COVID 19 RESOURCES & INFORMATION

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 (known as the coronavirus) and its impact on our community.

This page will continue to be updated with resources to keep you informed. You can also check out NAR’sCoronavirus: A Guide for REALTORS®

If you have any other concerns or needs, please reach out to us! We are here for you, and we’re all in this together. Thank you for being a Chicago REALTOR®.


Chicago Association of REALTORS® COVID-19 Policy

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. Following the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State of Illinois and City of Chicago, we will no longer require proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 tests or masks for in-person events, meetings or classes, effective immediately.

We will continue to comply with CDC Guidelines for COVID-19 and reserve the right to change these guidelines.

VACCINE RESOURCES


REALTORS® are included in Vaccination Phase 1C and are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the City of Chicago as of Monday, March 29, 2021.

  • The City of Chicago has created avaccine resource websitewith information for you.
  • Click herefor Chicago’s Vaccine Finder website to get information and schedule your appointment. Please note that proof of residency will be required for all first dose appointments at City-supported sites beginning Monday, March 29, with the exception of the United Center. Pharmacies and healthcare providers have been asked to prioritize Chicagoans and current patients.
  • Sign up forChi COVID Coachto stay updated on vaccine rollout in Chicago and receive information on when and how you can get vaccinated.
  • Click hereto access Cook County’s vaccine resource website.
  • Register hereto get information about scheduling a vaccine appointment through Cook County. Registering will ensure you stay updated on vaccine rollout and availability in Cook County, including information about when vaccine appointments are expected to be released.

Resources for Workplace Re-entry


The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)recently published updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccines.In anticipation of the wide distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, associations and brokerages should begin thinking about and crafting COVID-19 vaccination policies. Here are the important takeaways from the guidelines:

  • Employers can require that employees receive the vaccine before returning onsite.
  • Employers may be required to make exceptions to a mandatory vaccination policy.
  • Employers should require employees to obtain the vaccination offsite.
  • Employers can require employees to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Employers can require all individuals who come onsite to provide proof of vaccination.
  • Employers can require attendees at in-person events to provide proof of vaccination.

NAR suggests that brokerages should create a clear communication plan that “informs employees of the terms of the policy, including information on vaccine supply, payment for the vaccine, timelines for receiving the vaccine, consequences for non-compliance, and other practical issues such as whether employees will be excused from work to get the vaccine. Employers should work closely with human resources and legal counsel to develop a policy, in evaluating accommodation requests to the policy, and before disciplining or terminating any employee for non-compliance with a mandatory vaccine policy.”

Find out more information and next steps on NAR’s site here.

The Illinois REALTORS® outlined Illinois’ Phase 1B of the vaccination process, which applies to those who are 65 years old or older as well as “essential frontline workers.”

For those that fall into these categories, appointments for vaccinations can be made at the following locations:

For more information, including updates about Phase 1C,visit IR’s website here

As we prepare for the reopening of offices, businesses should devise a multi-faceted and phased approach to the workforce’s re-entry to the workplace, which takes into account guidance, regulations, and orders issued by federal, state and local governments and agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and The White House.

The resources in this menu will help to guide you as you make your business decisions and preparations.

NAR President Vince Malta recorded avideosharing insights on preparing to reopen your business considering COVID-19 restrictions and provides best practices to keep yourself and your clients safe.

芝加哥房地产经纪人®仍然被认为是至关重要的orkers and allowed to continue working under the new COVID-19 mitigations that begin Friday, November 11 to combat the recent surge in positivity rates and hospitalizations. However, caution should be exercised while transacting, such as wearing masks, limiting the number of people at showings, working remotely when possible, continuing virtual practices and more.

The new mitigation requirements announced by Governor Pritzker on Tuesday include the following:

  • Limiting the size of gatherings
  • Reduced capacities in certain public locations
  • Temporary closures to casinos, indoor dining, gyms and more

Find out more here.

As the state heads into the next stage of reopening, Illinois REALTORS® General Counsel Betsy Urbance offersupdated business practice considerations and guidance.Find health and safety suggestions, new capacity limits, government resources, checklists and more.

