GAR and GMLS Members,

As you are all aware, on Friday Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 7H for all non-essential businesses to close effective 8PM Monday, March 23rd. Last night, further clarification was issued from the DECD (Department of Economic and Community Development) on those businesses that qualify as essential: ' Real estate transactions and related services, including residential leasing and renting' is included on the list, recognizing that real estate is an important part of the Connecticut economy.

In continuing to do business, please be aware of the following update from Town Hall:
Greenwich Town Hall : The building is CLOSED to the public. Effective at 10 a.m. Monday, March 23, Town Hall will also be closed to employees. The Town will continue to provide limited services where possible. If you need a Town service, please first visit the Department’s webpage for specific information. Website and email are the preferred methods of communication during this time. Staff will make periodic checks of voicemail boxes, however, please allow additional time for responses during this situation. Due to high call and email volumes, please allow for additional time in our responses.

In light of these restrictions, you should advise clients to consult with their attorneys, title companies, and any other parties of a transaction to understand the impact (if any) this may have on upcoming closings.

Additionally, if you continue to conduct showings and assist clients, please adhere to the National Association of REALTORS® guidance . With respect to Fair Housing concerns: “You may ask clients or others about their recent travel, particularly to areas identified as having an increased risk of coronavirus. To avoid potential fair housing issues, be sure to ask all clients the same screening questions based on current, factual information from public health authorities.”

We want to remind you that FlexMLS is already currently set up to accept video and virtual tour media within the listing maintenance screen. Simply open your listing, select Edit, then enter your virtual tour or video link to be included.
We strongly encourage our members to take social distancing precautions seriously, and to continue to work remotely as allowed and advised by your managing broker. As the situation continues to evolve, we will communicate any and all updates to keep you, our members, informed and empowered to keep your business running responsibly.

-Your GAR/GMLS Officers, Directors, and Staff