From Vermont Association of Realtors®
On April 10, Governor Phil Scott extended Vermont’s State of Emergency in response to the COVID- 19 crisis. In addition, the governor issued the following Stay Home/Stay Safe guidance for real estate services:
For the purpose of clarifying Stay Home/Stay Safe, the Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) is directed to provide guidance as follows:
As it relates to the suspension of real estate activities, clarify existing guidance regarding real estate sales and brokerage to ensure guidance applies to all real estate sales, including those for sale by owner.
Online real estate sites shall post a prominent notice on their web platforms which advises potential sellers and purchasers that all in-person real estate transactions are temporarily suspended.
Real estate functions that can be conducted online, by phone or email may continue.
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), guidance for real estate states:
Real estate sales and brokerage firms must suspend in-person operations under the Governor’s Executive Order. Real estate functions that can be conducted online, by phone or email can continue. And as previously directed by the Governor, employees should be working remotely. Property appraisals, inspections, title services and other activities that require in-person business are not permitted during the term of the Executive Order.
VAR appreciates that Realtors® are trying to be creative to continue their business dealings, but any attempt to show homes, visit vacant properties, take photos or videos, or any other activity involving a Realtor® being out in the community, directly violates the Emergency Executive Orders. Those orders allow people to be out for a limited number of reasons. Knowingly violating a law may be potential grounds for unprofessional conduct. Read Ethics in the Time of COVID-19.
