Jeff Cook Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts by tag - COVID-19https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/Copyright JeffCookRealEstate.com2021-12-20T07:40:12-07:00tag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:9662Forbearance: What Is It And What Do You Need to Know?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/What_to_Know_About_Forbearance.png" width="1200" height="800" alt="What Is Forebearance" />
The Covid pandemic has left many people in financial havoc, wondering how they are going to make their mortgage payments on time. Luckily, there is a solution that can help you during these challenging times. A mortgage forbearance enables you to stop making payments on your mortgage in the event of financial hardship. Most lenders will allow you to request a forbearance agreement if you have recently been let go from your job or your income has been drastically reduced. If you are having difficulties paying your mortgage during the pandemic, know that you are not alone. The pandemic has caused mass layoffs, pay cuts, and reduced hours for many. As a direct result, the <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/mortgage-relief/">federal government </a>and lenders are now offering various mortgage forbearance options to allow people to stay in their homes.
Mortgage forbearance is a service in which a <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/how-to-shop-for-a-mortgage-company/">mortgage servicer or lender</a> allows you to briefly pause your payments or even make late payments. This is done to help prevent the home from going into foreclosure. It is important to keep in mind that this is not a forgiveness of the loan. Instead, the missed payment must be made at a later date or the loan will go into default. You will want to avoid going into default at all costs as it can result in you losing your home. The forbearance is designed to help homeowners throughout any sort of hardship that is out of their control. As of this time, the government is extending forbearance periods of up to a year to qualified borrowers.
If you are deemed to be eligible for a forbearance, your lender will provide you with a contract that outlines all of the terms that you will need to agree to. It will typically include helpful information regarding how your payment history will be reported to credit bureaus, how the forbearance term works, and how the payments that were skipped will be expected to be repaid upon the forbearance period expiring. The actual process for applying for a forbearance will differ depending upon the <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/here-are-the-types-of-mortgages-explained/">type of loan </a>held, the servicer, and even the investor requirements placed onto the loan. It is also crucial to keep in mind that there is not a standard schedule for repayment for those who are in forbearance. It is ultimately up to the discretion of the lender and how they choose to go about things. Some are completely fine with a lump sum payment being made upon the forbearance term expiring, whereas will add the total of the missed payment to the backend of the loan.
If you are considering a mortgage forbearance, you should reach out to <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/sellers/jeff-cook-offers/">Jeff Cook Offers</a>. They will be more than happy to set up a consultation for you at no charge. This consultation is the perfect time to discuss options that are available to you to ensure that you can keep your real estate. These solutions make it less likely that you will go into foreclosure and that is a cause for celebration. Feel free to get in touch at your earliest convenience to learn more regarding the forbearance process.
2020-12-29T14:45:00-07:002021-02-05T07:49:08-07:00Matt Serratotag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:9619Jeff Cook Cares: How We Served in 2020<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Jeff_Cook_Cares_2020_Recap.jpg" width="6402" height="4132" />
Jeff Cook Cares is a way for the individuals at Jeff Cook Real Estate to give back to their local community. With 9 locations across the state of South Carolina, Jeff Cook Real Estate has the opportunity to make a positive impact in the cities we’re located in. Over the past 4 years, our company has donated time and money to the causes that mean most to us through Jeff Cook Cares.
With 2020 came new obstacles to overcome. We had big plans for Jeff Cook Cares and found ourselves working from home wondering what to do next. In order to continue serving the community, Jeff Cook Cares had to get creative with how we could engage with the public while still following the health and safety regulations for COVID. Here are some of the ways we continued to give back to the communities surrounding our offices!
COVID Relief
First responders and medical staff were on our hearts so each week we sponsored lunch for hard working first responders and hospital workers in the surrounding area. Focusing on our neighbors was a main point of our mission so we chose local restaurants to support when buying lunch to give back to those working hard in our area. We provided Katie’s Krops and local teachers at Cathedral Academy lunch from small businesses such as Summerville Burrito Co. and Steel City Pizza.
