Daily Member Update

GRAR Member Update

Monday, April 6, 2020

We hope you are finding our Daily Updates helpful as we manage this crisis together. The GRAR Leadership is in constant communication with NYSAR, NAR, and Empire State Development to gather as much information as we can to help provide guidance and resources you can use to manage your business through a very difficult time. While the immediate focus is on getting information on what REALTORS® are and are not allowed to do, we are also working on positioning our association, MLS, and members to be ready to go back to business quickly and efficiently as soon as it is safe to do so. Your leadership team are all practicing REALTORS® and brokers and are intimately aware of how difficult this period is for each and every one of our members. We want to assure you that we are doing all we can to keep you safe, give you guidance, and prepare you for business after the crisis. If you have any questions, concerns, ideas or thoughts, please feel free to reach out to GRAR. We are here to help you through this in any way necessary.

Andy Kachaylo,

GRAR President

Jim Yockel,

GRAR CEO

NYSAR FAQ's

The following were updated by NYSAR on April 3.

To view the full list, visit NYSAR's Covid Updates page.

Q - Can licensees still take a listing? (updated 4/3/20)

A - Yes. Licensees are required to make every effort and explore every alternative to avoid person-to-person contact with members of the public. This can be done a number of ways including utilizing alternate means such as electronic transmission and signing of documents. A licensee must continue to follow government recommended health and safety precautions if they are having person-to-person contact with the general public.

Q - Can a licensee perform in-person showings? (updated 4/3/20)

A - No. Pursuant to the most recent guidance from EDC, all showings must be done “virtually” by the licensee. When such “virtual” showings occur, the seller should leave the property so as to avoid person to person contact with the licensee.

Q - Can I go to a vacant home or vacant land to view it or take photographs for a listing? (updated 4/3/20)

A - Yes, with the knowledge and informed consent of the seller. In the event the property is not vacant upon arrival, the licensee should cease taking photographs/video and leave the property. NYSAR strongly advises against the use of a third-party photographer/videographer as they are not an essential business. Licensees and/or homeowners are able to take the pictures or video.

Q - Can I conduct a final walkthrough with the purchaser? (updated 4/3/20)

A - No. Pursuant to the most recent guidance from the EDC, licensees are prohibited from going to a property with their client or customer. NYSAR is recommending that the buyers and sellers speak with their attorneys about scheduling a final walkthrough without the licensee being physically present. The licensee may communicate with their client or customer via phone or video conferencing during the final walkthrough.

Q - I know that NYSAR has been working to represent us during the entire COVID-19 crisis, but I would like to know more details. (added 4/3/20)

3/7 - Executive Order(EO) 202 declaring a disaster emergency for New York State
3/18 - EO 202.6 requires non-essential businesses to reduce in-person workforce by 50% by March 20, 8:00pm
3/19 - EO 202.7 requires non-essential businesses to reduce in-person workforce by 75% by March 21, 8:00pm
3/20 - EO 202.8 requires non-essential businesses to reduce in-person workforce by 100% by March 22, 8:00pm
3/20 - Governor Cuomo issues guidance on essential businesses within “New York State on Pause” EO. The essential business list does not include real estate services.
3/22 - 8:00 pm – all non-essential business, including real estate, must close in-office personnel functions
3/23 - NYSAR & REBNY ask Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development (ESD) to include “real estate closings” and county clerks to be deemed essential
3/23 - NYSAR asks Governor Cuomo and ESD to amend EO 202.6 to include “services related to real estate transactions” as essential
3/25 - NYSAR and REBNY ask Governor Cuomo for clarity regarding permissible real estate activities
3/28 - NYSAR receives copies of emails from licensees where ESD has deemed them “essential” with no limiting language
4/1 - NYSAR receives copies of emails from licensees where ESD has deemed only certain functions of a licensee as essential
4/1 - ESD changes previous guidance to only allow virtual showings and remote work

NYSAR Covid Updates Page

Letter From NYSAR to ESD

Here is a link to the letter sent by NYSAR to the Empire State Development agency on Sunday, April 5.

Note: We heard from ESD leadership directly late Sunday. They said they are unable to provide any further details right now, but they are working on developing better guidance for us which should be available in the near future.

- Andy & Jim

Read the Letter

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

We encourage you to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. While you may experience long hold times when applying, get the process started as soon as you can and keep at it.

If you are able to work a little during this time, your benefit may be lowered, but having Real Estate deemed essential does NOT mean you no longer qualify for this benefit.

PUA Information and FAQ'a

Continuing Education Courses Online

Happy smiling asian woman working on laptop computer while sitting on the floor with legs crossed and pointing finger away isolated over gray background

Many have asked about our online training options during this time of being at home. Here are links to our two online education partners.

CE Shop

Hondros

Get your CE out of the way for your next license renewal. If you aren't sure when that is, look here on your portal:

NYSAR is also offering GRI courses via live webinar for just $25 per class. This is a great option to get some of the GRI designation completed at an extremely low cost.

NYSAR GRI Course Schedule

To participate, you must use a device with a camera and microphone. Registrants must also download the course manual in advance and have it available on a separate screen for use during class. Registrants should view a short tutorial prior to the start of class and sign in at least 15 minutes before the first session begins. In order to earn credit, licensees must participate in the full 7.5 hours of each course.

Class size will be limited to 20 registrants on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional classes may be added based on member demand. You can access the latest NYSAR education schedule available at NYSAR.com . Call 1-800-239-4432 x219 with any questions regarding registration or upcoming course selections.

GRAR is offering Matrix M-W-F Morning Break Webinars.

CoreLogic is bringing you 3 opportunities each week on M-W-F to join their trainer for your morning break. Each meeting will have training and tips and then at the end of the meeting will feature an open session for questions and discussion.

Date: Monday-Wednesday-Friday - Virtual Morning Break

Time: 10-11 am

This Week's Topics ( Open discussion/QA follows presentation):

Wed. April 8: Matrix Customizing the Search Results Grid
Fri. April 10: Matrix Market Watch and Hotsheet Setup

Join Meeting: https://corelogic.zoom.us/j/309301781

Phone one-tap: US: < tel:+19294362866,,309301781 > or < tel:+131262