One of the most stunning impacts of the year-long pandemic is the mass migration of our species.
City dwellers, eager to escape their tiny apartments, are moving in droves to the ‘burbs. Suburbanites are decamping for the country. And country folk, dismayed to encounter a traffic jam of two or three cars at the town’s only red light, well, they’re moving out to places where the tarred road turns to dirt like northern Maine.
What all that means is that real estate markets are tougher to navigate these days than the most turbulent whitewater rapids. Home sales in the U.S. are at a 14-year high, according to the Wall Street Journal. Bidding wars rage in the hottest markets. To gain an edge, buyers are sweetening their offers for homes with extraordinary goodies: donations to sellers’ favorite charities, tickets to special events and ball games, rock memorabilia.
Vacation homes in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region have almost doubled in price in certain areas; the wealthy are lapping up lakefront homes like a thirsty puppy in a puddle. Meanwhile, Boston’s apartment buildings are emptying and rents are plummeting just as they are in other cities.
With the end of the pandemic in sight, I’m wondering whether this relocation frenzy will last once we’re no longer Quarantine Nation. Now that everyone’s gotten comfortable working from home, will anyone want to commute to the office anymore? Does that mean the end of the commuting suburbanite? The 8 a.m. parking lot on the Mass Pike – is that a thing of the past? Or will city folk tire of birdsong and yearn once again for the howl of sirens and honking horns?
No one knows, least of all me. One thing I do know for sure, though. Moving is confusing, stressful, and expensive. If you’ve decided to join this mass migration, FCG is here to help.
Are you looking to sell all the trendy furniture you bought for your loft in Back Bay because you and your family are heading for the hills of Vermont? Are you hoping to furnish the little cottage you just bought on the South Shore in time for summer fun?
FCG has skill and the staff to help make your big move a little easier. We’re always in the market for high-quality furniture consignment. And our three stores are chock full of amazing furniture bargains for you to feather your new nest. Check out our inventory online at furnitureconsignment.com