Buy a Home, Give a Home
Buy a Home Give a Home was an initiative we launched in 2019, and in March of 2020 we had been planning for a Golf Tournament to benefit the initiative. The tournament was then pushed to June 2020 to follow the COVID guidelines for events in Charleston. Due to the immense amount of support from the community, Jeff Cook Cares is proud to announce that 7 homes in Peru and Nicaragua are almost complete because of the $70,000 we were able to raise! These homes will provide shelter and hope for the future for homeless families in need.
Moncks Corner Tornado Relief
In April of 2020, a storm hit an area of Moncks Corner and our company was told of a family in need. Their home was destroyed and Jeff Cook Cares was able to help the family and provide them with everything they would need to rebuild their home. Over 100 volunteers donated their time to come out and help clean the neighborhood where the storm hit the hardest. You can learn more about how Jeff Cook Cares was able to support Pam and her family <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu8BNX4_KzE&t=9s">here</a>! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu8BNX4_KzE&t=9s"><br /></a>
Day of Giving
In May, our company decided to encourage each office to choose the organization or cause they wanted to support in their community. Each of our 9 offices had the opportunity to give back to organizations such as Dorchester Paws, a local family in James Island, Camp Happy Days, Eagle Harbor Boys Ranch, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, Christ Central Ministries, Pilgrims in Women Shelter, first responders and hospital workers. Overall, Jeff Cook Real Estate offices raised over $6,000 in their efforts during the first annual Day of Giving!
Charleston Animal Society “Pawty”
Each year for Jeff’s birthday, the company sponsors animal adoptions at Charleston Animal Society. 100 dogs and cats found new homes in September! Jeff Cook Real Estate agents and employees spent time meeting the new owners, helping make enrichment toys for the animals, and touring the Charleston Animal Society to kick off the end of the event.
Raise the Roof in Uganda
A new initiative for 2020, Raise the Roof is an effort to support the building of a community center in Mbale, Uganda. The center will be used as a worship center, recreation center for the children and a place to store crops and serve meals to the community. Our company’s goal is to raise $70,000 total by matching $35,000 with Uganda Missions.
Closet of Hope
Closet of Hope is an organization providing clothing, bedding, toys and necessary supplies to children in foster care, kinship programs and adoptive families local to the Charleston area. Jeff Cook Cares donated over 50 backpacks to the children to use for the start of the school year and is currently participating in a toy drive for Christmas!
Christmas Giveback
Each year during the holidays, Jeff Cook Real Estate leadership asks the company if they know anyone in need this holiday season. Last year, Jeff Cook Cares was able to supply a single mother and her children with necessary household items and new shoes and toys for Christmas! Click <a href="https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/blog/tis-the-season-for-giving-what-is-jeff-cook-cares/">here</a> to read more about our contributions to the community in 2019!
Although this year presented our community with unique struggles, Jeff Cook Real Estate finds hope in the heart of this community. It’s clear that when we all come together, we can do immeasurably more than we can alone. Our company is proud to continue to serve, give, and sell homes. Thank you for supporting Jeff Cook Cares when you buy or sell with Jeff Cook Real Estate! 2020-12-21T11:29:00-07:002020-12-28T13:24:40-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8951Easy Ways to Create a Virtual Classroom for Your Kids in Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Easy_Ways_to_Create_a_Virtual_Classroom_for_Your_Kids_at_Home.png" width="940" height="788" />
This new situation has led most of us to think about what it takes to homeschool. Creating optimal conditions for learning at home can be achieved by a simple rearrangement of furniture that will create a sense of determination and excitement when it comes to schoolwork. To help you create an engaging environment for your child, we have compiled these organizational tips and homeschool ideas.
CORNERS TO READING NOOKS
Corners are the most unused spaces in every room. To make the transformation, you don't need elegant drapes or a killer view. Just set up a few floor pillows to make it comfy for book reading or doing work on an iPad. If there is no natural light in that corner, use a sconce to brighten up the space.
