor patio! Hardwood flooring is the hallmark throughout, including an elegant dining room. The spacious master bedrooms offer an en suite bath and large walk-in closet. It also includes a large inside utility room off 2-car garage with side entry! The backyard offers mature landscaping, privacy, and ample space for cozy entertaining al fresco.
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JUST LISTED – 23 Summersky Way Lodi 3bds/2bths/1344sf
Location! Location! Tower Park home, great for first time home buyer, 2nd home or retirement. Tower Park is located off the Big Potato Patch Slough, next to Yogi Bear Park. This home is 3 bedroom, 2 baths, with no side neighbors nor back neighbors. 2 car detached garage, deck, fully fenced and sun room that can be your playroom or man’s cave.
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How to Celebrate Memorial Day While Sheltered in Place
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer. But it’s an unusual Memorial Day, and an unusual summer. While this year’s fest may not look like last year’s, we’ve got solid advice on making the most of it. But before we get there:
- We’ve got the best online events this week, including Michelle Obama’s virtual prom, the PHLove concert, Hannah Gadsby’s Douglas, and more: inquirer.com/calendar. And our kids calendar is updated every Sunday with ways to keep the kids occupied while you work: inquirer.com/kidscalendar.
- Planting something feels like hope for the future right now. If you need supplies, Grace Dickinson found places in Philly, the burbs and South Jersey where you can buy soil, seeds, plants and more. Most do delivery or pickup. Here’s the full list for all your aspirational garden needs.
- How to do (everything) better: Everything you need to know about living right now is all here in one place: inquirer.com/topic/do-this
Stay healthy, stay safe, and, as much as possible, stay home.
Celebrate this
Top of mind: What can I do for my Memorial Day cookout this year? Elizabeth Wellington dug into what the rules and the risks are.
- Can I barbecue right now? Yes. There are no rules against hanging out in your own backyard right now, but be sure to do it safely.
- Can I invite friends over? We don’t relish killing the party. But, really, the answer is still no. Because Philadelphia and its surrounding counties are still in the red phase, you really shouldn’t be having a cookout this year with folks other than those who live in your home. And even though it’s safer to be around others outside than inside, what happens if someone needs to use the bathroom?
- Can I give my neighbors burgers from my grill? Yes. There is no known risk of getting the virus from food. The risk is other people. But don’t hand it over the fence. Make sure it’s the same kind of contactless delivery that we’ve gotten used to. Here’s how to deliver something safely right now.
- A bit of good news: Gov. Tom Wolf signed the cocktails-to-go bill, so you can have some creative libations this weekend. Here’s a roundup of best-bet drinks-to go.
Remember: This won’t be forever. And, with any luck, the fourth of July will be a more social occasion.
Eat this
Whether you’re worried about meat shortages, or just want to find ways to eat greener, Grace Dickinson found out how to make veg the star of the show. She started with the barbecue, since it seems like the weekend for that. Here are some all-around useful tips; follow them, and you won’t miss the burgers. Now is the time to eat more plants.
- Treat vegetables with the same care you treat meat. Seasoning is crucial. If you prepare them properly, they can make a satisfying main.
- Salt veggies with higher moisture content to eliminate excess water. Sprinkle salt over cut veggies and let sit in a strainer. Drain well before proceeding.
- Allow time for marinating. Four to six hours is a good start, but overnight is ideal to let the flavors penetrate the vegetables.
- Hit veggies with a squeeze of lemon just before they come off the grill.
- A veggie basket will make your life easier. This simple tool lets you toss and flip without fear of anything slipping through the grate.
More tips, plus mouthwatering recipes for shiitake mushroom skewers, cauliflower steaks with beer-raisin glaze, grilled eggplant with spicy chimichurri and more in the full article here.
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REAL ESTATE NEWS
The Real Estate Market Is Hot Despite Coronavirus
– Here’s How Homebuyers Can Still Get a Good Deal
The U.S. economy is struggling to come back from the coronavirus. One area that’s proved surprisingly strong: Housing.Pushed by low mortgage rates, real estate in many cities is selling nearly as briskly as it was before Covid-19 changed the social landscape. Homes are selling quickly and for sums that are often at or over the asking prices. READ MORE
In Listings, Show Off That Pool, Outdoor Space
House hunters are reportedly placing a higher priority on properties with a pool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Searches for single-family homes on Compass’ website for homes with pools are up threefold, Robert Reffkin, CEO of Compass, told CNBC’s “Squawk Alley.”Further, listings showing off outdoor space appear to be more in demand with home buyers lately. Reffkin also said that searches at Compass’ site for homes with outdoor spaces have doubled since the pandemic began.