In Illinois and Chicago’s Phase 3, real estate offices are allowed to open but will need to take precautions to keep their clients and staff safe. In this June 11 webinar (complimentary for all members), our experts will share best practices to prepare your offices, and the tools and resources you need to put in place in order to return to the office safely and successfully. We’ll give you the information you need, straight from our experts, including the legal and HR perspectives, as well as managing broker and property management guidance. We’ll address safety guidance for brokers, developing a reopening plan, and using your best judgment, as well as address questions like:
  • When can I reopen my office?
  • What does this new phase mean for our office spaces? What changes from now?
  • What steps can I take to ensure that my offices are meeting the new guidelines?
  • How can I best ensure my staff’s wellbeing?
  • What does this new phase mean for the business of real estate (i.e. open houses, showing tenant-occupied spaces, etc.)? What changes from now?
  • Am I liable if someone claims to contract COVID-19 (or another communicable illness) from an interaction in my space?
There will be opportunities for you to get answers to these questions and more!Register todayso together, we can do our part to reopen Chicago safely and successfully. Can’t join us? We will be recording the content and adding to ourVideo Resource Library

The City of Chicago has released guidance for workplace reopening for different industries, including real estate.

They are providing an infographic of things that may be different when reopening your office, residential and commercial building guidelines, and resources from industry partners.Click here to read the City of Chicago’s Reopening Guidelines.

Once the spread of infectious disease has slowed to a manageable level, public health authorities typically begin to lift restrictions on life and business. You need to be prepared for when this happens—and your property must be ready to reopen in a safe and responsible manner.

It’s important to remember that reopening your property will not be a “flip the switch” event. It will require some planning, preparation, and prioritization. Reopening may occur in phases to support social (physical) distancing and other disease prevention measures.

Operations at office, retail, and industrial properties will be different than those under normal circumstances.Click here to read IREM’s Guide to Reopening Your Property

As Illinois enters Phase 3 of the recovery from COVID-19, IDFPR released guidance to address ongoing questions about real estate service in this phase.Click here to view the basic guidelinesfor real estate professionals and profession-specific guidelines to follow.

NAR is offering members a COVID-19 showing guidance resource to help formulate best practices and guidelines for showing properties and preparing for business in the new normal. To access this resource,click here

NAR recommends you consider establishing a cross-functional COVID-19 Task Force, with representatives from across the organization, including human resources, legal, and facility operations, to prepare and monitor the re-entry of the workforce, as well as the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19.Their checklistprovides an overview of some of the key considerations the COVID-19 Task Force should consider when developing the organization’s plan for the workforce’s re-entry to the workplace.

NAR has just released new COVID-19 and PPE products to its REALTOR® Team Store.Click here to purchasemasks, hand sanitizer, gloves, antibacterial wipes and more to ensure you’re prepared to re-enter your office and begin business again.

As many communities and businesses are re-opening, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for people to resume some daily activities as safely as possible;please share it with your members and colleagues.In general, the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.

It’s more important than ever that your client knows the importance of working with a trusted expert to navigate the transaction process. Use ourHome is Still Essential materialsto communicate with your clients and sphere that, despite some changes, you are still there to help make their homeownership dreams come true.

Utilize and customize the resources by adding your company and logo to the bottom, then share them on your social media and websites, share them with your clients and more.

Financial Assistance & Emergency Legislation


(DISCLAIMER: This information is constantly changing. Illinois REALTORS® legal team will provide updates on how this affects employees of a brokerage; broker-owners; sponsoring brokers, etc.)

According toIllinois REALTORS®:

As of March 26, 2020, all IDES offices are closed to the public and an in-person application is not available. Applications can be processed online and by telephone.

As a REALTOR®, you should be able to keep listing property and, if commission is earned upon closing, that income will likely need to be reported and may impact a portion of any unemployment payments you might be entitled to for a period of time, but it may not disqualify you from all unemployment relief. For specific questions how continued real estate work and commissions may impact eligibility, you should contact your attorney for specific legal advice.

Self-employed and Independent Contractors

UPDATE May 6, 2020:IDES has instructed 1099 Workers to apply for regular unemployment benefits before PUA program goes live.Learn more

UPDATE April 16, 2020: IDES recently announced that independent contractors and self-employed persons should begin applying for unemployment benefits now (after originally advising those in these categories to stand down). We are still unsure when the claim will be processed but the guidance does encourage all to apply who think they might qualify. Learn more in the IDES CARES Act Unemployment Benefits Expansion Package FAQ(pdf).This message is dated April 7, 2020 but contains new and different guidance that is more recent.

Regular employees

If you are a regular employee, you may file now according to theIDES posted guidanceas to days of the week associated with your last name.

Employers

Followguidance provided by IDES

What if I have already filed an application?

