Coronavirus Relief Options - Covid-19

We’re here to help you overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. We offer multiple funding options for those seeking relief. Read more below.

Paycheck Protection Program

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This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program.

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EIDL Loan Advance

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This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.

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SBA Express Bridge Loans

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Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.

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SBA Debt Relief

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The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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COVID-19 Cases in Washtenaw County

Fannie Mae Assistance Options for Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19

WASHINGTON, DC – Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) wants to help ensure families are given options in these uncertain times in the case of job loss, a reduction in work hours, illness, or other issues. We want to remind those impacted by COVID-19 of available mortgage assistance and relief options. Under Fannie Mae's guidelines for single-family mortgages:

• Homeowners who are adversely impacted by this national emergency may request mortgage assistance by contacting their mortgage servicer
• Foreclosure sales and evictions of borrowers are suspended for 60 days
• Homeowners impacted by this national emergency are eligible for a forbearance plan to reduce or suspend their mortgage payments for up to 12 months
• Credit bureau reporting of past due payments of borrowers in a forbearance plan as a result of hardships attributable to this national emergency is suspended
• Homeowners in a forbearance plan will not incur late fees
• After forbearance, a servicer must work with the borrower on a permanent plan to help maintain or reduce monthly payment amounts as necessary, including a loan modification

Fannie Mae also offers help navigating the broader financial effects of this national emergency to homeowners with a Fannie Mae-owned mortgage through its Disaster Response Network*, including:

• A needs assessment and personalized recovery plan
• Help requesting financial relief from insurance, servicers, and other sources
• Web resources and ongoing guidance from experienced disaster relief advisors 

Homeowners can find out if they have a Fannie Mae-owned mortgage and access to the Disaster Response Network™* by visiting www.KnowYourOptions.com/loanlookup.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who may be impacted by COVID-19 and we urge you to stay safe and well during these unprecedented times. Fannie Mae, along with our lending and servicing partners, is committed to ensuring assistance is available to homeowners in need. We encourage residents whose employment or income are impacted by COVID-19 to seek available assistance as soon as possible," said Malloy Evans, Senior Vice President and Single-Family Chief Credit Officer, Fannie Mae.

Homeowners can reach out to Fannie Mae directly by calling 1-800-2FANNIE (1-800-232-6643). For more information, please visit www.knowyouroptions.com/covid19assistance.

About Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae helps make the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and affordable rental housing possible for millions of Americans. We partner with lenders to create housing opportunities for families across the country. We are driving positive changes in housing finance to make the Home Buying process easier, while reducing costs and risk. To learn more, visit:
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Tom Stachler is a licensed realty broker and retired builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter,Ypsilanti, Milan and surrounding Michigan communities.  Check out the Links herein for more topics and information

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at Home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home and your lifestyle to make the best of this difficult situation.

Here are a few tips for creating comfortable and functional spaces within your home for work, school, and fitness. We also share some of our favorite ways to stay connected as a community, because we’re all in this together … and no one should face these trying times alone.

Begin with the Basics

A basic home emergency preparedness kit is a great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or electricity.

Fortunately, authorities don’t anticipate any serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during this outbreak. However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a designated location, so you’ll be prepared now-—and in the future—should your family ever need them. 

Ready to start building an emergency kit for your home? Contact us for a free copy of our Home Emergency Preparation Checklist or click here to download!

Working From Home

Many employees are being asked to work remotely. If you’re transitioning to a home office for the first time, it’s important to create a designated space for work … so it doesn’t creep into your home life, and vice versa. If you live in a small condominium or apartment, this may feel impossible. But try to find a quiet corner where you can set up a desk and comfortable chair. The simple act of separating your home and work spaces can help you focus during work hours and “turn off” at the end of the day. 

Of course, if you have children who are home with you all day (given many schools and daycares are now closed), separating your home and work life will be more difficult. Unless you have a partner who can serve as the primary caregiver, you will need to help manage the needs of your children while juggling work and virtual meetings.