MAKE THE MOST OF THE SPACE
Is your kid's room tight? A useful little side table with drawers saves space, keeps the room tidy, helps your child to have all the unnecessary accessories close at hand, and most importantly, creates the feeling of a real classroom.
MULTIPLE WORK ZONES
Experts often recommend having different spots that can be used for learning in your home. A table for projects, a desk for focused tasks, and a cozy nook for reading. Children will have more enthusiasm and increased focus if they can change positions and take breaks from staying in the same environment for too long. Learning in different locations may also help increase the ability of your child to absorb information.
Pro Tip: Place a task lamp with an LED bulb on the opposite side of your child’s dominant hand to eliminate eyestrain.
HOMEWORK HIDEOUTS
Do you know that you can create a homework hideout from your barely-used closet? Just take out winter coats and place them into a box under your bed, add a small desk, a lamp, and your hideout is ready! This makes an excellent tucked away study spot. You can even use floating shelves to add more dimension. A lower shelf can serve as a work surface while a higher one serves as storage.
Pro Tip: If your child uses a laptop for a meeting, you should place it on a stack of his books. If the monitor is set too low, your child may develop a hunch.
AMP UP DESK STORAGE
If you have limited desk space, go vertical. Try to install a floating shelf or pegboard next to or above your desk. This way, everything you need for homeschool success will be visible while the work surface is clutter-free.
DON’T FORGET THE WALL SPACE!
The classroom is probably going to take up an entire wall space. Depending on where you are going to set up your homeschool, pictures and decor from your wall will probably need to be taken down. You can make your wall work for you. Use the wall to hang up helpful educational charts and fun pictures of family and their favorite characters to remind them why they love to learn.
WHITEBOARD
A whiteboard is arguably one of the most important tools your children use to learn and practice. Teachers and kids use it for almost every subject. A whiteboard helps children to learn visually through writing or drawing something in a larger size which may help them to understand more clearly. Invest in some markers with fun colors to help engage your child’s senses and organizational abilities.
Many of us are guided by a budget, but don’t worry! Setting up a virtual classroom can be very affordable. In time, you will get used to it and see what your child needs most to learn, so there is no need to invest a lot of money for this right from the start. Remember that rearranging your furniture may be all your student needs to succeed and love learning.
2020-09-11T06:33:00-07:002021-12-20T07:40:12-07:00Jeff Cooktag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8717How to Vacation Safely in South Carolina This Summer<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/summer_travel_safety_tips.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Woman with facemask preparing for travel" title="How to Vacation Safely in South Carolina This Summer" />
With summer here, and Labor Day fast approaching, many states across the country are beginning to reopen, which means more families are traveling. Do you have the travel bug, and want to know how people are staying safe despite the pandemic?
People are taking road trips, rather than flying and some individuals are reducing their summer family vacation to a short-distance weekend getaway. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your long-anticipated family ritual of summer vacation.
Here you will find some tips on how to enjoy your summer vacation, while keeping your family safe, as well as vacation ideas.
Make Sure That You Have a Pandemic First Aid Kit
Most travel destinations require that you wear masks in public. However in addition to masks while traveling you should have a pandemic first aid kit that includes the following:
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectant wipes
Isopropyl alcohol wipes
Travel thermometer
Digital pulse oximeter- this reads oxygen levels and readings should be above 94%.
If you decide to fly, make sure that you have a face shield, and check the airport you are flying into. Some airports have restrictions depending on where you are flying from.
Rent an RV
If you are like most people and you are still on the fence about using public restrooms and staying in hotels, look into renting an RV to travel. The upside with renting an RV is that you will have a private bathroom, a place to sleep, and your vacation options are endless. On the other hand, make sure that you disinfect and clean the inside of the RV if you plan on renting one.
Vacation Ideas
Anything Outdoors!
