Update from Mary Cano, NCJAR CEO
Hello Patricia Wojtyszyn,
We have been asked by many of our members to offer guidance on business practices during this unprecedented time. While we do not have the authority to dictate how or if brokerage firms conduct business, we can offer the following points in the hope it helps all of us as members come together and work together to provide clients and customers with the much-needed services they require.
It is NOT business as usual: Real estate licensees have not been declared essential personnel by our Governor. We continue to strive for clarification on that. We do know that several states have done so, but not NJ as yet. Until such time as we are, and we don't know if we will be, we should be following the mandate of our Governor and the CDC guidelines.
Existing transactions are still closing. Title companies, attorney's, and municipalities have implemented procedures to do their part either remotely or with specific paperwork to help close. NCJAR has reached out to all towns in our Board area to obtain information on inspection and CO procedures. NCJAR Municipalities. In addition, the NJ DCA has issued a release addressing municipal inspections. NJ DCA News Release
Showing Properties: Now is the time to use the technology available to us. Virtual showings/tours are a good way to follow the Governor's mandate and the CDC guidelines while servicing your clients and customers. Buyers can preview the interior of the home and decide whether they want to move forward. At that point, they can work with the Realtor and their attorney as to how to proceed. Realtors are critical to the buying and selling process, and will always remain integral to the transactions. Virtual tours/showings right now, are helping us to accomplish the goal of service to our clients and customers while we adhere to the Governor and CDC guidelines. NAR Provides a number of alternative ways to market a property at nar.realtor.
Public open houses: We were notified by one of our members that their open house was stopped by the township police. We would expect that other townships will do the same. Townships could also issue fines.
While we don't have all the answers, we will keep you informed of everything we hear during this time. It is up to all of us to follow the Governor's mandate, follow the CDC guidelines, and keep each other and our clients and customers safe and healthy.
Mary Cano
NCJAR CEO
