I've been thinking a lot about my family, friends, clients past and present, and colleagues over the past few days, and I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out and see how everyone's doing. 

It's been about a week and a half since we were instructed by federal and state governments to begin taking significant measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus. What that looks like is different for different people, but nonetheless, it's turned our lives upside down and been the source of great disruption and anxiety for most people. 

In addition to concerns about the virus itself are people's worries about the economy. We've watched in disbelief as the stock market has gone on a wild roller-coaster ride. Many folks are working at home, and for most of them, their kids are home, too, because schools are closed. But at least they're working. Hundreds of thousands — even millions — of workers have been or will be laid off at least temporarily as businesses are forced to slash production or even shut down. Healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store staff and many others are being pushed to the brink as they keep the necessities going. 

I want to thank all those folks who are working this situation from the front lines. While the rest of us are taking precautions to avoid the virus, they are putting themselves right in front of it to keep us safe and healthy. 

But even with everything on in the world, here's what else has been happening, at least right here at home: 

• People are checking on their neighbors — especially older folks — to help them get groceries and fill prescriptions. 
• Folks are buying gift certificates they can use later for goods and services that aren't available right now. 
• Groups are organizing efforts to sew masks for healthcare workers who are short on supplies. 
• Businesses that can — for example, restaurants — are doing things differently as they try to keep people working.
• Local musicians whose venues have dried up are streaming free concerts to their fans.
• Healthcare workers and others on the front lines are receiving small and large kindnesses to recognize their work. 
• Supermarkets are holding special hours for senior citizens and other vulnerable shoppers.

There are so many other things I've seen and heard about that I'm leaving out, but it just goes to show that people are capable of doing amazing things when they face extraordinary circumstances. With care, concern and respect for one another, the kindness becomes contagious, too. 

The future is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: Our community, our state, and our nation will recover. It'll take time and cooperation, but it will happen. The Roanoke Valley is full of residents who have strength of spirit and character. We can do this if we just continue to pull together. 

Usually, when I write these posts, I offer advice for home buyers and sellers, but not at a time like this. In this kind of situation, generalizations aren't called for. Whether you should buy or sell now depends on your specific circumstances. As always, if you'd like to discuss a potential real estate transaction, I'm here to help as much as I can. I will say that I'm proud of my colleagues who, like me, are scrambling to keep their clients' transactions on track. They're using technology and lots of innovation to keep the market moving as much as possible. 

To close, I wish everyone health and peace as we navigate this together. Let's take care of ourselves and one another. If there's anything I can do for you or your family during this time, please reach out at rpayne@mkbrealtors.com or (540) 793-0442.