Sondra Rosenthal stays connected with her clients
Sondra Rosenthal, a Realtor with Bernstein Realty, has always connected with her clients, not only from her knowledge and decadeplus experience, but also because she has personally sat on both sides of the table in buying and selling.
But now, she is also connecting with those whose homes flooded during Hurricane Harvey, for like thousands of other homeowners, Rosenthal’s home took on water, too.
“Recovering from the flood is not easy; it is very frustrating, aggravating, stressful and difficult. Finding a contractor is difficult first of all because they are busy. I am spending a lot of time waiting — waiting on materials, waiting on contractors, waiting to get my life back. It has been almost two months, and I’m still trying to recover. So many people are going through this same situation, and my heart goes out to them because I am experiencing firsthand how difficult it is,” Rosenthal said.
The City of Houston is slowly recovering. But there are so many who are still trying to recover, still trying to get their homes back to being livable.
“Yet, those who have not gone through the recovery process may find it hard to understand all that is required, from the dangers of mold growing, to insuring your contractor is using good quality materials, and everything in between,” Rosenthal said.
It is very important to have a mold inspector come in and insure the home is clear of mold before moving forward. These inspectors are busy, so homeowners are waiting.
“It can be a nightmare, all of it. For example, there is no place to cook in my home; everything is torn out. I’m making coffee in the bathroom, and grabbing fast food so I’m not eating right, which is not good. These is just some of the other challenges that are happening as we are waiting. My townhouse community is like a ghost town now, but I’ve stayed,” Rosenthal said.
It is the devastation of the city that is so heartbreaking, and many people trying to recover are becoming depressed. The stress levels that have been so high can — and still are — taking a toll on many.
“Some people are deciding to fix up their homes and lease them out. Others are selling and moving out, many are fixing their homes and plan to stay, and others remain in limbo about what to do,” Rosenthal said.
No one really knows yet how the market will respond.
There are many questions, such as will the homes that did not flood have higher prices, will homes in flooded areas have a cut in price even if they are in some of the most sought-after areas of Houston? It is too soon to answer these questions, and the market will have to wait and see.
Staff and Realtors at Bernstein Realty understand what people are going through in trying to recover, and they are there for their clients. They can help direct your paths, help provide resources and advise on best ways to move forward for resale value when renovating. And for those who are considering moving, Bernstein is there to guide them as well.
“Hurricane Harvey really interrupted life in Houston for thousands of people, but things are moving forward. We will recover, this nightmare will end, our homes will return to normal, life will go on. It is just hard now, but this too will pass. I am still working, and working with clients, so I am here for those who need me,” Rosenthal said.