The Empire State Development (ESD) has deemed specific real estate brokerage activities as essential. Limited operations may resume in compliance with “New York State on PAUSE”.
The ESD’s new guidance allows brokers and agents to perform certain limited activity as long as they comply with the Governor’s safety and social distancing guidance. This new ESD guidance is permissive and does not require that brokers and agents must perform any particular activity. As always, it will be up to the individual brokers and agents to decide when and how to conduct their business by factoring in safety precautions and comfort levels. Licensees do not have to conduct any of the limited functions deemed essential if they are uncomfortable or feel they are putting themselves at risk in doing so.
Limited real estate functions have been allowed by ESD but that does not automatically eliminate a licensee’s ability to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for independent contractors. Whether an individual will be eligible for PUA depends upon whether or not that individual is able to work.
Click here to read the FAQ on Real Estate Activities.
Click here to read the FAQ on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
4/3 Update - The ESD has amended its guidance of April 1st to restrict residential and commercial real estate showings to be “virtual” only. NYSAR interprets “virtual” to mean no in-person contact when conducting a showing. Licensees should conduct the showing alone and use a tool such as video conferencing with the buyer or tenant. More comprehensive guidance will be forthcoming.
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