Realtors Working with Governor on Reopening Industry

(April 27, 2020 11:45 AM) Michigan Realtors® CEO Rob Campau announced to members this morning the trade group is working with Governor Whitmer to set the stage for reopening real estate in the near future.

Campau said in the communication that he spoke directly to Governor Gretchen Whitmer about efforts to open up the real estate industry. This conversation was in advance of the Governor’s Friday morning press conference in which she extended the “Stay at Home” Order through May 15th and reauthorized certain recreational activities.

The extension did not change the Order’s impact on real estate, Campau said the Governor confirmed real estate activity will be in the first wave of businesses to go back to work.

According to Campau, “Michigan Realtors® has already acted on the Governor’s request to work with key members of her staff, sharing suggested best practices and mitigation measures that Realtors® can employ to both protect and serve their clients. We will update membership on the progress of those discussions.”

Michigan Realtors® noted there were two real estate-related changes included in the new order:

Individuals may now clearly travel between two residences in this state, including moving to a new residence;
Movers may now clearly operate to serve clients, subject to the enhanced social distancing rules.

Melissa Tee, Executive Vice President of the Jackson Area Association of Realtors cautioned her membership that real estate activities are still against the Governor’s order and partaking in any real estate activities is breaking the law and could result in revocation of your real estate license, up to $1,000 fine and/or jail time.

In a message to members, Tee said, “I’ve received reports that complaints are being received by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Attorney General’s office and action is being taken.”

Jackson area real estate professionals have adapted new virtual ways to facilitate listings and support buyers and sellers. Jenifer Scanlon, co-owner of The Brokerage House, said they have gone virtual in many of their processes.

“We are able to show buyers homes using video, with virtual tours and FaceTime. The big thing is making sure we get very accurate information on the listings, using virtual tools, studying buyers and only showing homes in the price range with their specific wants and needs,” said Scanlon.

“Every piece of paperwork can be done virtually,” said Scanlon. “We’ve sold homes in the past where the buyer never sees the property before the closing.”

Scanlon said there are ready buyers in the market, but half of her buyers are laid off because of the pandemic. Scanlon is hopeful that the market will return to near normal. “Buyers are definitely chomping at the bit,” said Scanlon.

When the industry does reopen, Scanlon said they are ready. “We have masks, booties and gloves for our agents and clients. We are prepared to reopen safely. We’re ready to roll.”