For over a month, the vibrant communities of Dallas-Fort Worth have been living under unprecedented circumstances, largely sheltering in place to curb the spread of a global pandemic. During this challenging period, much has been chronicled about the proactive measures taken by our city leaders to navigate the crisis, the innovative strategies adopted by Realtors to adapt to a transformed economy, and the dynamic shifts reshaping the broader market. Yet, amidst the headlines and economic analyses, a crucial element often remains untold: the deeply personal narratives of how real estate professionals, like countless others, are confronting the coronavirus, and the resilient spirit driving their journey towards recovery.
These individual accounts are vital, offering not just glimpses into personal struggles but also powerful messages of hope and perseverance. They illuminate the human dimension of a crisis that has touched every aspect of life. Robert Nunez, a dedicated professional at Alterra Home Loans, generously took the time to share his compelling story—a testament to his personal battle with COVID-19 and his inspiring path back to health and normalcy. His experience provides invaluable insights into the daily realities faced by many and underscores the collective strength found within our communities.
The Onset of Symptoms: A Personal Battle with COVID-19
My personal battle with the virus began subtly but unmistakably on March 19. A profound sense of fatigue washed over me, leaving my body feeling unusually tired and drained. This was an unfamiliar sensation, as I rarely fall ill, and I instinctively knew that something significant was unfolding within my system. Soon after, chills began to set in, accompanied by a noticeable rise in my body temperature—classic indicators that my immune system was actively fighting an intruder.
On that first day, I reached for Ibuprofen, hoping to alleviate the discomfort. However, to my dismay, the medication offered little relief; my body continued to feel unwell. The following day, I switched to Tylenol, which proved to be far more effective in managing my low-grade fever, which thankfully remained under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and keeping the persistent chills at bay. Tylenol became my steady companion, helping me navigate through the days and providing enough comfort to get through the nights.
The night of March 21 stands out as the most challenging period of my illness. I woke abruptly in the dead of night, gasping for air, a terrifying sensation that filled me with immense panic. My body felt incredibly hot, compelling me to get out of bed and seek refuge in a cooler room, desperate for any respite from the intense fever. The severity of this experience prompted an immediate decision: the following night, I moved into a separate room from my wife, Jessica, to initiate in-home isolation, a precautionary measure we hoped would protect my family from potential exposure.
During the day, with the aid of Tylenol, I generally felt functional, allowing me to continue working remotely from home. This ability to maintain some semblance of routine was a small blessing amidst the uncertainty. However, the nights remained a fierce battleground. I would awaken drenched in sweat, a clear sign that my body was tirelessly fighting the virus. After enduring three consecutive nights of these intense symptoms, a pivotal decision was made: it was time to get tested and confirm whether I had contracted COVID-19. The unknown was almost as daunting as the symptoms themselves.
On March 25, I scheduled a televisit with my primary care provider at Village Health Partners. They were among the pioneering facilities to offer drive-thru testing, a crucial innovation at the time. I was able to undergo the test that very day, a process that felt both efficient and surreal. The next day, the nurse delivered the news that we had been dreading: my test result was positive for COVID-19. My family and I were immediately overwhelmed with a mix of upset and fear, grappling with the frightening implications of the diagnosis. The nurse reiterated the importance of continuing in-home isolation from my family until I had made a full recovery.
We diligently adhered to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on “How to discontinue home isolation.” By the time the diagnosis was confirmed, my body was already beginning its gradual journey towards recovery, showing signs of returning to its normal state. However, given the significant lack of comprehensive information about this novel virus at the time—a situation that, to some extent, still persists—I remained extraordinarily cautious around my family. The unknown elements of the virus dictated a heightened sense of vigilance and responsibility.
After completing the recommended 72-hour recovery period, as advised by both my doctor and the CDC, I was able to discontinue strict home isolation. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, I continued to wear a mask when in close proximity to my family and maintained the practice of sleeping in a separate room. This phased approach provided a necessary layer of protection and peace of mind. Following a follow-up appointment with my doctor on April 1, I finally resumed a more regular lifestyle at home with my family. Despite this return to normalcy, I still make a conscious effort to minimize leaving the house, and whenever I do venture out, I diligently wear a mask, primarily following the CDC’s ongoing recommendations for public safety.