If both parents are working from home, try alternating shifts, so you each have a designated time to work and to parent. If that’s not an option, experts recommend creating a schedule for your children, so they know when you’re available to play, and when you need to work.1 A red stop sign on the door can help remind them when you shouldn’t be disturbed. And for young children, blocking off a specific time each day for them to nap or have independent screen time can give you a window to schedule conference calls or work uninterrupted.

Homeschooling Your Children

Many parents with school-aged children will be taking on a new challenge: homeschooling. Similar to a home office, designating a space for learning activities can help your child transition between play and school. If you’re working from home, the homeschooling area would ideally be located near your workspace, so you can offer assistance and answer questions, as needed.

If possible, dedicate a desk or table where your child’s work can be spread out—and left out when they break for meals and snacks. Position supplies and materials nearby so they are independently accessible, and place a trash can and recycling bin within reach for easy cleanup. A washable, plastic tablecloth can help transition an academic space into an arts and crafts area.

If the weather is nice, try studying outside! A porch swing is a perfect spot for reading, and gardening in the backyard is a great addition to any science curriculum. 

In addition to creating an academic learning environment, find age-appropriate opportunities for your children to help with household chores and meal preparation. Homeschooling advocates emphasize the importance of developing life skills alongside academic ones.2 And with more meals and activities taking place at home, there will be ample opportunity for every family member to pitch in and help.

Staying Fit

With gyms closed and team sports canceled, it can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. However, maintaining the physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right now. Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both.

If you live in a community where you can safely exercise outdoors while maintaining the recommended distance between you and other residents, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides. 

Can’t get outside? Fortunately, you don’t need a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move—you’ll probably need at least a 6’ x 6’ area for each person. Many cardio and strength training exercises require little (or no) equipment, including jumping jacks, lunges, and pushups. 

And if you prefer a guided workout, search for free exercise videos on YouTube—there are even options specifically geared towards kids—or try one of the many fitness apps available.

Socializing From a Distance

Even though we’re all being called upon to practice “social distancing” right now, there are still ways to stay safely connected to our communities and our extended families. Picking up the phone is a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbors and loved ones who live alone and may be feeling particularly isolated right now.

And while parties and playdates may be prohibited, modern technology offers countless ways to organize networked gatherings with family and friends. Try using group video conferencing tools like Google Hangouts and Zoom to facilitate a virtual happy hour or book club. Host a Netflix Party to watch (and chat about) movies with friends. Or plan a virtual game night and challenge your pals to a round of Psych or Yahtzee.

There are safe ways to connect offline, too. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Drop off groceries on an elderly neighbor’s porch. Or organize a neighborhood “chalk walk,” where children use sidewalk chalk to decorate their driveways and then head out for a stroll to view their friends’ artwork.

Of course, there’s one group of people who you can still socialize with freely—those who reside in your home. Family dinners are back, siblings are reconnecting, and many of us have been given the gift of time, with commutes, activities, and obligations eliminated. In fact, some families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever. 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Even with all of the tools and technology available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared, and isolated. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone. We’re not only here to help you buy and sell real estate. We want to be a resource to our clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out and let us know how we can help.

Tom Stachler is a licensed realty broker and builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti and surrounding home purchase and listing markets.  Contact us today for information about your next transition.  

Sources:

1. CNBC –
   https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/how-to-work-from-home-with-your-kids-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html
2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com –
   https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/benefits-of-homeschooling-2/

Winter May Be Over, But It Can Affect Your Home Well Into Spring

Spring is finally here, and winter weather and cooler temperatures are moving out for the season. However, the damaging effects of snow, ice, and wind can linger well into summer. As a homeowner, it’s in your best interest to tackle these issues now. Failure to make minor repairs as they are needed can result in a big repair bill down the road. Keep reading for information on parts of your home that you might want to inspect now that things are thawing out.

