Governor Announces 4-Phase Approach – What Does This Mean for REALTORS®?

On Friday, May 1st Governor Inslee announced an extension of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to May 31st and laid out a phased approach to re-opening the State economy. Phase 1 begins Tuesday, May 5th. Please note that this does not affect the modifications that were made to the original Stay Home, Stay Healthy order that allow certain real estate activities to take place.

On Monday, May 4th, the Governor’s Office published a “Safe Start Washington” plan that provides additional details on the phased approach to reopening Washington. This newly released document provides some good information on what is required of businesses to safely reopen and can be viewed below.

Phase 2 businesses will include all other real estate activity including commercial real estate, the re-opening of real estate offices, and services such as sign installation. Phase 2 also allows gatherings outside your residence for up to five people, which presumably would apply to parts of the real estate transaction such as showings, appraisals notarizations, etc. The Governor’s phased-in plan will apply in counties that have been harder hit by COVID-19. The 10 counties that have not been as impacted by the virus will be allowed to apply for waivers that will let them open up faster (see KING5 story for summary).

Although it is not yet clear when Phase 2 will begin, Washington REALTORS® will be in constant dialog to make our case for the earliest possible start date that is consistent with maintaining public health as the number one priority. Washington REALTORS® will also continue urging the Governor’s office to approve additional, and safe, modifications to allow brokers to more fully meet the needs of their clients.

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TriCity Association of REALTORS® Donates $5,000 to the Tri-Cities Food Bank

During the COVID-19 crisis, REALTORS® across the country are stepping up to support their neighbors. TriCity Association of REALTORS® (TCAR) recently targeted one of the most immediate concerns—increased food insecurity—with a $5,000 donation to the Tri-Cities Food Bank, whose contributions go directly to serving our community.

The Tri-Cities Food Bank, founded in 1975, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit agency. This organization has more than 100 volunteers who have donated more than 30,000 hours collecting and distributing food to low-income locals. Annually the organization serves more than 40,000 families. On average more than 20 tons of food are distributed weekly and about 40 percent of the people served by the Tri-Cities Food Bank are children.

Groups at risk of food insecurity during this crisis include the elderly, people with pre-existing health conditions, the unemployed, and students who rely on schools for free and reduced-priced meals. Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s office estimates that 1.6 million people turned to state food banks for supplies last week—double the usual number. Similar numbers are reflected across the country.

“It is a privilege to be able to provide funding so the Tri-Cities Food Bank can continue to accomplish their mission and meet their goals during this critical time,” said John Keltch, president of the TriCity Association of REALTORS®. “The need is great and what better way to give back than through donations.” TCAR encourages others to contribute directly at www.tri-citiesfoodbanks.org. Even a small donation goes a long way for our community.

The association’s contribution is being made on behalf of its 1,000-plus members and affiliates. The money will go toward providing emergency food to the needy residents of Benton City, Kennewick, Finley, Richland, and West Richland. To find out more about supporting or volunteering for the Tri-Cities Food Bank, please call (509) 582-0411 or visit www.tri-citiesfoodbanks.org.

Founded as the Tri-City Board of REALTORS® in 1946, the TriCity Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade organization whose members are licensed real estate brokers located primarily in the greater Tri-City area. Today, TCAR is the largest trade association in the Tri-Cities with more than 950 REALTORS® from more than 100 firms belonging to our association. In addition, we have more than 40 affiliate members—representatives from other real estate-related professions such as title companies, lenders, home inspectors, etc. We have earned the reputation as the voice for real estate for southeastern Washington state, committed to protecting property rights and preserving the quality of life in our community.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

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PUA Webinar, Presentation & FAQ Now Available

The Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) hosted a webinar for REALTORS® on April 23rd. The webinar recording and slides, plus an FAQ document put together after the webinar, are now available.

The ESD – REALTORS® webinar covered the online application process, how and when to file for PUA, eligibility issues, and documentation needs. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is a federal program that allows self-employed people, independent contractors, part-time workers, and many people affected by COVID-19 to apply for unemployment, even though they normally aren’t eligible. The law requires everyone to apply for regular unemployment first, and be denied, before applying for PUA.

Please review the FAQs that Washington REALTORS® and the ESD have put together before applying. There are a few critical steps on the application and if you make a mistake that can’t be corrected in your SAW account, you will have to call the ESD helpline. Due to extremely high call volumes, it is very difficult to get through at this time. Please review the materials thoroughly, gather your documentation, and then apply.

 

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