Fully Recovered and Ready to Give Back
Today, I am profoundly grateful to report that I am fully recovered from COVID-19. The journey from the initial onset of symptoms to complete health has been arduous but ultimately successful. After receiving a positive diagnosis, the next critical step was to confirm the absence of the virus. Consequently, I underwent a second test with the hopeful expectation of receiving a negative result, a confirmation that would signify a complete recovery and allow me to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose. This second test provided immense relief, affirming my full recovery.
With this confirmation, my focus has now shifted towards a powerful form of giving back to the community that supported me. I am actively pursuing opportunities to help others by donating my blood and plasma, which now contain valuable COVID-19 antibodies. The medical community has highlighted the potential of convalescent plasma therapy to aid patients currently battling the virus, and contributing to this effort feels like a meaningful way to turn a challenging personal experience into a source of hope for others. (Update: Nunez has since received the crucial negative test result and is actively working with UT Southwestern to facilitate his plasma donation, eager to contribute to the fight against the virus.)
To provide a brief but important background to my exposure, my family and I had embarked on a trip to Iceland, returning to the United States on March 8, where we landed in New York City. On March 9, we flew back home to Dallas. Later that very same day, I had to travel to Las Vegas for a series of corporate meetings, returning to Dallas on March 12. It was on this same day, March 12, that news broke confirming Iceland as a high-risk country significantly affected by COVID-19. Given this crucial information, my family and I made the proactive and responsible decision to voluntarily commence our in-home social distancing for a period of 14 days, even before I started experiencing any symptoms. This early measure, though unsettling at the time, was an attempt to mitigate any potential spread.
Coping With Business Disruption and Market Volatility
The onset of the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to every sector, and the real estate and mortgage industries were no exception. Fortunately, in my business, I lead a team that already had a robust framework for remote work, with the majority of our employees accustomed to operating outside a traditional office setting. This pre-existing structure proved to be an invaluable asset when the imperative for widespread remote work became absolute. While I was personally grappling with my illness and subsequent recovery, my team and I observed a remarkable and unexpected surge in both purchase and refinance applications.
Despite the prevailing uncertainty, our clients remained steadfast, actively executing contracts on homes they had made offers on, demonstrating an enduring confidence in the housing market. Simultaneously, the mortgage industry itself was undergoing a period of intense flux and transformation. Interest rates, a critical determinant for borrowers, were fluctuating on a daily basis, creating an environment of unpredictability. Concurrently, loan programs were tightening, with lenders adjusting their criteria and offerings in response to the volatile economic landscape. This combination of increased demand and rapidly shifting market conditions necessitated an agile and highly responsive approach from our team.
To effectively navigate these changes and uphold our commitment to client service, my team and I significantly ramped up our communication strategies. We implemented daily check-ins to ensure internal alignment and support, and dramatically increased our use of video calls with both our clients and our invaluable real estate partners. Our paramount focus during this turbulent period was to keep everyone thoroughly informed of the rapid developments and the inherently volatile nature of the market. Transparent and timely information became our most crucial tool in empowering our clients to make informed decisions and reassuring our partners that we were actively monitoring the situation.
Remarkably, March ultimately proved to be a busier month than normal for intake, a testament to both the underlying demand in the market and our team’s dedicated efforts. We anticipate that a significant portion of these loans will successfully close this month. This surge in activity can be attributed in large part to the “refinance boom,” as historically low-interest rates incentivized homeowners to seek more favorable terms, providing a much-needed boost to the mortgage sector amidst broader economic slowdowns. This period truly underscored the resilience of the real estate market and the adaptability of professionals within it.
Family Support Was Crucial For Recovery and Resilience
During what was undeniably one of the most challenging periods of my life, my wife, Jessica, emerged as my greatest and most unwavering supporter. Her immediate and firm recommendation was that I cease all activity, forcing myself to rest and prioritize my recovery above all else. She ensured that I remained committed to the healing process, gently but effectively preventing me from overextending myself, even when I felt the urge to push through the fatigue. Her vigilant care was not just physical but profoundly emotional, providing a constant source of strength and reassurance.
