The state has released an official confirmation that real estate is considered an “essential business.” But ambiguity remains about what in-person contact is permissible.
In a guidance issued Thursday, the Empire State Development agency said real estate services must be conducted remotely for all transactions, “including but not limited to title searches, appraisals, permitting, inspections, and the recordation, legal, financial and other services necessary to complete a transfer of real property.”
The guidance states that “any services and parts therein may be conducted in-person only to the extent legally necessary and in accordance with appropriate social … (0 comments)
After facing pressure from city officials and workers, the state is shutting down all construction except work on infrastructure, healthcare facilities and affordable housing.
The Empire State Development Corp. updated its guidelines Friday, saying only work on “roads, bridges, transit facilities, utilities, hospitals or health care facilities, affordable housing, and homeless shelters” will be considered essential. The qualification is a dramatic change from the blanket exemption included in an executive order Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed last week. Under the order, employees of all non-essential businesses are prohibited from reporting to work. … (3 comments)
After a week of debate about whether brokers should continue showing homes, Gov. Andrew Cuomo barred the practice.
The governor’s action Friday — part of a sweeping ban on activities that risk spreading the coronavirus — put some agents at ease but also could temporarily erode their incomes.
Douglas Elliman broker Lauren Muss seemed relieved. “It’s the right thing,” she said.
Earlier in the day she’d conducted what will now be her last showing with “a real-live buyer” for a while. “I was uneasy,” she said. “I didn’t want to get in the elevator with … (2 comments)
There’s a unique sense of relief when a subway train that’s “being held momentarily” finally starts rolling forward.
And it was with a similar rush of comfort that Brooklyn real estate players welcomed the news Thursday that the L train shutdown won’t be as bad as originally thought.
“Even with all the planning and the additional ferry service and additional bus service, it would have been very challenging for the 200,000 plus commuters,” said Toby Moskovits, president and founder of the real estate investment firm Heritage Equity Partners. “I think … (2 comments)
Guidance orders remote work, except where “legally necessary”
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