Dear MCAR member,

The recent C.A.R. E-mail that was sent to members regarding the inclusion of real estate in the Federal list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers has caused some confusion for our members. As we pointed out before, local Shelter in Place ordinances with more restrictive standards regarding what qualifies as essential services will continue to govern activities of a licensee. That is the case for all agents practicing real estate in Monterey County. The Monterey County Shelter in Place Order DOES NOT include real estate as an essential service. As such, we are providing the following guidance:

  • Open Houses are not permitted. 

  • Properties cannot be shown in person and agents should not be entering properties for sale, even if vacant.

  • No person-to-person contact. All meetings of any kind must be done virtually.

If the Monterey County Shelter in Place Ordinance were to change to include real estate as an essential service, we will notify the membership immediately. 

The MCAR Board of Directors is currently evaluating the application of Professional Standards complaints against members who willfully ignore the Shelter in Place Order, putting themselves, clients and future homeowners at risk.

Please continue to reference the MCAR COVID-19 website for the latest news and resources.


Thank you, 

Kevin

NAR Commends Protections for Realtors®, U.S. Consumers in $2 Trillion Economic Relief Bill
The measure includes:

  • $350 billion for the Small Business Administration 7(a) loan program, allowing eligible small businesses to secure up to $10 million toward mortgage interest, rents, utilities and payroll costs. 

  • A significant expansion of unemployment insurance for the self-employed and independent contractors that could provide benefits for up to 39 weeks. These workers are not usually covered under traditional state unemployment benefit programs.

  • An employee retention tax credit estimated to provide $50 billion to companies that retain existing employees.

  • Rebates of $1,200 to single filers and $2,400 to joint filers, plus $500 for each child, subject to income limitations.A 60-day foreclosure moratorium and up to 1 year of mortgage forbearance.

Click here  to read the full article.
Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector Issues Notice on Property Tax Deadline

Click here or on the image below to read the entire notice.