Jessica herself is a formidable professional, owning and operating a dynamic marketing and PR agency with a team of 26 dedicated individuals. During this same tumultuous time, she truly transformed into a “Wonder Woman.” She deftly managed the complex logistics of transitioning her entire team to work remotely full-time, ensuring seamless operations while simultaneously tending to her numerous clients, many of whom were navigating their own crises amidst the pandemic. On top of her professional responsibilities, she took on the monumental task of helping our two daughters, aged 13 and 6, adapt to the sudden shift to homeschooling. This required immense patience, creativity, and organizational skill to create a stable learning environment at home.
Concurrently, her devotion to my well-being was absolute. Throughout my period of in-home isolation, she meticulously took care of me, preparing and bringing me breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring I received proper nourishment without compromising the isolation protocol. She is, without a doubt, my rock—a steadfast presence through every struggle. Her actions underscored a vital truth: the profound importance of having someone you can rely on, someone who can be there for you unconditionally when you feel unwell and need to remain home, shielded from the outside world. This kind of intimate support network is truly indispensable in times of crisis.
While I was intensely fighting the virus, a significant internal debate took place regarding who to inform. Initially, I chose not to share the full extent of my condition with my business partners or my team. The primary reason for this decision was the overwhelming number of unknowns surrounding the virus at the time. There were moments during my illness when I felt surprisingly fine, albeit deeply tired, which complicated the narrative. My concern was to avoid causing undue alarm or distraction within the team, especially as we were already navigating a highly volatile market. I stayed in close communication with my team, who admirably ensured that all of our clients’ needs were met without interruption. However, despite my efforts, some astute clients did notice that I wasn’t quite my normal, energetic self during that challenging period, a subtle recognition of the toll the illness was taking.
Beyond the incredible support of my family, another foundational element that sustained me was my unwavering faith. I hold a deep conviction that God is ultimately in control of all circumstances, and that He has a divine plan for each of us. This belief brought me a profound sense of peace amidst the fear and uncertainty. During such a chaotic and uncontrollable time, the only things I felt I could truly influence were my faith, my mindset, and the way I chose to show up for others. Focusing on these internal anchors provided clarity and resilience, reminding me that even in the face of a global pandemic, there are elements of personal agency and spiritual solace to be found.
Doing Business Effectively From Home While Balancing Family Life
My team and I have been operating entirely from home since March 12, an adjustment that, while initially challenging, has seen everyone gradually adapt to this “new normal.” For me personally, working remotely is not an entirely novel concept; I am accustomed to the flexibility of working from various locations—on the road, from my dedicated home office, or in our traditional corporate office. The most significant adjustment during this pandemic has been the transition to working from home full-time, 100% of the time, and concurrently balancing this demanding professional schedule with the continuous presence of my wife and daughters at home.
Our initial step in managing this new dynamic was a practical one: we collaboratively decided who would work where within the house, meticulously setting up distinct and functional workspaces for each adult. This physical separation, even within the same home, proved crucial for productivity and focus. Our children, accustomed to occasionally seeing us work from home even before the pandemic, already understood the concept of boundaries. We reinforced these established rules, making it clear that when we are in our designated workspaces, interruptions should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This understanding helped create a respectful environment for everyone’s needs.
Recognizing that this was also a major adjustment for our daughters, we implemented structured but flexible daily schedules for them. We ensured these schedules were not overly cumbersome, allowing for a healthy balance of learning and free time. Our 13-year-old, demonstrating impressive maturity and self-reliance, took the initiative to create her own detailed schedule, managing her schoolwork and activities independently. Our 6-year-old, on the other hand, was given more autonomy to generally choose her play and school times and activities, fostering a sense of control and engagement. Remarkably, she quickly learned how to confidently start and manage her own Zoom calls for school, a testament to her adaptability and the rapid pace at which children can embrace new technologies. It was important for us to make them feel empowered and involved in navigating this emotionally challenging and unprecedented time, ensuring they felt supported and understood as their routines drastically changed.
Are you on the road to recovery from COVID-19? Your story of hope and resilience can provide invaluable inspiration to our readers. We invite you to share your experiences by emailing [email protected].