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Urban exodus revives luxury home sales

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Not all the news about the coronavirus pandemic is bad news. After slowing to a crawl in April and May, sales of luxury single-family homes rebounded in late June and July as affluent urbanites fled from congested cities and the confines of their high-end condos to seek out safer, more open spaces. In some more desirable areas, sales more than doubled or tripled over the same time last year.

How the CDC’s ban on evictions affects small landlords

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

On Sept. 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an order to halt residential evictions through Dec. 31, 2020. The CDC issued the order under Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The CDC notes that the order doesn't relieve individuals of their obligation to pay rent, and doesn't preclude charging or collecting fees, penalties, and interest as the result of failing to pay rent in a timely manner.

COVID-19 migration study shows where people are flocking to, fleeing from

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The pandemic has caused many people to shelter in place. However, people are also looking for new places in which to hunker down. And a new COVID-19 migration report by HireAHelper sheds light on not only where people are moving from and to, but also why. The report is based on moves that took place between January 2020 and June 2020. Among cities, San Francisco and New York had 80% more people moving out than moving in.

Home sales soar, and so do prices

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

The homebuying spree that began in June continued into July, fueled by a shift toward larger, suburban homes and low mortgage rates. However, although improved somewhat, inventory of homes for sale remained low. That combination of low supply and high demand increased competition for the homes that were available, pushing up the cost of purchasing a home to record levels.

Preparing your home for hurricane season — and how to handle hurricane…

Terri Williams Waste Management & Environmental

The pandemic has delayed or canceled many routine events, but hurricane season has elected not to take a break just because we’re in a pandemic. In fact, the National Hurricane Center is predicting a busy hurricane season from the end of August through early September. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your home during hurricane season.

The impact of COVID-19 and remote work on the housing market

Amanda Ghosh Construction & Building Materials

Almost six months into quarantine, we have started to hear stories about people buying homes in the suburbs because they are working remotely. But, what does the data say — has homebuying in the suburbs truly been affected by COVID-19? And, perhaps more importantly, is it realistic to believe that companies will continue to allow their employees to work remotely when COVID-19 is no longer a threat?

Designers addressing workplace challenges on two fronts

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

As businesses gradually reopen, some workers are reluctant to return to the office, and for those who do, workspaces have to be modified to encourage social distancing and ensure the physical environment is as sanitary as possible. Designers are being called on to adapt the work environment to the new normal on two fronts, in commercial spaces and at home.

Homeowners doing more improvements with less

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Home renovation and improvement activity has surged in recent months as owners confined to home have responded to the urge to undertake needed repairs or make their living environment more pleasant. Due to concerns about health, finances or the unavailability of renovation specialists, many of these homeowners have chosen to do the work themselves. In some sectors, though, remodelers also are experiencing increased demand.

Tips for safer property management during COVID-19

Sam Radbil Facilities & Grounds

Many people are leery of changes, moves or disruptions to their routines during COVID-19 and with good reason. Information may be difficult to distill from regular news sources, so here are seven tips to help you manage a property during this crisis.

Shifting conditions present challenges for designers

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

At the beginning of the third quarter, as many states began to relax restrictions, business appeared to be picking up for interior designers in some sectors and regions of the country. With the recent resurgence in outbreaks of the coronavirus nationwide, however, activity has pulled back somewhat in recent weeks. In addition, delays in manufacturing and purchasing, along with a shortage of skilled tradespeople, have added to designers' challenges.

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