We know this is a challenging time for everyone. At every level of government, relief is sought. The Chicago Association of REALTORS® is working to find creative solutions. Whether it is seeking another round of federal stimulus, asking for special relief from the Assessor and/or Board of Review, or monitoring proposed legislation from Aldermen seeking a knee jerk reaction to the crisis and proposing more tenant protections, the Government Affairs team is vigilant. But nothing can be accomplished unless we act as team. When a call for action is issued, please do not hesitate to reply and ask your friends to do the same. We look forward to the months ahead. As challenging as they may be, it will be absolutely necessary to stay in and stay engaged!
REAL ESTATE DEEMED AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS IN ILLINOIS
Thanks to REALTOR® advocacy efforts, real estate has been deemed an essential business in Illinois. This is not the case in all states. And while your business has been deemed essential, keep in mind this is not business as usual, and each brokerage and ancillary service may determine their own rules per their respective management. A virtual showing, home inspection, and appraisal can all still happen due to proactive work conducted by your governmental affairs staff.
City government buildings are shut down, and only essential personnel are allowed in the building. The current Stay At Home order expires on April 30th, although this may be extended. The City of Chicago will attempt a virtual City Council meeting on April 15th. Details are still unknown but if City Council is in session, know your GADs will be there to represent and protect your business and private property rights.
The Chicago Association of REALTORS® is working on your behalf to ensure your interests are represented at each level of government during the COVID-19 crisis. Things are changing quickly, so we’ve put together a list of resources and frequently asked questions. Visit ChicagoREALTOR.com/COVID19 for resources, tools, frequently asked questions and COVID-19 advocacy updates.
REMOTE NOTARY SERVICES MADE LEGAL FOR DURATION OF EMERGENCY ORDER
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has authorized notarial acts to be performed remotely via “two-way audio-video communication technology.” Pritzker took action via Executive Order on March 26, 2020. Notarial acts, which are defined in the Illinois Notary Act, may be performed remotely as long as the current disaster proclamation regarding the spread of COVID-19 is in effect. With Pritzker’s action, important documents used in real estate transactions that require notarization can now be executed remotely, allowing the transactions to proceed to closing.
Under the order, the two-way audio-video communication technology used by the parties must allow for contemporaneous interaction between the individual signing the document and the witness by both sight and sound. The notary public must be present in Illinois at the time of the notarization, and every interaction must be video recorded and preserved for at least three years. The person signing the document must take several steps to illustrate to the witness what document is being signed, including showing the witness each document being signed as well as telling the witness what the document is. After the signatory executes the document, they must transmit the document by fax or electronic means to the notary public on the same day the document was signed. The order also states that the Illinois Secretary of State’s office will be publishing future guidance on the use of remote notarizations.
RECORDER OF DEEDS CONTINUES TO PROCESS DOCUMENTS ONLINE
At the county level, the Recorder of Deeds is processing documents online. There were some hiccups early on, but your lobbying team was able to work with the county to ensure there are no noticeable delays for recording property transfers.
DWM & DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE OPEN VIRTUALLY FOR WATER METER & BILL NEEDS
As long as a property owner allows DWM access to the meter located in a building for meter reads, as needed, there should be no interruptions. There are over 300,000 metered accounts that can be read remotely and fewer than 7,000 metered accounts that have to be read onsite – these are generally large meters, not residential. Currently, over 95% of full payment certificates are completed online, and most are completely self-service, with the certificate arriving via email, once the online payment is made. The online payment is prompted via email. The department is available via email if you have questions. Rest assured: at some point, you will be able to confirm that the parcel in question has no outstanding debt, and DWM is willing and able to work with you through any exceptions. Additionally, the Department of Finance is open virtually, and you are able to receive full payment completions (FPCs) for water bills.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PASSES THE CARES ACT
The federal government passed the largest stimulus package in U.S. history, including over $2 trillion in relief funds. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act, unemployment benefits for independent contractors and the self-employed are unprecedented – a huge win in NAR’s advocacy efforts in Washington, DC! Here’s what you need to know.
IDES IS PREPARING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS FROM INDEP. CONTRACTORS & SELF-EMPLOYED
As of April 6th, the Illinois Department of Employment Security was still preparing for unemployment applications from independent contractors and the self-employed. Please check back to CAR’s website for updates.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN PROGRAM
During the April Coffee with your GADs, a significant amount of time was spent walking through the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The information was presented to attendees by Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer. Commissioner Gainer is from the 10th District and Chair of the Business and Economic Development Committee. You can view our full April Coffee with the GADs meeting below.
It’s important for elected officials to hear directly from you about the issues that affect your business. Keep an eye on your inbox in case of an upcoming Call for Action, and join us at the next Coffee with the GADs on May 5. We’ll have direct insights from our lobbying team.
Advocacy questions or concerns? Contact Kristopher J. Anderson or Adriann Murawski.