Glimpsing at the family calendar that hangs directly above the coffee pot is a normal morning routine of mine. It’s my guide for the day, letting me know where everyone has to be, what appointments are scheduled and what activities are planned. In typical end of the month fashion, I reached up to grab it and then quickly put it back, feeling a sense of confusion. What would I write on it for April? Did that April calendar even serve a purpose? I am a Real estate agent, a wife and a mother of three little ones and my calendar works on deadlines! Deadlines for inspections and scheduled dates for all the different aspects of a contract. Deadlines, project dates and children’s activities run my daily life.

While the governor has deemed my profession essential for the time being, the Spring selling market has changed dramatically compared to what I have experienced over the last 10 years. It is our job to make sure that everyone under contract is able to move forward with their plans. We are still here to help those who need to get moved for important reasons such as job transfers, job losses, holding onto two mortgages, etc. This is the time of the year that we, as agents, are running around like crazy and seeing very little of our families. There are many home owners and buyers sitting on the fence waiting in anticipation of how everything will play out. I am working very hard to maintain a normal routine for my business and adjusting to this new way of virtual selling.

Since my husband and I are both working from home, I find that I have to get up before the sun to start my day. It is the little bit of time that I have to enjoy the silence before my three children wake. I am still staying in contact with everyone virtually and am able to serve my clients remotely. We have certainly made a shift in how we conduct business via Zoom calls, Facetime showings and virtual open houses.

So, how do I fill out this April calendar? Typically, it is filled with skating practice times, school bus pickups, and the list goes on.  I decided that I would let the kids help me fill it out this time and we would fill every day in with something that would make them happy. While the calendar is not filled with chaos, I am so accustomed to, I welcome this time to connect with my family, cuddle them a little longer and cherish these moments that we have together.