You can consider traveling to a national park and going camping, or taking a multi-state road trip and going sightseeing using an RV or camper. With the requirements of social distancing in full force, destinations, and activities involving nature are advised.
Another option is loading the family up and visiting friends and family, for a small reunion. Or consider renting a beach house or staying at a resort in the mountains.
Take a Day Trip
If you don’t have time for a weekend getaway or long vacation, you can still take a mini day trip. Enjoy a family picnic by the lake and go fishing or canoeing.
Research your Destination and Travel Route
Whether you are taking a long trip or a mini-vacation, make sure that you plan in advance and research your destination and travel route. You want to map out any areas where places might be closed or close early. With things changing daily you also want to make sure your planned destination isn’t shut down.
Gas and Food
When taking a road trip you want to be prepared if convenience stores or gas stations along your route are closed. Travel with snacks and make sure that you top off your gas tank whenever you are down to half a tank. The last thing you want to do is run out of gas before reaching your destination.
While you should always be safe and take precautions, don’t let the pandemic prevent you from enjoying your summer vacation time. Everyone needs to get away even if it is just for a day to relieve stress. Just remember to practice social distancing and wear your face masks. 2020-07-31T12:21:00-07:002020-09-04T08:23:32-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8132Tips for Staying Healthy at Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Tips_for_Staying_Healthy_at_Home.jpg" width="1600" height="1067" alt="Tips for Staying Healthy at Home" />
During the isolation period, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are less on the move, and this can have an adverse effect on our health. The importance of physical activity and fitness is known by almost everyone, but now is the perfect time for those who have not workout so far to start.
While we are confined, and while we spend less time outside, certain changes occur in our bodies that are not good for human health. For this particular reason here are 5 ways to stay healthy at home:
Exercising Enough
Exercising is a very good way if you want to contribute to your health because exercising releases chemicals inside our bodies that make us feel better. There are many at-home workouts exercises that build muscles, which are a "factory" when it comes to fat burning.
In connection with this, you will maintain your body weight in a normal frame, especially now when you spend a lot of time at home.
It's Time To Limit Sweets
To be clear, it's always a good time to stop eating sweets and snacks, but especially in a time like this, when we spend most of our time inside the house. Minimal movement, low physical activity, plus if you do not like exercising, you will certainly see your belly growing. Dietary changes and a healthy diet can help in the prevention of various conditions such as heart or diabetes diseases.
Housework
If you belong to a group that cannot find enough time to work out due to different obligations, make sure you turn some of those tasks into training. Cleaning your home or apartment can be difficult, and it can be a time-consuming process. Sometimes we are not even aware of how many squats we actually make while cleaning and tidying the house, how many times we lift something difficult to move, and often find ourselves breathing fast, just like after exercising.
Nourish Your Body
It means active living, from healthy eating to positive mental health. Now that you have enough time to be together with your loved ones, you can play with your kids in the backyard. Any kind of children's game is a physical activity that will positively affect the health of you and your children. You can try skipping a rope for example, which is extremely healthy for the whole body, especially for the heart. Or you can simply follow your children, they already know what they want to do, and since they are always full of energy, you will have a good workout, that's for sure.
Enough Sleep
Having a good night's sleep is a great remedy for managing anxiety and stress, so now that you have enough time, give yourself a good sleep to rest well. Good sleep is essential for every part of our body. During the sleep, several hormones are secreted that are responsible for the proper functioning of our body system. It is well known that sleep is the best cure for many ailments.2020-05-05T12:18:00-07:002020-10-21T12:36:59-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8115Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected During Quarantine<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Top_5_Ways_to_Stay_Connected_During_Quarantine.jpg" width="1600" height="482" alt="Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected During Quarantine" />
At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we value family. Our JCRE family has been staying safe and healthy while practicing social distancing and working remotely. We commend the first responders who are working the front lines to keep us all safe and are thankful to be able to still support our clients remotely.
