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A few things to know from this week:

1) Additional funding for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) was signed into law today. Those seeking relief through either source should get in touch with their lender (for PPP funds) or visit the SBA website to apply for EIDL funds. Check out this PPP vs EIDL infographic from NAR for more information on eligibility and available loan amounts. Also, learn more from NAR Leadership on How to Secure Your Business Through the CARES Act.

2) As of Monday, April 20th at 8:00PM, a MANDATORY Connecticut State face mask or protective face covering order is in effect. The order applies to, but is not limited to when you have in-person interactions with clients, including in-person showings involving the interiors of properties for sale or lease. CTR has issued Guidance in coordination with the CT Department of Economic and Community Development regarding face coverings for employees, independent contractors and clients during Real Estate Transactions.

3) CTR continues to work with the CT Department of Labor to get updates related to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Last week, the CTDOL said it expects real estate independent contractors to be able to begin submitting applications to the program on April 30. More info...

Stay up to date on the latest news, virtual training opportunities and information  related to COVID-19:

greenwichrealtors.com/covid19

ctrealtors.com/coronavirus

nar.realtor/coronavirus

GMLS Clear Cooperation Policy and Coming Soon Status to go live Friday, 5/1

The GMLS Board of Directors has approved recommendations by the MLS Committee to adopt the NAR Clear Cooperation Policy, as well as to implement a Coming Soon status. Both policies will be implemented/effective on Friday, May 1st, 2020. Learn more by watching the below video information session hosted earlier today. Resources including the slide presentation, announcements, updated forms, and fines for violations can be accessed via GreenwichRealtors.com/ClearCooperation.

Virtual Information Session: GMLS Clear Cooperation and Coming Soon Status Implementation

Virtual Training Session: YouTube Basics

Please join Jessica Reid, Co-Owner of Greenwich Point Marketing, for a class covering YouTube Basics. Learn about creating a YouTube Channel, navigating the social platform as well as YouTube Studio, content ideas and steps for uploading a video. During social distancing and quarantining related to COVID-19, social media use is at an all time high. If you've ever wanted to start a YouTube Channel or utilize the platform more, now is a good time. As a real estate agent you can upload past and current listing videos, interviews, reviews, community pieces from around town and local events. Easily embed these videos on your website.

 

Wednesday, April 29 | 10:00am-11:30am

Virtual Meeting via Google Meet | Joining information will be emailed

This event is free for all REALTOR® Members

Register Now

Sign Up for CTR and NAR Text Alerts

For breaking news and important updates, be sure to sign up for the CTR Text Alert Program by visiting ctrealtors.com/text.

Additionally, you can sign up for REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts from NAR by texting 'COVID19' TO 30644.

Introducing Private Mode for Photos, Videos & Virtual Tours

On April 30th, you'll be able to mark photos, videos, and virtual tours as private, which means that they'll be viewable by MLS members only. They will not be available to the public via the consumer portal, subscription emails, or shared links.

Click here for more information regarding this new feature.

Flexmls Update: Virtual Open Houses & Tours of Homes

During this period of rapid change and uncertainty, GMLS and Flexmls are here to help you serve your clients while also keeping yourself, your family and community healthy and safe. As you are aware all in-person GMLS Broker/Public Open Houses have been suspended until further notice. As an alternative, Flexmls has added the ability for you to schedule virtual open houses and tours of homes in Flexmls Web. 

Please click here to learn more about this new feature.

If you have a Rental listing on GMLS...

Please be sure that the 'Furnishings' field is filled out accurately for your listing. Given the uptick in Rental activity, this will allow for more efficient prospecting of listings by your peers. The 'Furnishings' field and values can be found by going to Edit Listing> ListingInformation> Details, then make your selection and click Save Changes. We plan to make this a required field for all Rental listings soon.

Important Changes to 2020 Continuing Education Classes

Please note that the DCP will NOT be extending the CE deadline for Brokers or Salespersons due to coronavirus.   All CE classes/credits must be completed and fulfilled by: March 31, 2020 for Brokers and May 31, 2020 for 

Salespersons .  Please review the 2020 CE requirements via this link . 

 

With social gathering limitations that remain in effect, GAR will NOT be hosting in-person  CE classes in April or May.  We encourage you to complete all CE credits online via  The CE Shop .  Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, The CE Shop is offering 40% off until further notice;  Please use promo code "s upport40" .  Both  mandatory and elective courses approved by the State of Connecticut, as well as Ethics courses approved by NAR are available online at The CE Shop. If you have any questions, or need assistance with setting-up an account, please let us know.

NAR Code of Ethics Training - Due December 31, 2021

NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it from every two years to every three years. This extends the current cycle deadline from December 31, 2020, to  December 31, 2021 .  If you do not need CE Credit, but would like to complete your Ethics training requirement for NAR, you can do so for free via  nar.realtor . 

Video of The Week

GAR Memberships and GMLS Subscribers Update

NEW:

Griffin Boucher, Houlihan Lawrence, Greenwich (RA)

TRANSFER:

Emily Kunschner, from Centric Property Group to Houlihan Lawrence, Riverside (RA)

Cristina Orsi-Lirot, from William Raveis Real Estate, Stamford to William Raveis Real Estate, Greenwich (M)