Market update for March 25, 2020

Our situation changes daily.

Yesterday, we thought we could show homes. We were recommending to Sellers to wait to bring the house to market until the stay-at-home orders were lifted. Today, it is not just a recommendation but our current policy. Our photographer is closed for business until further notice. Without digital walkthroughs, we will not enter any new listings into the MLS.

Showings are not permitted unless it is “an immediate lack of shelter”. We encourage buyers to use virtual tours if they are already provided. If one is not available and you are interested in the property, we will make arrangements for the sellers to walk you through virtually if possible.

Transactions in process are allowed to continue. Title companies have protocols in place for remote notaries, parking lot notaries, and safe office spaces.

Our physical office is closed but we are all set up to work remotely. We can still do buyer, seller and landlord consultations with virtual services.

Michigan Realtors has been in constant communication with the Governor’s office and had asked for clarification on the most recent order. We were provided with the statement below:

Q: Are real estate agents, brokers, and real estate service employees considered critical infrastructure workers under 2020-21?

A: These workers do not constitute “critical infrastructure workers” and thus may not leave their homes for work unless, under section 9(d) of the order, they are “provid[ing] food, shelter, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities.” This is a tightly circumscribed category that captures only work that must be carried out in person and is absolutely necessary to assist those with a genuine and emergent need, such as an immediate lack of shelter. All work must be carried out remotely to the greatest extent possible.

Stay safe. Stay inside. Be kind to each other.

For Fun while Staying Home

Binge Guide from Rotten Tomatoes

Past films from Cinetopia

NYT Best Seller list

Ann Arbor Film Festival Live Steaming

New York Public Library

An easy way to help your neighborhood restaurant worker

If you have to track the virus

Corona Virus Covid-19 dashboard 

Michigan tracker by county from Bridge Magazine

Sandi Smith and Linda Lombardini

Owners, Trillium Real Estate