Architectural Corner – Georgian – May 2020
Following the Elizabethan style of Renaissance architecture, the Jacobean Style is named after King James I of England. Influenced by Flemish and German immigrant craftsmen and artists rather than the previous Queen’s (Elizabeth) reign, they showed a majesty rarely seen outside of churches.
Flat roofs with open-work parapets, round-arch arcades, columns and pilasters were relied upon heavily, while other classical elements appeared more freely than in Elizabethan architecture. The style itself heavily influenced furniture design and decorative arts for years to come.
While this style of architecture was for too fanciful for the hard lives of the puritans who were its contemporaries, they are not unknown in the United States.
Vague Specifics – May 2020
I’m not super math-oriented by nature, but I really lean on MLS statistics. April’s report is going to be very telling about how COVID-19 affected the real estate market. I have to say it wasn’t as bad as I thought in some ways, and worse in others, but from a homeowner’s standpoint there’s definitely a silver lining. Sales from April 2019 for single family homes have diminished 16% and 34% for condos and townhomes. What that tells me is condo and townhome buyers are considerably more vulnerable to the shutdown than single-family buyers, and there may be more whimsical buyers that don’t necessarily have to buy.
“But John, you roguishly handsome, yet sophisticated man-about-town”, I hear you ask, “is this this the beginning of a market correction?”. Unfortunately for the average buyer, it is probably not. While sales are down considerably, listing inventory is down even more. The Wall Street Journal even wrote an article on the diminished supply keeping prices moving upward, albeit at a slower pace. Where we may see a correction is in the mid-level new construction around the periphery of the Metroplex, where builders are anxious to finish out inventory. But inside the loop I just don’t see prices below $1 million being a thing. Make no mistake, it is a buyer’s market over $2 million, and far more friendly for them from $1-2 million, but the average homebuyer isn’t going to get to enjoy much more than normal besides record low interest rates.
I feel like a broken record saying this, but I do sincerely mean it, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. This has been a black swan event, and I can’t predict the future (yet), but I’m doing my best to keep my finger on the pulse of all local markets. I’m just glad there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and businesses are starting to open back up.
MLS Statistics – May 2020
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Vague Specifics – April 2020
May this newsletter find you well.
It’s funny that I almost alway get asked, “How’s the real estate market?” when I’m having a casual conversation with people. In the last month, I can tell they’re paying a little more attention to my answer than normal. Homes are still selling, but obviously not at the breakneck pace we were expecting this spring. As I said last month, Realtors are considered essential services along with plumbers, inspectors, appraisers, and other real estate professionals. We are resided to wear masks while we show, and to offer masks to our clients. Also, we’re not allowed to show open houses, but virtual tours and matterport technology will be taking their place to what extent they can.
Looking at page 2 statistics, the March market was unaffected by the shutdown because closings that happened in March went already under contract before a lot of people were taking Covid-19 seriously. Pending sales for single-family homes were only down 10% from March 2019, but pending condo/townhome sales are down 32%. From a Realtor’s perspective, there are going to be fewer opportunities moving forward, but people who are in the market right now are serious buyers and sellers. I completely understand why many are delaying their move. There are a lot of buyers out there who have been furlowed, seen their wages reduced or just don’t feel comfortable about their finances. Conversely, there are a lot of seller who don’t want strangers in their properties, especially if the sellers have at-risk loved ones.
I have to say I’m curious about what this is going to do to sales over the next 12 months. It looks like the lockdown is going to continue into May, which is disturbing from an economic standpoint. We obviously have to “flatten the curve”, but we also have to consider more than half of our population lives paycheck-to-paycheck. And they’re running out of money.
MLS Statistics – April 2020
The Tipi – April 2020
The tipi was a essentially mobile tent, and was critical to the migratory nature of Native Americans. It was more or less a tripod wrapped in animal skins, although the Blackfoot Indians used 4 poles instead of 3.
Typically 12-25 feet tall, these structures featured a smoke flap at the top where the poles converged, and a fire pit in the center for cooking and heating. They could be easily collapsed for fast transportation (if dragging is considered fast). The tipi did a great job keeping occupants cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and there was a surprising amount of variety in terms of features.
Most tipis were not decorated, the few exceptions were painted on the outside, depicting historical battles, hunting expeditions, and visions.
Making a Home-Made Face Mask – April 2020
Making a Homemade Face Mask
A month ago, we would have laughed at the notion of making a home-made face masks, but here we are. It’s hard to tell what the future holds, but it looks like face masks are going to be a sad reality moving forward… at least for the foreseeable future.
Ideally you would use an N95 mask, which filters almost all airborne particles, but they’re in short supply to the public and they get pricey. You can make the next best thing, a home-made mask.
Materials to Use
It should be noted here, that The Kiss Method (Keep It Simple, Stupid) applies when making a face mask. A 600-thread count pillowcase or flannel pajamas will give you around 60% protection, which is certainly better than nothing. If you have access to quilter’s cotton (I had to look that up, it’s 100% cotton used in quilting), you’ll receive roughly 80% protection. In a pinch US Surgeon General Jerome Adams states you can use an old scarf, bandanna, hand towel or even a t-shirt.
Important Features For Your Mask
According to the CDC, your mask should:
– Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of your face
– Be secured by ties or ear loops
– Include multiple layers of fabric
– Allow for breathing without restriction (so you don’t die from suffocation…)
– Machine wash and dry-able without damage or deformity
Make It Fun!
No sew masks mean that the kids can join in making these face masks! Make it a family fun craft night. For step-by-step instructions on various ways to make your own NO SEW face masks, Click Here.
February 2020 MLS Statistics
Architectural Corner – Contemporary/Modern
According to Homeplans.com, the contemporary home “runs the gamut from mid-century modern to the latest designs representing current trends towards sleek, contemporary design. Contemporary-Modern design is characterized by clean, simple lines, a minimum of decoration, lots of glass, and flat or shed rooflines. Many feature unusual open floor plans and Indoor/outdoor living spaces.”
The name “Contemporary” may be a little shortsighted considering it will invariably go out of style someday, yet people will still be obligated to call it “contemporary”, but I digress.
Contemporary-modern homes feature my most hated real estate buzzword, namely “open concept floor plan”. From DIY to Discovery Channel, it’s been driven into the ground. But people want it now, even though they’re not really sure what it means…