A collection of resources for working ethically during this global pandemic
Please visit the CDC for the most accurate and complete information on how to be safe
2. ISSUES FACING REALTORS®
How to Approach Working
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is continuing to update its resources on how to stay healthy and serve clients during these uncertain times. Some states have a strict stay at home order and others are listing and showing properties with caution.
Economic Relief for Agents
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes tax credits for sick leave (including at home care for children away from school) and 39 weeks of unemployment-like benefits for independent contractors and most agents.
Small business loans and and other relief programs for employers in the real estate industry may be available as well.
NAR was urging Congressional leaders to consider the self-employed and small businesses in any stimulus packages. “The self-employed and small business owners impacted by COVID-19 deserve equal access to emergency funding and programs that are critical to their own livelihoods and families, as other benefits such as unemployment insurance may not be an available option.”
It is not yet clear weather agents qualify for unemployment and should consult their finance resources about any loan options.
REALTORS® and the CARES Act Explained - link
NAR's Advocacy Work Towards COVID-19 Relief - link
04/16/20 | Bench Accounting: Self-Employment, 1099s, and the Paycheck Protection Program - link
04/04/20 | Rippling: Don’t Panic! Taking the Guesswork Out of PPP Loans - link
03/28/20 | West + Main: Financial Relief Update. We Still Don’t Know Enough - link
Essential Service
A hotly contested issue and a main priority for NAR is to request that Governor’s consider that certain real estate services be deemed “essential services.” Many want to see pending transactions advance towards closing. But what about new listings and how should we govern remote transactions where they were uncommon or absent legislation just a few weeks ago? Prohibit Open Houses nationwide? Can 1:1 showings/inspections/meetings happen safely or should everyone stay home? The industry and lawmakers will be wrestling with these questions and more in the future. So far, decisions have varied at the Association, MLS, state, and city levels.
NAR Advocacy Work FAQs - link
04/01/20 | NAR: Homeland Security Declares Real Estate ‘Essential,’ But … - link
Clear Cooperation and Fair Housing
The MLS Clear Cooperation Policy will be implemented locally on May 1, 2020. REALTORS® will face a number of ethical questions about marketing property throughout the pandemic while adhering to the spirit of the new policy and Fair Housing.
NAR MLS Clear Cooperation Policy - link
NAR Window to the Law: Understanding the MLS Clear Cooperation Policy - link
04/20/20 | REcolorado MLS: Clear Cooperation and Coming Soon Blog + Webinar - link
04/02/20 | REcolorado MLS: Four Upcoming Rule Changes you Need to Know - link
04/01/20 | Oklahoma Clear Cooperation & Coming Soon Information - link
⤜RESOURCE GUIDE→
3. STATE SPECIFIC UPDATES
Colorado Real Estate is following local guidance and best practices to keep our communities safe.
Timeline of regulations in Colorado in 2020
12/03/20 | Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) releases FAQ on Real Estate Activities - link
11/20/20 | Colorado Amends the RED status to allow for Open Houses with one household at a time - link
11/18/20 | CAR Letter to Governor Polis Pledging Real Estate Activities to be Conducted Safely - link
11/17/20 | Colorado Transitions to RED status on 11/20 with Open Houses prohibited as Indoor Events - link
07/16/20 | Colorado Governor Polis announces Statewide Mask Order anywhere indoors - link
06/30/20 | CAR General Counsel Scott Peterson Video on Open House possibilities - link
05/09/20 | CAR: Additional Guidance for Real Estate Brokers & Services on Safer at Home policies - link
05/07/20 | CAR General Counsel Scott Peterson Video on Safer at Home Order thru 5/26 - link
04/30/20 | County Stay at Home Tracker for Real Estate with Links and References - null
04/27/20 | CAR General Counsel Scott Peterson Video on County Stay at Home Order Specifics - link
04/27/20 | Colorado Governor Polis Announces Real Estate Industry Guidance for Safer At Home - link
04/21/20 | Colorado Real Estate Bodies Request Industry Clarification for Safer at Home - link
04/20/20 | Colorado Governor Polis Announces Transition to Safer At Home on 4/27 - link
04/15/20 | CAR General Counsel Scott Peterson Video on Staying Home Unless Pending - link
04/15/20 | Attorney General Letter Specifying Travel for Marketing Upcoming or Active is Prohibited - link
04/09/20 | DORA Guidance: Practicing Real Estate During a Pandemic - link
04/09/20 | CAR General Counsel Scott Peterson Video on Critical Business Issues - link
04/08/20 | CAR Letter to Governor Polis Requesting Certain Real Estate Activities - link
04/07/20 | CAR General Counsel Scott Peterson Video on Showings Language - link
03/28/20 | Colorado Secretary of State’s Office To Implement Remote Notarization - link
03/26/20 | Colorado Amended Public Health Order - link
03/25/20 | Colorado Attorney Urges Real Estate Community Exercise Caution - link
03/25/20 | Colorado Executive Order to Stay at Home - link
Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) has worked with the Colorado Bar Association in the creation of an approved addendum to the Commission-approved Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate to address the practical implications of COVID-19. The addendum addresses real estate transactions that are impacted and/or delayed by shutdowns of title offices, government agencies, lenders and/or appraisers; and real estate transactions that are impacted and/or delayed by mandatory or voluntary quarantines.
