Dear MCAR member,

C.A.R. has shared the latest insights for Brokers, which Agents and Affiliates may find informative too. Tech Helpline also continues to provide support and tips on getting more out of your technology.

See more recent updates and upcoming C.A.R. webinars at MCAR's COVID-19 Information and Resources page.

Kevin
Special Report
 
C.A.R. has developed new Best Practices Guidelines for Real Estate During COVID-19 in response to the COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Real Estate Transactions issued earlier this month by the California Departments of Public Health and Industrial Relations. The Industry Guidance document details physical distancing and cleaning/disinfecting practices REALTORS® must follow when showing properties as California enters stage 2 of reopening. Since the release of this document, C.A.R. has worked closely with these agencies to interpret and revise some of the restrictions in order to make them more manageable, while still focusing on the health and safety of our members, their clients and the community. 
RE-Opening Real Estate Offices
 
As California currently is in “Stage 2” of its re-opening plan following Governor Newsom’s March 19, 2020 stay-at-home order. Because real estate is an “essential service,” real estate office workplaces can open as long as health and safety protocols are followed. The State’s guidelines for real estate office workplaces apply to every jurisdiction within California. Once again, your local city and/or county may have stricter guidelines. C.A.R. reminds you to adhere to any stricter requirements. 

In order to re-open your office workplace, you must make modifications and establish policies to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections and establish a safe environment for workers and the public. There are required health and safety protocols for the office workplace. The five main categories of requirements to open the office workplace are: 1) Establish a workplace specific plan; 2) Conduct employee training; 3) Implement individual control measures and screening; 4) Follow cleaning and disinfecting protocols; and 5) Implement measures to ensure physical distancing.

Click below for these and other important details are laid out in our Industry Guidance: Re-opening the Real Estate Broker Office FAQ.
SBA Update
 
C.A.R. just released two step-by-step guides for the SBA PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications:
•   For borrowers with employees
•   For borrowers without employees

Please note, the SBA has not issued guidance on certain issues of interest to REALTOR® borrowers, including whether certain home office expenses count towards forgiveness. Once we hear from the SBA, we will update these guides and let you know. C.A.R. is asking Congress to continue funding the PPP program through June 30, 2020. The CARES Act authorized the PPP program through June 30, 2020.

Click below for the SBA step-by-step guides noted above and C.A.R.'s letter to Congress. 
Resources for Members
 
COVID-19 Relief Hotline: 213-351-8450

Legal Hotline: 213-739-8282

Transaction Rescue Hotline: 213-739-8383

Ombudsman Hotline: 213-739-7227
Latest Market Statistics
 
April 2020 Housing Market Update
  • Existing, single-family home sales totaled 277,440 in April on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 25.6 percent from March and down 30.1 percent from April 2019. 
  • April’s statewide median home price was $606,410, down 1.0 percent from March and up 0.6 percent from April 2019.
  • The statewide Unsold Inventory Index was 3.4 months in April, up 25.9 percent from March and flat from April 2019.
As a reminder, Tech Helpline continues to be fully staffed and operational, and is here to help you with many of your technical needs:

(866) 379-1957

Mon. - Fri. 6 am to 5 pm and Sat. 6 am to 2 pm Pacific Time. 
8 Great Facebook and Instagram Hacks

Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram are experiencing record volumes as more than 90 percent of Americans live in states with stay at home requirements. A major benefit for real estate agents: the cost of advertising has fallen as these social media channels register record traffic. Nearly 70 percent of Americans use Facebook.