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The California Association of REALTORS® is providing members with FAQs and other documents that contain information members need to properly conduct business after the statewide reopening on Tuesday, June 15. While business will be easier to conduct after June 15, there are still some protocols that will apply, including those concerning groups where there are non-vaccinated individuals present.
C.A.R. has created an extensive and detailed new Q&A and Quick Guide to ensure that members are in compliance and well-informed with the new rules likely going into effect, including changes for open houses and showings. The Q&A addresses the following issues:
- Physical distancing and cleaning requirements
- Posting rules of entry
- PEADs and other sign-in requirements
- Wearing of masks
- Requiring proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID test results
- Addressing claims of medical and religious exemptions to wearing masks
- Conducting door knocking activities
- Distributing flyers
- Reopening offices
C.A.R. encourages all California REALTOR® members to read the new Q&A and Quick Guide. Additionally, C.A.R. recently held a webinar addressing the reopening. A recording is available here.
This is still a dynamic situation, and more guidance may be issued from the state prior to June 15. In the meantime, staff at the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® will continue being available to serve members by phone, email and appointment for keys and lockboxes and store purchases. Information on reopening will be forthcoming.
SILVAR will continue to communicate new information from C.A.R. about the state’s reopening that may impact your business and update the FAQ as necessary. In the meantime, please check C.A.R.’s COVID website for FAQs and other important information.
June is National Homeownership Month, a time of year when housing advocates highlight the importance of homeownership and its impact upon the lives of American families, local neighborhoods, and the national economy. The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) and its nearly 5,000 members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay are staunch advocates for homeownership and homeowners in Silicon Valley.
“Homeownership is an investment in the community,” said SILVAR President Joanne Fraser. “When more people own homes, everyone benefits. For most American families, their home is their largest investment. Homeownership builds wealth and serves as the cornerstone of health and security.”
Homeownership provides tax advantages and the opportunity to build equity. Moreover, homeownership provides social benefits for families and communities. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homeowners move far less frequently than renters, making it easier to build community networks and support systems. This results in more stability for families, better school performance by children living in owned homes, a higher rate of high school graduation and higher earning, better physical, psychological and emotional health outcomes, a higher membership in voluntary organizations, and greater social interaction in their communities.
Fraser noted during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, having a home became more important to many families than ever before. “The home became a place to live and work as many companies allowed their employees to work from home. This ultimately contributed to the state’s current housing market boom.”
At a recent market data presentation for local associations, California Association of REALTORS® Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine said the state’s housing market boom is a double-edged sword. Levine indicated California is the second worst state for overcrowded housing and fifth lowest homeowner vacancy ratio in the nation.
In April, California’s median price hit over $8 million. Levine said while good for sellers, this has impacted housing affordability. “Buyers are falling farther and farther behind.”
Fraser is hopeful additional help may be on the way. “The state senate’s ‘Building Opportunities for All’ housing package is expected to help expedite building of more housing, create jobs and stimulate economic development projects. President Joe Biden’s First Down Payment Homebuyer Tax Credit proposal could be significant in aiding first-time homebuyers. With home prices rising higher than ever, any down payment assistance helps families looking to buy.”
Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® says ... 