Capitol Connection – March 27, 2020
Updated Public Health Order for Colorado to Include Real Estate as Critical Business
Yesterday, Governor Polis and the Department of Public Health and Environment released an updated public health order in accordance with Wednesday’s executive order implementing a statewide stay-at-home order, in effect from March 26 through April 11, 2020.
The public health order was updated to include a number of critical services that includes Professional Services, such as legal, title companies, or accounting services, real estate appraisals and transactions.
This new update does include Real Estate as an “critical business” under Colorado’s Stay-at-Home Order. This revision is a direct result of CAR’s regular communication with the Governor and his staff, including appeals to the Governor to consider inclusion of real estate as an essential service during this period.
The COVID-19 crisis and the drastic changes to our everyday lives that we are all experiencing must be taken extremely seriously and ALL Colorado REALTORS® should take extreme precautions whenever executing any part of their business. State and local mandates are a reflection of the incredibly serious nature of the global health risk and we have a responsibility to protect the public, our clients, and business associates.
To stay current on rules, regulations and other news as it applies to real estate, please visit our Covid-19 web portal at www.Coloradorealtors.com/Covid19.
Additional Recommendations:
- Implement the new COVID-19 Addendum on all current real estate transactions by checking BOTH boxes. Access the Covid-19 Addendum Here.
- Contact clients to inform them of what they can expect during this period.
- Focus on organizing your business and checking in on the health and wellness of your clients.
- Contact your professional service providers to see what changes they have made due to the Coronavirus.
- If you are encountering or are anticipating personal hardship go to your county websites and contact your mortgage company to see what tools and resources, they have to assist you at this time.
A Few Ways to Donate:
- Donate to COVID-19 Relief Fund at HelpColoradoNow.org.
- Sign up to volunteer at HelpColoradoNow.org.
- Donate blood – visit vitalant.org to find a location to donate near you.
Post your photos of practicing social distancing or helping your community with the hashtag #DoingMyPartCO to participate in the state’s social media challenge.
President Trump Signs Coronavirus Rescue Bill – What REALTORS® Need to Know
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a historic $2.2 trillion COVID-19 rescue package which was signed by President Trump this afternoon.
The bill contains numerous benefits for REALTORS® that include unemployment eligibility for the self-employed and independent contractors, aid for small businesses, and a delay in business payroll tax payments.
To learn more about how this legislation affects you and your clients, read NAR’s comprehensive guide to all benefits for REALTORS®.
Colorado General Assembly Extends Recess to Mid-April
The legislature is scheduled to gavel in on this coming Monday, March 30th; however legislative leaders have decided they will extend the recess and take the necessary steps to help in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Although May 6th is marked as the last day of the legislative session for Colorado, legislative leaders continue to seek legal guidance from the Colorado Supreme Court to answer the question whether the 120 calendar days must be counted consecutively from the first day of the legislative session or the legislature can reconvene and pick up where they left off on March 14th.
Remote Notarization
CAR is actively working on a variety of emergency issues to enable our members to continue their business operations as much as possible. At the forefront today is the necessary state and federal authorization to process real estate transactions online.
Click here to read the stakeholder letter sent to Colorado’s Secretary of State requesting an Executive Order to allow for the use of remote notarization technology to satisfy the “personal appearance” requirement to remotely complete real estate notarizations.
Bills Signed by Governor Polis
- HB-1009: Suppressing Court Records of Eviction (LPC Position: Amend)
- SB-025: Conservancy District Boards Art and Beautification Projects (LPC Position: Support)
Did you miss the RPAC Quarter 1 webinar earlier this week? Don’t worry, click here to view
Click here to see the first quarter RPAC Goal Sheet and click here to see the updated overall goal sheet (MemberFuse log-in required).
As we navigate this unprecedented crisis, we will be adjusting RPAC fundraising activities to most appropriately serve the needs of Colorado REALTORS®. RPAC remains an integral part of our advocacy system and we will make adjustments with that in mind.
Please contact Cameron Hill for questions and further updates.
Colorado Project Wildfire
Developed by the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, Project Wildfire is designed to help reduce the destruction of land, property, and lives. Working in partnership with other like-minded fire prevention organizations across the state, local REALTOR® associations are bringing education and awareness, as well as access to resources, directly to residents in their local communities. To learn more about Colorado Project Wildfire, click here.
Colorado Project Wildfire Partnerships Gaining State and National Attention – Read here.