Family and friends all over the world are finding new ways to connect with one another as we all learn to adapt and overcome. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we’re learning that we can still serve our clients in the best way possible; even while completely remote. Here are a few ways we’ve found we can stay connected while keeping our social distance:
Video Calls
Almost everyone is using Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Facetime to tackle work while at home or to simply connect with their loved ones. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, our agents and employees are hosting Zoom Meetings to catch up with clients and collaborate with one another. Our against are conducting virtual open houses via zoom to help clients with their home buying or selling needs. Our Paint Party, featuring Wine & Design’s virtual services, allowed the entire company to come together for a few hours of creativity!
Learn Together
Ever wondered what your favorite animals at the zoo are up to all hours of the day? If you’ve got kids at home and want to take this opportunity to broaden their horizons, consider streaming a zoo’s webcam. Another idea is to host a virtual trivia night with friends and neighbors to cultivate learning in a fun way. Our agents are also conducting virtual home buying and selling webinars bi-weekly to help educate potential buyers and sellers on the real estate market.
Decorate the Outside of Your Home
Do you have a neighborhood Facebook Group? If so, you may have seen some of the encouraging messages children are writing along sidewalks and driveways to connect with those around them. If you want to leave your own message or simply destress with creating art, grab some sidewalk chalk and join in on the fun from afar.
Group Chat
You may already have a busy group chat with family members or close friends, but the more the merrier! Consider creating group chats for old friends you want to reconnect with or just friends you haven’t been able to see since the pandemic began. This is a great way to stay connected with friends from work, the gym, or school. Some suggested apps are Whatsapp, Groupme, or even House Party, where you can video chat and play interactive games with a group of friends!
Help a Neighbor in Need
Take this extra time as an opportunity to help out a neighbor in need who may not be able to get their own groceries or necessities. If you’re unsure of who may be in need of help nearby, post on your neighborhood Facebook group and offer to assist anyone who may need it. Expressing gratitude and appreciation for your neighbors is an encouraging way to stay connected while also social distancing.
Throughout a time of isolation and confusion, we can find hope by reaching out to our neighbors. Neighborhoods all over the country are leaving encouraging notes to be found by others out walking. Toilet paper, groceries, and other necessities are being delivered to at-risk neighbors who aren’t able to leave their homes. While it can be difficult at times to see a silver lining, remember to practice gratitude. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we are available to help families stay safe in a new home and continue serving the community as we navigate the effects of the coronavirus.
When considering selling your home or even buying a new one during times of uncertainty, it’s important to rely on the experts that will get the job done. At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we understand that our clients need an expert to guide them through the home selling/buying process. An agent who knows the local area and can accurately determine your real estate needs is key when it comes to selling fast and receiving top dollar for your home. Although we are putting the health and safety needs of our clients, agents, and employees first, Jeff Cook Real Estate is still able to serve you virtually! 2020-05-04T08:40:00-07:002020-10-21T12:48:19-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7928Hands-Free Real Estate Just because it’s virtual, doesn’t mean it’s impersonal.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/Hands-Free_Real_Estate.png" width="1275" height="586" alt="Hands-Free Real Estate" />
In the past few months, unforeseeable events have required most aspects of our lives to become reliant on technology. As we transition more and more into the virtual world of communicating through technology, Jeff Cook Real Estate has been proactively adapting to serve our clients. Jeff Cook Real Estate has made it easier than ever before to serve our clients virtually. If you’ve recently decided that now is the time to buy or sell your house, but are unsure of how to go about it from home, we’ve created a system that can work for you.
Here’s How:
Remote Consultation
When you team up with Jeff Cook Real Estate, you will have the opportunity to consult with one of our local real estate experts virtually. During your virtual consultation, you will gain the knowledge needed to help you determine your home buying and selling needs and your next steps. You will be able to communicate with your agent through a wide variety of channels (i.e. video conferencing, <a href="https://www.text-em-all.com" target="_blank">text messaging</a>, and emailing). If you have questions on your next steps, set up a remote consultation with an agent today!