03/24/20 | CAR General Counsel Scott Peterson Video on Addendum and Legal Issues - link
03/20/20 | Colorado Bar Association COVID-19 Addendum - link
Denver Metro Association of REALTORS® (DMAR) works closely with other Realtor colleagues in Colorado to advocate for safe guidance for real estate professionals working as Critical Businesses as communities shift statuses in response to public health.
03/20/20 | COVID-19 Updates from DMAR - link
Oklahoma Real Estate Deemed Essential Service
Governor Stitt’s March 25th amended executive order to combat the spread of COVID-19 included provisions recognizing “Real estate and Leasing services” as an essential service. All Oklahomans, even real estate professionals, should be practicing appropriate social distancing measures, including not leaving your house unless it is a part of your job which can only be done from another location, or one of the other provisions.
Oklahoma Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website - link
Key Takeaways and FAQ’s for Oklahoma Real Estate Agents - link
03/26/20 | Oklahoma REALTORS® Legal Counsel Geoffrey Long Video on Practicing Real Estate - link
Oregon Real Estate COVID-19 Updates
As we are in the midst of changing actions by the Federal, State, and local governments with their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic; Oregon REALTORS® is sharing the following information to help you and your clients navigate the impacts on the real estate industry. Oregon REALTORS® will continue to provide relevant updates as they are available.
Oregon REALTORS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website - link
California Real Estate Approach for Comparison
California is quickly implementing laws, guidance, and information about how the real estate industry is being conducted in the state. The California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) created an entire web resource about issues affecting the industry including guidance for shelter in place and discussion points for how the membership should approach deals moving forward.
California REALTORS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website - link
⤜RESOURCE GUIDE→
4. ONLINE LEARNING
Stay Informed and Learn New Skills
The coronavirus pandemic is expected to fundamentally change the way people learn at work. Agents should expect to learn new online platforms for live instruction, enroll in learn-as-you-go modules, and lean on research and analysis skills to be in the know.
Live Online Webinars
West + Main Homes is publishing as many events on our calendar as possible in the hopes of spreading the word about online learning opportunities that we want agents to know about. A lot of these are hosted and produced by our team. Some are not.
REcolorado MLS Online Webinars
Training classes are offered by REcolorado® some which might count for elective Colorado real estate licensure continuing education (CE) credit. Get tips and advice about using Matrix, Realist, and other MLS tools as well as how to best serve clients during this time.
REcolorado MLS Free Training - link
CTM Daily Online Webinars
CTM, Official Contract Software of the Colorado Association of REALTORS® converted its upcoming training calendar into daily two hour classes held online. Move through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes so your negotiation skills remain sharp.
CTM eContracts FREE Training - link
⤜RESOURCE GUIDE→
5. HOW TO USE VIDEO
Communicate Anywhere
The real estate industry is moving remote and online in weeks after decades of experimentation and debate. Now more than ever it’s critical to understand the different ways to use video tools for personal connection, education, and workplace productivity.
Workplace Productivity
Here are the three requirements we think real estate agents can master to communicate better with clients, provide valuable instruction, and collaborate with their brokerage colleagues and leadership using modern video and screen share technology.
Video calls and screen share
Weekly update calls with clients about showings, feedback, and market activity
Sales calls with potential customers to discuss products, services, and operations
Check-ins with cooperating agents, lenders, escrow officers and other vendors
Video tutorials and screen share
Demonstrate property search tools best practices and support
Show how to navigate documents and e-signature software
Record yourself highlighting mobile app tips and tricks
Video meetings and screen share
Meet with brokerage staff and troubleshoot contracts, software issues, and get help
Talk to colleagues or team members in private messages using video and screen share
Host masterminds or discussions with agents in a professional work environment
Workplace Productivity Video Tools
There are a number of different tools you can use to perform the disciplines outlined above. This section is specifically focused on video tools that enable screen sharing. You could use Zoom for all three. Google for two. We chose Livestorm, Loom, and Slack.
West + Main: How Real Estate Agents Can Use Video and Screen Share Tools for Business - link