Our best guess at this time is that you may be denied, but should be contacted by IDES at which time you might refile; or file an appeal.  We, are however, awaiting further guidance from IDES and will monitor their information sources for any new, better or different guidance.

The following information will help you contact IDES.

IDES offices are closed to the public until further notice. You may access IDES services using the following methods:

Applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) can prove to be a challenging puzzle.

伊利诺斯州房地产经纪人已经放在一起explainer videoabout the financial relief programs available to REALTORS, including:

In thisvideo from NAR, two labor and employment attorneys and two REALTORS® share their expertise and offer advice on the unemployment application process.Watch the PUA & YOU: The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Guide for REALTORS®

On March 27, 2020, Congress passed a $2 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package with overwhelming bipartisan support called theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

As more guidance is released by the Administration on how these new programs will be implemented, updates will be provided.

UPDATE October 13, 2020: REALTORS® who borrowed $50,000 or less or less through Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans can now fill out the newSBA Form 3508S, which requires less documentation and fewer calculations than the previous process.Click here for more information.

UPDATE April 23, 2020:The House passed legislation to provide a fresh round of funding for coronavirus small-business relief programs championed by the National Association of REALTORS® and available to REALTORS® through the CARES Act.Under the agreement, the PPP will receive $310 billion in new cash, while the EIDL fund will receive an additional $60 billion. The bill sets aside $60 billion of the PPP funding for small and medium-sized community banks, which will provide extra help for self-employed individuals and small businesses that don’t have relationships with larger banks.

UPDATE April 21, 2020:The Senate passed legislation to replenish coronavirus relief funding, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan fund. The House is expected to take up the measure later this week.Learn what you should do to prepareif you wish to take advantage of this funding.

UPDATE April 17, 2020:Aware of the looming shortfall, NAR sent a letter to lawmakers on Monday seeking more funds to keep the programs operating. As of Thursday, the SBA had stopped accepting applications for both the PPP and the smaller EIDL program. NAR will continue to work with policymakers to advocate for REALTORS’® interests going forward.

UPDATE April 16, 2020:According to official reports, the SBA processed 14 years worth of loans in only 14 days and now the funds allocated for this program are exhausted. Both Congress and Treasury officials are seeking additional appropriations to make more funds available. You will need to check with your local lender to determine if you can still apply while the additional funding requests are pending in Washington. As soon as there is an update on funding, we will inform members immediately.

UPDATE April 21, 2020:The Senate passed legislation to replenish coronavirus relief funding, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan fund. The House is expected to take up the measure later this week.Learn what you should do to prepareif you wish to take advantage of this funding.

UPDATE April 16, 2020:According to official reports, the SBA processed 14 years worth of loans in only 14 days and now the funds allocated for this program are exhausted. Both Congress and Treasury officials are seeking additional appropriations to make more funds available. You will need to check with your local lender to determine if you can still apply while the additional funding requests are pending in Washington. As soon as there is an update on funding, we will inform members immediately.

The PPP loans are based on the average monthly payroll expenses of a business, multiplied by 2.5 and capped at $10 million. They are intended to cover expenses for a business during any 8-week period between February 15, 2020 and June 30, 2020. They can be used for payroll costs, rents, mortgage interest and utilities. If a business owner maintains a certain level of payroll expenses and employee numbers during that 8-week period, the loan is 100% forgiven; as employees go below those levels, the forgivable amount is phased out.
In addition to small businesses that meet current SBA requirements, any business with 500 or fewer employees, sole proprietors, independent contractors and “gig economy” workers qualify for the 7(a) PPP loans.

KEY DATES:
Beginning April 3, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for SBA 7(a) PPP loans with an approved SBA lender. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply beginning April 10.

Paycheck Protection Program FAQs for Small Businesses are availablehere

UPDATE: April 14, 2020:Check out FAQs from the Treasury and SBAhere

UPDATE: May 15, 2020:The Treasury Department released newguidancepertaining to how the government will review PPP loan borrowers’ good-faith certifications of loan necessity. For more information on this guidance, please visithere

更新:6月18, 2020:On Wednesday, June 17, the SBA and U.S. Treasury Department offered automatic forgiveness for certain independent contractors and create a broader application form for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The updated forms clarify that the “owner compensation” amount automatically forgiven for borrowers who use a 24-week covered period, as opposed to the original eight-week period, is equal to 2.5 times their average monthly net income. Based on this, independent contractors with a 24-week loan can have the full amount automatically forgiven under the new guidelines.Read about the updates here.