The Jeff Cook Real Estate Online Marketing System
Our online home search tool has made finding homes easier than ever before. Jeff Cook Real Estate’s online home search tool, combined with our state of the art home selling techniques, allow thousands of qualified buyers to view Jeff Cook Real Estate listings online.
Online Home Tours
Buyers can view homes virtually or schedule an individual, private showing. The high-quality 3D virtual home tours help buyers walk-through their future homes without being physically present, limiting the number of in-person showings to qualified and serious buyers!
Listing Booster Program<br />
It is our mission to make sure that your home stands out in the market to ensure that it sells fast and for top dollar. Our listing booster program is a combination of 3D tours, virtual open houses, home highlights, MLS listing alerts/price improvement, and a buyer agent bonus, which can help ensure that your listing stands out in today’s real estate market.
Traditional Sale or Immediate Buyout Program<br />
At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we strive to help families sell and receive top dollar for their home, but we realize this traditional method isn’t the best fit for everyone. Our Immediate Buyout program helps families maximize convenience and move on their own terms, without the hassles of buyers coming inside your home.
Virtual Tools<br />
Almost every transaction in your daily life can now be completed online (ie. paying rent, depositing checks, placing food delivery orders, etc.). Jeff Cook Real Estate provides access to all the necessary applications and tools that are needed to make real estate possible with the convenience of staying indoors! Some tools include electronic signatures, money wiring through our proprietary Earnnest app, online home inspection reports, and private, attorney-only closings.
Virtual Support Team
Selling or buying a home virtually can seem intimidating, but our real estate experts are ready to guide you through the details. Working alongside our agents, our closing and listing teams are available to you via phone and email as you navigate the home buying and selling process.
Our new hands-free program has made the buying and selling process hassle-free. From remotely consulting with an agent, to listing and viewing homes online, to completing transactions, we can successfully serve our clients virtually. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Jeff Cook Real Estate is the expert in all things real estate. Give us a call at 855-HEY-JEFF today to schedule a remote consultation with an agent! 2020-04-03T12:51:00-07:002020-09-21T08:19:34-07:00Megan Garrelltag:jeffcookrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7827How to Help Your Neighbor During the Coronavirus<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1451/image/How_to_Help_Your_Neighbor_During_the_Coronavirus.jpg" width="1600" height="1067" alt="How to Help Your Neighbor During the Coronavirus" />
Many of us in South Carolina have begun the process of ‘self-quarantining’ to prevent the continued outbreak of COVID-19, the coronavirus. While many of us will experience little to no effects of this virus, it can greatly impact those who are considered more at-risk. Here are a few tips to help you and your neighbors during this uncertain time.
Offer Assistance to At-Risk Neighbors
Most of us are members of a neighborhood Facebook group that can virtually connect us to those nearby. Consider making a post in the group where you offer to grab groceries or run errands for those who would be at risk for the coronavirus.
Social Distancing
One of the best things you can do during the outbreak of coronavirus in our country is to stay away from the public. Limit your time outside the house and work from home if you can. Try out a new hobby to get creative while spending time inside; baking, writing, and painting are all great creative outlets.
Call A Friend/Family Member
It can be difficult to feel connected during the current conditions. Take some time in your day to reach out to a friend or family member for a break from all the chaos. You’re sure to feel much more grateful and calm afterward!
Donate to Your Local Food Bank
Whether you choose to donate canned goods or additional funding, our local community will reap the benefits of the services a food bank provides. Gather items from your own pantry and freezer to give to those in need!
At Jeff Cook Real Estate, we are ensuring our clients’ confidence and have taken the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of our agents and employees. We will remain open for business and continue to work closely with our clients to exceed their real estate expectations. We hope everyone continues to do their best to stay safe and healthy!2020-03-19T09:37:00-07:002020-09-21T08:41:29-07:00Thomas "Jeff" Cook