Maryland Governor Hogan’s executive order on closing non-essential businesses

As you’ve likely heard, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has issued an emergency executive order directing all non-essential businesses to close to the general public as of 5 p.m. on March 23, urging employers to promote work-from-home arrangements as much as possible.  

Our state association, Maryland REALTORS®, has created some suggested guiding principles to help comply with the executive order.

  • All real estate brokerage offices and branch offices are included among the entities that need to close to the general public.

  • The order does not necessarily prohibit making appointments, meeting with a client or continuing work on pending transactions.

  • Title companies are listed as essential and are still open for business. Deeds also continue to be recorded in Montgomery County at this time.


Maryland REALTORS® expects to offer additional guidance later this week. In the meantime, we realize how difficult this situation may be for each and every one of you.

If you have more specific questions about your individual situation, contract, or issue with a government agency:



DC essential/non-essential businesses still to be declared

The District Government, after moving COVID-19 related emergency legislation and regulations has not made any specific determinations on what, if any, aspects of real estate are deemed essential or non-essential. 

While DC real estate offices remain open and we commend those REALTORS® who are helping consumers get through this tumultuous time, we urge you to engage only in business that is truly essential, and of course use the extreme safety precautions referenced above.

Our state association, the District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® (DCAR), has been in communications with the Mayor’s office expressing the need to keep real estate transactions moving, while at the same time protecting the health and safety of our members. If and when any determinations are made, we will share them with you ASAP. 


GCAAR’s Rockville and DC offices to remain closed; staff available by phone and email

Based upon the Maryland executive order, the Maryland REALTORS® suggested guiding principles and, most importantly, a strong desire for the health and safety of our members and staff, GCAAR is fully closing its Rockville office and will no longer be accepting appointments at the store until the executive order is lifted.  
 
The DC office will also remain closed until we receive more clarity and defined rules from the District of Columbia.

While our physical offices are closed, our Member Services team will continue to be available by phone at 301-590-8769 and by email at  memberservices@gcaar.com ; we will do whatever we can to meet your needs through those channels.

All other GCAAR staff will be available, as always, to address your ongoing needs as a GCAAR member by phone or email. You can also email our other general mailboxes for help:


We appreciate your understanding as GCAAR complies with these orders – and we will continue to share information with you as soon as it becomes available.