REALTOR® Association applies to have real estate designated as essential

On Wednesday, March 23, Governor Charlie Baker ordered all non-essential businesses to close their physical workplaces and facilities from noon Tuesday, March 24 until noon on Tuesday, April 7.  CCIAOR and the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® is urgently seeking clarification on whether all real estate practices qualify as essential services and has requested an explicit designation as essential.

This will ensure that those who need shelter during this time are able to find it. Real estate closings are permitted to continue as “financial services” under the order.

Given how much of real estate practice is already conducted remotely, there is little difference between these designations for our industry:

• If real estate is recognized as an essential service: Realtors® will have the option of keeping their brick-and-mortar offices open to workers, customers, and the public within the guidelines established by public health and safety officials. They may continue to conduct business either remotely or in their office within the guidelines of public health and safety officials.
• If real estate is not recognized as an essential service: All real estate offices must close for the required period. However, Realtors® may continue to conduct business remotely within the guidelines of public health and safety officials. Please note that new state health and safety guidelines now cap each gathering at 10 people.