UPDATE: July 18, 2020: NAR is offering a Protect Your Credit guide that explains provisions implemented by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to protect consumers’ credit scores. Like its companion piece, Protect Your Investment, this brochure can be customized with Association or REALTOR® logos and is available in English and Spanish.Download them here.

UPDATE March 30, 2021: The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Extension Act of 2021 has been passed. This bill extends the PPP deadline for an additional two months, moving the deadline to May 31, unless the funds are depleted earlier. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible before the May 31 deadline.Click here to find out more, andclick here for more information on how to get started through the Small Business Administration

UPDATE April 21, 2020:The Senate passed legislation to replenish coronavirus relief funding, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan fund. The House is expected to take up the measure later this week.Learn what you should do to prepareif you wish to take advantage of this funding.

UPDATE April 16, 2020:According to official reports, the SBA processed 14 years worth of loans in only 14 days and now the funds allocated for this program are exhausted. Both Congress and Treasury officials are seeking additional appropriations to make more funds available. You will need to check with your local lender to determine if you can still apply while the additional funding requests are pending in Washington. As soon as there is an update on funding, we will inform members immediately.

TheEIDL grantsare a new feature of the EIDL program. SBA EIDL loans are available for small businesses that have suffered economic harm during a declared disaster. The COVID 19 crisis has been declared an eligible disaster. The limit on these loans is $2 million. Under the CARES Act, applicants can receive a $10,000 advance on their EIDL loans from lenders, which will be disbursed within three business days of applying. That $10,000 advance would be forgivable. EIDL loans can be used to provide paid sick leave to employees unable to work due to COVID-19, maintaining payroll, meeting increased costs due to supply chain disruptions, rent or mortgage payments, and repaying debt obligations.

Under the CARES Act, an EIDL is available to any small business or business with 500 or fewer employees (or an industry size standard above 500 set by the Administration) that experiences an economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. This includes sole proprietors, independent contractors, tribal businesses and cooperatives.

A business must make a good-faith certification that it is suffering an economic injury due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The SBA has updated itsEIDL application pageto reflect the new streamlined process for COVID-19 relief.

Access NAR’s EIDL FAQs here

The City of Chicago recognizes that COVID-19 has put a difficult burden on the business and non-profit community. As a response to this challenge, the City of Chicago has established the $100 millionChicago Small Business Resiliency Fund(the Resiliency Fund), which will provide small businesses and non-profits with emergency cash flow during this health crisis. Funds will be provided to eligible businesses as low-interest loans.

The Resiliency Fund is structured to complement the new federal Paycheck Protection Program that the Small Business Administration (SBA) will launch shortly. The City and its partners will seek to provide all Resiliency Fund loan applicants with the best offer available, including from the SBA’s new program. All loan applications will be administered through lending partners, including Accion Serving Illinois and Indiana and the Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF). The Fund continues to build partnerships with additional lenders to help provide loans to small businesses and non-profits all over Chicago.

This was the first piece of legislation passed in mid-March to to provide support to workers and families during the coronavirus pandemic. Included in the legislation is aid for self-employed contractors and small business owners.

If you or your clients are homeowners experiencing financial hardship directly or indirectly related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your mortgage is owned by Freddie Mac, contact your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) right away to discuss your options.

Whether you’re facing job loss, reduced income, illness or other issues that impact your ability to make your monthly mortgage payment, Freddie Mac is working to ensure you are protected.Learn more

During this unprecedented time, the National Association of REALTORS® understands that access to health care options may be top of mind for members. Telemedicine is playing an essential role today as we navigate uncharted territory and the need for virtual healthcare.

NAR previously supported members by funding 2 months of Members TeleHealth as a benefit for those who do not currently have access to telemedicine, free enrollment which ended May 31.

Moving forward, REALTORS may pay $7/month for TeleHealth access. This is an ongoing, significantly-reduced rate.

Enroll and learn more here

According to NAR research, nearly two-thirds of NAR’s membership obtain their health coverage through a spouse’s employer-sponsored health plan, Medicare, or a health plan purchased in the Affordable Care Act’s “individual” market. Ten to fifteen percent, however, remain uninsured.

