Don’t forget to vote!
The June 2 primary elections in Maryland will take place exclusively by mail. And while the District of Columbia will have in-person voting, the mayor is encouraging residents to use absentee ballots whenever possible. Now is the time to register or verify your registration!
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MD, DC now accepting unemployment applications for the self-employed
Maryland and the District of Columbia are now accepting applications from the self-employed as a result of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which offers help for the many workers who aren’t eligible for traditional unemployment benefits and aren’t on any company’s payroll.
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DCAR announces 2020 DC candidate endorsements
After a series of interviews and extensive deliberation over the candidates seeking a seat on the DC Council in the 2020 Primary election, the District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® (DCAR) is proud to strongly endorse:
- Brandon Todd in Ward 4
- Vincent Gray in Ward 7
- Trayon White in Ward 8
- Robert White in At-Large Democratic race
These candidates are proven champions of homeownership opportunities for District residents.
DCAR conducted interviews in the
Ward 2 race
and, while we heard impressive plans from many candidates, we are not prepared to endorse a single candidate. We strongly advise DCAR members to review each candidate and their positions.
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COVID-19 in DC: Where REALTORS stand now
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s current Executive Order extends until May 15, 2020
. There are three key questions the mayor’s FAQs specifically address about Realtors related to this order:
- Are real estate agents essential? Real estate offices should close to all but minimum business operations, but individual agents can work from their homes, call clients, direct people to potentially good homes on MLS, place properties for listing online and the like. Necessary financial services are essential, and closings can occur as necessary to the operation of residences and essential businesses. Open houses are not permitted. Showing a home to one potential buyer is acceptable. All activities should be conducted in a way to minimize risk. Offices should move to principally telework or have the minimal number of persons present to handle the closing.
- My company provides real estate home inspection services and mold testing services; may we continue to operate? Yes, as you are supporting essential businesses and residences. When you operate, you should have the minimum number of people onsite and practice social distancing.
- If I own an appraisal company that supports home sales, can I continue to operate? The appraisal industry for home sales may continue to operate as financial and professional services supporting the operation of residences and essential businesses. All activities should be conducted in a way to minimize risk, and offices should move to telework or have the minimal number of persons present to handle an appraisal.
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County Council enacts COVID-19 Renter Relief Act
On April 23, the Montgomery County Council unanimously enacted the COVID-19 Renter Relief Act, prohibiting landlords from increasing rent beyond the county’s 2.6 percent guideline for residential tenants during the COVID-19 public health emergency, and continuing for 180 days after. The goal is to ensure tenants do not face major rent increases during the emergency and to prohibit notices of rent increases beyond current DHCA rent guidelines during, and immediately after, the emergency.
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COVID-19 in MD: Where REALTORS stand now
On Monday, March 30, 2020, Governor Hogan issued an Amended and Restated Executive Order addressi
ng the COVID-19 virus. In turn, Maryland REALTORS® issued guidance to specifically address Realtors’ questions related to this order:
- Are real estate agents essential? Yes, real estate services are classified as essential. Even so, this does NOT mean you may conduct business as usual. The clear intent of the Governor’s Order is that Maryland residents stay at home. Maryland REALTORS®, working with the brokerage community, has developed guidelines, including: Appointment only in-person activities, a maximum of three (3) people, including the agent, being at a property at any one time, and those three (3) persons must strictly follow physical distancing guidelines established by the CDC by remaining at least six (6) feet apart at all times. While open houses are not disallowed, they are highly discouraged based on the Stay-at-Home Order and Maryland REALTORS® guidance.
- My company provides real estate home inspection services and mold testing services; may we continue to operate? Yes, as you are supporting essential businesses and residences. When you operate, you should have the minimum number of people onsite and practice social distancing.
- If I own an appraisal company that supports home sales, can I continue to operate? The appraisal industry for home sales may continue to operate as financial and professional services supporting the operation of residences and essential businesses. All activities should be conducted in a way to minimize risk, and offices should move to telework or have the minimal number of persons present to handle an appraisal.
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The information expressed within this email is a general resource guide for the members of GCAAR and is subject to change. The content of this email does not constitute legal advice and may not be relied upon as legal advice, and you may not convey or imply otherwise to clients, customers, other real estate professionals or members of the public. ©2019 GCAAR All Rights Reserved.
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