On Thursday, March 27, we hosted a special legal update and virtual town hall, featuring:
- Betsy Urbance | General Counsel & VP, Legal Services, Illinois REALTORS®
- Maurice Hampton | President, Chicago Association of REALTORS®, and owner, Centered International Realty
- Michelle Mills Clement | CEO, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
- Kristopher J. Anderson | Government Affairs Director, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
- Adriann Murawski | Government Affairs Director, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
- Christie DeSanctis | Director of Federal Banking, Lending and Housing Finance Policy, National Association of REALTORS®
- Lesley Muchow | VP, Deputy General Counsel, National Association of REALTORS®
- Mabel Guzman | Vice President of Association Affairs, National Association of REALTORS®, past president, Chicago Association of REALTORS®, and broker, @properties
- Jeffrey Baker | Deputy CEO, Illinois REALTORS®
- Jon Broadbooks| Chief Communications Officer, MRED
- Rebecca Pearson | Director of Marketing & Communications, MRED
Check out the video from the event
CORRECTION & CLARIFICATION
During the legal update and town hall, presenters stated that the consumer does not fall under essential services, therefore cannot physically attend showings. After further review, the below information has been provided regarding consumers and showings:
If a consumer does not fall under essential services, how could a real estate broker physically show a home to an interested buyer?
Under the present circumstances, there are a lot of
IFs in this question. First, it is important to note that pursuant to the governor’s Executive Order, dated March 20, 2020, real estate services are included as essential services. So, it is reasonable to infer that a consumer seeking those essential services could legally do so under the Order. Just as a consumer is allowed to go to the grocery store, a consumer is allowed to shop for housing or office space or other real estate. This is supported in Section 1(5) of the Order.
While a physical showing might not be the best option in this current environment, if there is a seller needing and willing to accommodate a physical showing to a serious buyer, and a serious buyer willing and able to attend a physical showing, it is allowable under the Order so long as social distancing parameters are maintained.
To be clear, this is not a recommendation to do in-person what could otherwise be done remotely; but it is a statement that assuming all requirements are met, it could be done in a legal manner.
As you know, this is a very fluid situation. Please visit www.ChicagoREALTOR.com/COVID19 for all COVID-19 updates and resources. 
