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How Chicagoland agents are dealing with COVID-19, Insta-style

by Meg White

In this time of social distancing, there’s a fair amount of scrolling through social media happening. While there’s a fair amount of doom and gloom out there, we’ve also had our timelines brightened by the acts of goodwill, charity and positivity we’ve been seeing from many of our readers. Here are a few of the Instagram posts that have delighted us over the past few days. 

Nick Libert, owner and CEO of EXIT Strategy Realty, leads the pack with a post about joy in dark times. He reflected not only on what’s happening now, but drew strength from his past experience during the 2008 financial crisis. Also, his company posted a public compilation of resources available in its “primary focus areas” of personal finance, wellness, charity and real estate. 

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JOY. It’s what we all need given current events, so it was perfect time for our beloved staff to get their annual bonuses from EXIT Realty International today. To summarize what I emailed to all our 230 associates just now, I asked that everyone KEEP YOUR HEADS UP, YOUR HANDS WASHED, COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR DATABASE…be a RESOURCE & a FRIEND. As far as financial information–we are not in entirely uncharted territory. In 2008 myself and nearly the entire EXIT corporate leadership team were already here, and watched in horror as the stock market cratered, then cratered again, then the banks stopped lending. Millions were out of work. THIS is not the same at this point. We are indeed in a deep, serious stock market correction that will continue until the virus is contained and the public fears are relieved. As long as the banks continue to lend, interest rates stay near their record lows, and consumers see this not being a danger to THEIR livelihood, they DO still have reason to buy, sell, and move. My clients all seem to be nervous for the short term issues and outcome, but long term positive on the economy and their own futures, as they should be. Should this crisis deepen, I cannot think of a better place to be than this office. We started with NOTHING. We went without so the agents and the clients could get things done. There were no trips, no new cars, no fancy suits–but there was ALWAYS a training calendar, a CRM, and a website for every agent. We answered our cell phones and texts and never hid from the work that had to be done–the prospecting and lead generation–that can overcome even the harshest of markets and personal realities. For each of you, I have no problem walking to work or staying until 3 am (in 2009/2010, I did both at times) should that be the difference between us having the resources we need or not. And I will tell you, EXIT corporate never laid off one single person in the great recession. We have survived, learned from, and thrived through some truly challenging times…individually and collectively. Health wise, I’ve provided a link (IN BIO) to some sound advice. Be safe out there!

A post shared by Nick Libert (@nicklibert) on

Of course, virtual tours are getting a lot of attention these days, and Matt Laricy has been doing them for while. The team leader at Americorp Ltd. posted a call-out for questions from clients and agents, pledging an open and honest conversation about COVID-19 and real estate. Check out his latest podcast for the answers. 

Cadey O’Leary of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty in Chicago did not take St. Patrick’s Day off, and we’re guessing she’s working pretty hard today too. Check out her video chat about the Fed’s recent actions and the market in general.  

Staying connected as a team isn’t easy, but if this screenshot from a recent Weinberg Choi Realty virtual meeting is any indication, this Keller Williams Chicago — Lincoln Park team is still in high spirits. As team leader Tommy Choi noted, “Gratitude is recession-proof.”

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In the words of @tommyjoochoi “Gratitude is Recession Proof” • Sharing gratitude daily is part of our team’s special culture, and we aren’t letting working from home stop us from doing what’s important to us. We are using this time to take a step back and remember all of the things we have to be thankful for • A common theme the past two days in our morning “huddles” has been our families, health, each other, and the silver lining of being able to cherish this time with our loved ones • Now more than ever, the Weinberg Choi family wants you to know that we’re in this together. We want to offer meaningful value in these uncertain times • We’re here for all of you and we will get through this stronger together! • #weinbergchoi #growththroughgratitude #grateful #family

A post shared by Weinberg Choi Residential (@weinbergchoi) on

It wasn’t too long ago that Dan Kieres opened the doors to his new brokerage on Chicago’s Northwest Side, and he’s not about to close them now. The broker-owner of Northwest Real Estate Group is ready to FaceTime anytime. 

If you’re getting questions from sellers about whether or not they should hold off putting their homes on the market, Scott Curcio of Baird & Warner has some salient advice in this “social distancing” version of his MarketMinute update. 

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It's a special #coronavirus #MondayMarketMinute update! What…you thought we were shut down? We're selling houses over here baby! . . . In all seriousness…..this experience is keeping us on our toes and working individually with each seller and buyer in new ways. We are rewriting processes each day while helping everyone achieve their goals and stay safe. There are some interesting opportunities right now…and we are taking things day by day. Have a watch, won't you?? . . . #realtor #realestate #chicagorealtor #chicagorealestate #closedwithcurcio #scottcurcioresidential #bairdwarner #bairdandwarner #housing #housingmarket #housingmarketupdates #home #springmarket #realestatevideo #realestatebroker

A post shared by Scott Curcio (@scottcurcio) on

If business is a little slow for you at the moment, Amy Galvin shared some concrete tips for how to make the most of it in her recent Instagram post. “Look at this as a gift. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how you want to communicate, build relationships with your clients and revitalize your business,” the co-founder of Luxury Living Chicago Realty wrote.

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Many of you may be wondering what you can do to keep your real estate business moving forward during this time of uncertainty. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Look at this as a gift. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how you want to communicate, build relationships with your clients and revitalize your business. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Real estate is all about relationships. Call your clients and check on them. Ask nothing of them other than “how are you?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Remember this is temporary. Take this time to get organized so you can get back to work as fast as possible. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here are some ways to stay productive: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1️⃣Get your continuing education done! It's a license renewal period in Illinois. 2️⃣Organize your email. Clear the clutter! 3️⃣Update your CRM. Update contact records and close out old deals. 4️⃣Create & post social content. Keep your network engaged right now (and bring some light into their lives). 5️⃣Practice social distancing but keep working with clients. We've all helped someone move remotely. Pretend all of your clients are conducting their searches from afar. 6️⃣Stay informed. @inmannews is offering a FREE 90-day trial. Keep up to date with your local realtors' association and @nardotrealtor. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How have you been keeping your real estate business going? Let's all share our tips below! #chicagoluxuryrentalauthority #realestateadvice #selfstarter #hardworkpaysoff

A post shared by Entrepreneur, Mentor, Mother (@amygalvin05) on

And it’s not just brokers who can get in on the act. The team behind West Loop development 1400 Monroe shared ideas for supporting local businesses and restaurants in their neighborhood during trying times.

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