Realtors Lead the Way in a Home Renovation and Mask Making during Coronavirus

Janet Griffin is a 15-year veteran as a REALTOR and works at RE/MAX Tri-State in Mussel Shoals, Alabama. I recently had a very nice Zoom visit with her and she shared a very heartwarming story. Janet and her husband, who is also a REALTOR, were working in an office in 2011 when a buyer who we will call "Miss Mary" was closing a deal for a $30,000 900 square foot home with another agent. Miss Mary, who is 81-years-old, took a liking to her husband, Bill. They became friends and helped her with many of her needs over the years, and were there for her when her husband passed in 2015.

But a strange turn of events took place in the past few years. Anytime Janet attempted to bring her food or anything, Miss Mary would meet her on the porch, never letting her in the home. Janet wondered but didn't pursue, as it seemed Miss Mary had become a very private person.

In December, Miss Mary contacted Janet to let her know she was in rehab, so Janet planned on visiting her and seeing what her needs might be. Miss Mary has no immediate family in the area, so Janet and Bill have been her go-to family. Miss Mary, being in a wheel chair, asked Janet if she could give her a ride home in late January. Janet agreed and decided to stop at Miss Mary's home before picking her up. This ia when Janet learned just how bad things were! When she visited Miss Mary's home before picking her up, a neighbor rushed out and said, "You are not going in there, are you?" There was a hole in the front door and every local wild animal had taken up residence in the home.

This is where the story begins. Janet asked her handyman and brother-in-law if they would help replace the front door. While replacing the door, they took pictures of the inside. The water heater had fallen through the floor, piles of trash and feces covered the inside of the house. There was no running water and the house was unlivable.

This is where the REALTOR® community, friends, past clients and so many others stepped up. They found temporary housing for Miss Mary, and Janet promised her she could come in home in three weeks. It took five weeks, but with help of a Salvation Army contractor and agents that were flipping houses and offering countertops and other supplies, the house started coming together. Some REALTORS® put on rubber gloves, other donated money, community members took up the cause to make Miss Mary's house a home! On April 11, Miss Mary returned to a beautiful home.

Recently on Janet's Facebook page, she tried to list all those who helped, donated or somehow assisted. I counted at least 75 people, real estate offices and local businesses. It was a community effort, but was led by Janet Griffin who is a REALTOR and a hero!

REALTOR® Making Masks to Help in Her Part of the World

Many REALTORS® are reaching back to their past for skills they haven't used for years to find ways to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic. I recently spoke with Helen Miernicki, a 33-year veteran REALTOR® and a broker with Realty World We Get Results in Ashland, PA.

The coronavirus is hitting Pennsylvania hard, especially in her area when you consider number of cases versus the population. She shared that just 20 miles north of Frackville, her hometown, the ratio is 25 to 1 with folks affected. I asked why she thought such a cluster was in her area and she shared that the housing is very affordable and only 90 minutes to two hours from northern New Jersey and New York City, and many are seeking the affordable housing.

Helen has sewn and distributed more than 150 masks in the past few weeks, mostly to those in need. She is mailing them, delivering them and even offered to ship me one. Many of her masks have been shared with first responders, including local police officers.

Asked how this started, she said REALTORS® are competitive—REALLY? Turns out her friend, also a broker, started making them. They had always been in a friendly competition, so Helen asked for the pattern and she started making them also. Turns out both ladies had fabric and thread from the 70s stored away in junk drawers. Helen went to her basement and dug out—in her words—an "old dog sewing machine" that hadn't been used in 20 years and has already worn out a needle. She enjoys matching the fabric to the individual she is making the mask for in various colors—hunters, animal lovers, etc. She feels if the person loves the mask, they will wear it more!

Helen is also a member of Frackville Town Council—actually the only female member of the council. Helen Miernicki, you are a REALTOR and a hero!

Dick Betts is a national speaker, trainer and consultant. Learn more at www.DickBetts.com