Real Estate

Top 5 Needs Buyers Have

Lora Knows...

In today’s real estate market homes come up for sale, and receive multiple offers within a day. This is because of historically low interest rates, and demand is high and inventory is low. I think quarantine made people realize they just don’t like their home space anymore, and want something new. Me included!

COVID changed how people work, and many moved from their brick and mortar offices to their home dining rooms. Not only did the pandemic affect the home owners, but also school age kids. Bedrooms became virtual classrooms, and anywhere others weren’t became a sanctuary of quiet.

Other home needs have also changed. Instead of eating out, folks are cooking at home. Along with that came working out at home, swimming at home, entertaining at home and more. So, what are the top five things buyers are looking for?

  1. Outdoor spaces – including pools, gardens, kitchens, firepits, and game areas (think horseshoes, bocce ball, dance offs).
  2. Home offices – a place to work behind doors. No one wants to hear your Zoom meeting or conference calls, and you don’t want to your boss to hear someone in your house shouting out for toilet paper.
  3. Home gyms – a place to workout without having to worry about social distancing or wearing a mask.
  4. Bonus Rooms or Basements – finished spaces that add square foot for reading, crafting, watching a movie and more.
  5. Storage – being home a lot makes it necessary to have storage for craft items, games, books and more.

Entertainment, Hickory Things To Do

Warhol Comes To Hickory

Lora Knows...

I am so excited about the upcoming exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art. Andy Warhol. Yes, Andy Warhol! Did you hear me? ANDY WARHOL! To me Andy Warhol was an amazing artist who created his works in various mediums like printmaking, painting, film, and photography. The exhibit that is coming to Hickory is “Works by Warhol” and will consist of 36 iconic masterworks.

From what I’ve read the collection will feature pieces from different periods of his work. Of course there will be pop art including “Santa Claus”, “Mickey Mouse”, and even “Mick Jagger” Also included will be paintings depicting Andy’s take on major events in history, like the assassination of JFK and the moon landing.

SO EXCITED!

Daily Happenings

… And Now It’s October

Lora Knows...

It has been months since I’ve posted, and it seems odd to be sitting here trying to think of all that has happened in 2020. Looking back the beginning of the year was fantastic, and then March arrived and changed our world.

There is no way for me to write my way through the ups and downs of this year, that will remain in my beside journal. I can say it has been a year like none I’ve ever known. There have been days where laughter was a bit easier, some working through struggles and tears, and others dealing with a broken heart by losing someone we love.

It has also been a year of people learning to share, communities became connected, helping others became common, and supporting local businesses owners became a movement.

Then in the midst of the pandemic a horrific murder took place, and a lot of the world cried out for George Floyd. Through protests in numerous countries people’s voices have been heard and names of other murdered innocent people have come to be known. The official #BlackLivesMatter Global Network was born to bring justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe.

Through all this change it was also necessary to edit how I work. Being a real estate broker I learned to embrace Zoom meetings, virtual tours, face time walk throughs, and more. It has been difficult not to feel a bit out of touch with practicing social distancing. I love to hug, and I miss that. I love to share smiles, and learned how to share them behind a mask.

We, Dean and I, feel very blessed because we are safe, happy, and most of all healthy. I will wear my mask (that Dean designs more about that later), use hand sanitizer, and keep positive thoughts in my mind and heart. Welcome October.