Appraising the situation, Michelle Bradley went to great lengths to deal with pandemic

Real estate appraiser Michelle Czekalski Bradley went above and beyond during the pandemic in her quest to follow covid-related safety protocols.

Bradley, 54, created her own custom covid prevention outfit to wear while appraising properties.

“I scoured the internet every night for gloves, booties, rain ponchos and anything that would work as a barrier,” said Bradley, who works for the family-owned Czekalski Real Estate in Harrison.

She said her unusual outfit drew curious looks from the public while out and about, but Bradley was undeterred.

“People would look at me strangely on the street, but I didn’t care,” she said. “My homeowners and clients were appreciative.”

Bradley disposed of each outfit after each wearing and wiped her skin with a water/bleach solution after each appraisal visit.

“I felt this was my moral duty of public trust,” Bradley said. “Not all appraisers did that, but I had such a concern for other humans.”

Hearing of deaths locally because of the coronavirus hit close to home for Bradley, especially when a friend’s parents died from covid-related complications.

“I have a close friend who was on a ventilator and expected to die from covid, but she made it and is still recovering from home. I just didn’t want to transmit anything to anyone,” Bradley said.

Bradley said her employer spent almost $1,500 on supplies to help keep their staff disinfected and safe during the pandemic.

Bradley served as the covid-supply coordinator.

Although Bradley was sometimes allowed in a client’s home, more often the homeowner would open a window and Bradley would conduct business from outside.

She said the entire experience affected her overall emotional well-being.

“I was afraid to transmit anything because I was in contact with so many people. I was deeply concerned and anxious,” she said.

She said creating her custom clear plastic suit was a way of tackling her reality.

Now fully vaccinated against covid-19, Bradley said she’s excited to see life gradually returning to pre-pandemic conditions.

“I feel the world is starting to turn the corner,” she said.

She’s thrilled to bid farewell to her previous plastic work attire.

“It was very frustrating and it’s not something I would ever want to live through again,” Bradley said.