DOWNEY — “Be mentally prepared for surprises.” That’s the advice from Downey Realtor John Lacey, and it applies to the pandemic as well as to the economic upheaval looming ahead. 

Looking beyond the virus crisis, I had asked John, long-time owner of Crystal Properties, for predictions about buying and selling in the unpredictable future of the housing market. Will there be great bargains to pick up for a song? 

“From a buyer's point of view,” said John, “certainly look to purchase if you have the financial means to weather an extended recovery. Also look for so- called bargains if they fit your portfolio.”

“But if you are purchasing investment property,” John said, “find out in advance if there are rental restrictions.  Cities may have different conditions.  Be aware there may be difficulty in rent collection.”

“From a seller’s point of view,” John said, “be prepared for a slowdown in activity. Wait if you do not have to sell today. Be prepared for lower offers.

“Many sellers are hesitant to have buyers view their property. Open houses are being curtailed.”  

“Received this notice yesterday,” said John, “from the California Association of Realtors with respect to guidance on the governor's stay-at-home order.  ‘Realtors should cease doing all face-to-face marketing or sales activities, including showings, listing appointments, open houses and property inspections.’” 

So how does the profession cope, without physical inspections and caravan viewings for multiple listing properties? Technology to the rescue.  

“Virtual tours will provide a buyer information about the property,” said John. 

And I thought of Zillow, with their slideshows of interiors of houses. But what would be missing in a virtual tour is the personality of the realtor as he/she showed you around.  

“Take all of this in consideration if you want to sell now,” counsels John.

What about other professions, some that celebrate the big moments of life, like weddings and funerals. Churches no longer allow gatherings of more than 10. 

My niece, Linda, is a wedding planner in Long Beach, @aweddingstore, and she is the wedding coordinator for the Aquarium of the Pacific, where she   arranged the ceremony and reception for celebrities such as Janet Evans, the four-time Olympic gold medal swimming champion.

What more fitting place for Janet to enter into matrimony than surrounded by watery scenery in an almost under-water experience? Other couples also enjoyed getting hitched beside giant glass tanks of exotic creatures that swim leisurely about during the ceremony.  Viewed today, it looks surreal and soothing.

But the Aquarium is now closed. What happens to Linda’s brides-to be?

Only future studies will show the commitments that outlasted the postponement of the ceremony itself.

At the other end of life’s journey, Greg and Barbara Risher Welch preside over Risher Mortuary, here and in Montebello, where Barbara’s parents Ray and Marjorie founded the family company.

They provide an essential service yet paradoxically are prohibited from performing it in the traditional way. Have people postponed services?  Postponed burials? Are more choosing cremation?  Planning memorial services for later?  

“God calls people home in His timing,” said Greg. “And that has not changed. We are caring for people every day who have lost loved ones, trying to comfort them through the tender time of mourning.”

“In our counseling with families,” said Greg, “we are the ones that have to break the news that they must significantly limit the number of people attending the services. We are challenged tremendously to provide the same comforting atmosphere while adhering to the ever changing restrictions on social contact with family and friends.”

“This adds yet another stressful decision,” said Greg, “to be made while they are in the midst of grieving. Some families will adhere to the restrictions while most will postpone the services to a later, undetermined date. “

“We have a deep commitment,” said Greg,” to protecting our staff as well as the general public through this crisis. Regardless of the cause of death, we do not have knowledge of the exposure to COVID-19, that there may have been. We are blessed that the cases of the virus are still minimal.  This is a very unprecedented time in our world and our business is indeed, very “essential.”

John’s advice for Realtors extends to all: “As professionals, we have to be sensitive to our client’s needs and explain to them the different issues that may arise in this environment. The process may be more complicated than ever before.”

How about Downey’s Shirley Johnson? She has run an essential service, Best Travel Worldwide, taking seniors to medical appointments in her van.  

“LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING,” writes Shirley. “Or if I canhelp in any way with anything at all.  That goes for all my friends, sickor well.”  

This generous offer comes from a woman still recovering from a painful broken foot.

Dot, a college friend who lives near Buffalo New York, writes, “I worry deeply about my daughter Sarah, and the blows struck to her business, The Canine Connection, in Chico.”

Chico and Paradise, Calif., have already endured brutal fire devastation. But in California as I understand it, pet health care is considered an essential occupation, just like human care. Best wishes to Sarah.  

“Here in Lewiston,” Dot continues, “Sarah sends me special “dog wipes” to administer to Ming Ming…Fortunately our prison sentences allow walking the dog.”

In a future article I hope to address homelessness in Downey. In the pandemic crisis, the City of Los Angeles is considering buying motels and hotels for housing for the homeless.  Gymnasiums and health centers, closed because of the public gathering strictures, are being used temporarily, and cots are being set up on the basketball court floor. Downey?

Getting the homeless out of their close-quarters encampments and sheltered from the cold blustery weather we’ve been having seems a sensible measure to limit the pandemic. 

Would local hoteliers consider this? In view of the dramatic fall-off of revenue in the hospitality business, could government-paid tenants keep them in business? Solutions that were inconceivable just weeks ago, in “normal” times, suddenly present themselves in an emergency.

John Lacey’s final advice: “Above all do what is best for you. And take care.”