The Foundation

While your home’s foundation is required to be buried under what’s known as the frost line, things like erosion and poor planting of shrubs and trees can compromise this protective layer of soil. Heavy rains followed by days or weeks of subzero temperatures, snow, sleet, and other precipitation can leach into your home’s foundation, causing a cycle of freezing and thawing. This can lead to damage that can put your family's safety — not to mention your financial investment — at risk. This is not a do-it-yourself job, and you should leave the foundation service to trusted experts, which you can find via the Better Business Bureau.

A quick note here: If your home requires extensive repairs, you can make the process easier by moving large pieces of furniture and unnecessary belongings out. This is especially important if you have a basement since your repair professionals will need unrestricted access. In this case, look for a storage unit, which should cost you around $81 per month in the Ann Arbor area.

The Roof and Gutters

Just as ice can damage your foundation, so too can freezing temperatures take a toll on your roof. Likewise, clogged gutters can be ripped from your home when they are weighed down by heavy ice dams. If you have a ladder, you can visually inspect your roof for damage. Use house Logic’s checklist, which includes scanning for rust spots and cracked caulk, buckled and missing shingles, and worn rubber boots around ventilation pipes. You’ll also want to look out for moss and algae growing on the shingles. If you have a chimney, give it a glance as well to ensure there are no cracks in the crown, which can allow water to pour into your fireplace.

Similar to foundation repairs, major roof damage may require you to remove items from the home. And if you have a water leak, it’s also wise to have a mold and water mitigation company give you an estimate on repairs. The long-term consequences of living in a home with mold, according to EnviroMed, include frequent sinus infections, wheezing, watery eyes, and potentially serious neurological symptoms, including vertigo and migraines.

The Brick and Siding

Whether your home is brick or siding, its side- and front-facing exterior may have also sustained damage. Fortunately, brick repair is typically an easy fix and requires that you replace old mortar. This Old House notes that just $22, two days, and a few common tools can help you rectify cracked or crumbling joints. Siding may need to be sanded and repainted. While you are inspecting your brick or siding, also pay attention to the windows. If the caulk has dry-rotted or been otherwise compromised over the long winter, plan to scrape it away and replace it once the weather is consistently between 40 degrees and 80 degrees. If the thermometer stays on the low side, some silicone caulk may be applied in much cooler conditions.

Your home is your most substantial investment, and the time and money you spend fixing winter damage will help to ensure its value. Remember, everything you let slide now will only get worse when winter returns. And repairs will only get more expensive with each passing month.

How Can we Help You and your Real Estate Needs?  Tom Stachler has been a state of Michigan Licensed Broker for over 30 years.  Check out the Links on this website and let us know if we can help you in the Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, Chelsea or their surrounding communities for home purchase, listings, property marketing or general realty advice.  

The U.S. overtook China and Italy in confirmed cases. At least 85,000 people have been infected, including more than 1,200 deaths — and experts predict the peak is still weeks away. USA TODAY

House leaders are aiming to pass the $2 trillion stimulus package quickly, but a single lawmaker, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, is threatening to delay the vote by calling for a majority to be physically present (many members are following stay-at-home orders). Meanwhile, a record 3.3 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week. POLITICO

President Trump said he plans to label different parts of the country as “high risk, medium, or low risk” to help states decide whether to relax or enhance social-distancing measures. Trump has been pushing to reopen businesses, but the power to do so ultimately lies with governors. THE NEW YORK TIMES

Chinese President Xi Jinping said he’s “very worried” about the outbreak in U.S. and pledged cooperation in a phone call with Trump, according to state media. It’s a sign of a detente, for now, after Trump stopped calling COVID-19 the “Chinese virus.”BLOOMBERG

Why coronavirus test results take so long, and how much you’ll actually get from the stimulus package, in our always-updating coronavirus hub. APPLE NEWS SPOTLIGHT

Tom Stachler is a licensed real estate broker working in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter and Ypsilanti Home and commercial real estate sales market.  Check out the other related Links on this website or contact us for further information.  

More Details on the Coronavirus Stimulus Bill

Congress' $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package is the rare legislative agreement that will have an immediate — and lasting — impact on ordinary citizens across the country.

Why it matters: The 883-page bill, titled the "CARES Act," includes thousands of dollars in direct payments to most Americans, and huge loan packages designed to help keep small businesses and corporations afloat.

Here's what's in the bill:

• Direct payments: Americans will receive a one-time direct deposit of up to $1,200, and married couples will get $2,400, plus an additional $500 per child. The payments will be available for incomes up to $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples. This is true even for those who have no income, as well as those whose income comes entirely from non-taxable, means-tested benefit programs, such as Social Security.
• Use of retirement funds: The bill waives the 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions up to $100,000 for coronavirus-related purposes, retroactive to Jan. 1.
• Small businesses: $350 billion is being dedicated to prevent layoffs and business closures while workers have to stay Home during the outbreak. Companies with 500 employees or fewer that maintain their payroll during coronavirus can receive up to 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance. If employers maintain payroll, the portion of the loans used for covered payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, Rent, and utilities would be forgiven.
• The unemployed: The program's $250 billion extended unemployment insurance program — "unemployment on steroids," as Sen. Chuck Schumer calls it — expands eligibility and offers workers an additional $600 per week for four months, on top of what state programs pay. It also extends UI benefits through Dec. 31 for eligible workers. The deal applies to the self-employed, independent contractors and gig economy workers.
• Hospitals and health care: The deal provides over $140 billion in appropriations to support the U.S. health system, $100 billion of which will be injected directly into hospitals. The rest will be dedicated to providing personal and protective equipment for health care workers, testing supplies, increased workforce and training, accelerated Medicare payments, and supporting the CDC, among other health investments.
• Coronavirus testing: All testing and potential vaccines for COVID-19 will be covered at no cost to patients.
• Large corporations: $500 billion will be allotted to provide loans, loan guarantees, and other investments, overseen by a Treasury Department inspector general. These loans will not exceed five years and cannot be forgiven.
• Airlines will receive $50 billion (of the $500 billion) for passenger air carriers, and $8 billion for cargo air carriers.
• Payroll taxes: The measure allows individuals to delay the payment of their 2020 payroll taxes until 2021 and 2022.
• States and local governments will get $150 billion, with $8 billion set aside for tribal governments.
• Agriculture: The deal would increase the amount the Agriculture Department can spend on its bailout program from $30 billion to $50 billion, according to a press release issued by Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.)

The timing: The Senate passed the bill late Wednesday night.

• house Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says the House plans to vote on the package via a voice vote on Friday. This gives members who wish to debate the bill in person the option to do so, while also enabling those unable to return to Washington during coronavirus an option to stay in their home districts.

Go deeper:

• Read the 883-page bill.
• Read summaries of the bill's tax, unemployment, small business, health and "distressed" industries policies.
• Senate passes the stimulus package

Tom Stachler is a licensed builder and real estate broker working in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Dexter, Chelsea and surrounding areas.  Contact us today about more area information, properties for sale in Michigan or other realty related information and questions or services.  

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COMING SOON / 3 BED - 2 BATH RANCH STYLE Home ON LARGE ACRE + LOT

This Ranch has several features you will welcome like a New Kitchen looking out over a spacious screened in patio the exits to a huge acre plus yard.  This home has been updates with solar panels to take away your electric bills and well situated on a cul du sac, across the street from a park for the kids to never run out of places to play.  

This home is coming soon so stop back for an updated walk through video and more photos.  Contact us for more info or discuss when you can view this property which also features award winning Saline Schools, a 2.5 car attached garage and much more.  

Hit the Four Arrows bottom Right Corner of Video for larger video image

Tom Stachler is a broker, realtor selling homes and condos in the Saline, Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti Michigan markets.  Call 734-996-0000 for more information today.