NAR recognizes that the COVID-19 national emergency presents additional challenges, particularly to members and their families’ health and well-being, as the Nation continues to weather the public health and economic storm. Congress and the Administration recently responded with a number of public policy changes to help bolster health insurance plans and ease requirements for more individuals to obtain treatment and insurance.Click herefor a high-level summary of these changes, what COVID-19-related medical services may be covered, along with helpful links and resources on these benefits.

  • The Chicago City Treasurer has put together a helpful website with financial resources. Please visitThe Help You Need & Where to Find Itfor information on many financial resources.
  • Working Credit is an organization that can help provide you with assistance on how to navigate your personal financial situation and help you make decisions that will be best for your financial wellness in the long term. If you have specific questions or need advice,visit their website
  • Operation Hope provides financial emergency preparedness and recovery assistance through their Hope Inside Disaster Program to individuals, families and businesses, either directly or indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.Learn more

Transactional FAQs & Resources


TheCOVID-19 Addendum to Purchase and Sale Contract可以作为附录现有合同should delays have occurred as a result of COVID-19. (i) The parties to each deal are not required to use the addendum or alter their contracts; and (ii) if they do use it, they need to negotiate the addendum and consult their own attorneys.

No, CAR is not planning to issue a COVID-19 disclosure or indemnification agreement at this time. Use of such COVID-19 disclosures and indemnification forms may not be consistent with the Fair Housing Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act, and may be unenforceable. Moreover, use of such forms may provide brokers and others a false sense of security that may increase the risk of the transmission of COVID-19. Due to the shortage of testing, the long incubation period after exposure, and the fact that many with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic, CAR does not believe that the use of disclosure and hold harmless forms effectively mitigates the risk of the transmission of COVID-19. CAR continues to strongly recommend that its members and members of the real estate industry avoid face-to-face real estate practices, including showings, as much as practicable until it is safe to do so.

Members should consult with their own attorneys before using COVID-19 disclosure and indemnification agreements.

Yes. Real estate brokers are permitted to go to their offices to engage in real estate services. However, members should consult with their managing brokers to ensure compliance with any company policies that may be put in place to keep people safe.

If brokers decide to go to their offices, brokers must, as much as reasonably possible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person while at the office.

In addition, the Executive Order requires Essential Businesses to take proactive measures to ensure compliance with social distancing requirements at the office, including where possible:

  • 指定标识,磁带,或者通过其他方式six-foot spacing for employees and customers in line to maintain appropriate distance;
  • Having hand sanitizer and sanitizing products readily available for employees and customers;
  • Implementing separate operating hours for elderly and vulnerable customers; and
  • Posting online whether an office is open and how best to reach the facility and continue services by phone or remotely.

然而,成员应该明白,只是贝科use those providing real estate services (and their clients) are permitted to go to their office, does not mean that they are required to do so or should. CAR encourages its members to follow any guidance provided by the CDC, State, medical professionals, and take all prudent and common-sense precautions to limit the risk of unnecessary exposure to, and transmission of, COVID-19.

更新:6月3, 2020:PER ILLINOIS REALTORS® GUIDANCE:As our Illinois regions move into Phase 3 of the Governor’s restoration plan, many of the now-familiar safety measures remain in place. While some business practices will now be legally permissible, this doesn’t mean that all available options should be immediately employed.

Prior to May 29, 2020, tenant-occupied unit showings were prohibited per the Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO’s) guidance interpreting the last gubernatorial disaster order, and vacant or owner-occupied unit showings were limited to no more than 4 people.

As of May 29, 2020, showings of occupied rental properties may be legally permitted, depending on the terms of the particular lease and/or any local, state or federal requirement to give a certain amount of notice to the tenant(s) prior to showing the rental unit. Any showing, after giving the tenant the appropriate notice, must be done in a manner where all the safety measures are observed, that is, physical distancing, face coverings or any other required PPE, small groups, hand washing and sanitization/cleaning of surfaces.

  • Best Practice:Before entering a tenant-occupied unit, obtain the tenant’s express consent before showing a tenant-occupied unit.

Showings of vacant or owner-occupied units are permitted if necessary and scheduled in advance (virtual showings are preferred) but limited to no more than 10 people(including owners and brokers who might be present in the property),withsocial distancing where possible,face coverings where social distancingcan’tbe observedand frequent cleaning.

  • Best Practices:
    • When conducting a showing or open house, consider havingthe owneror listing brokeropendoors including closets and cabinets,turning onlights andopeningwindow coveringsto reduce the need to touch surfaces
    • Incorporate a non-discriminatory appointment policy to cut back on the number of attendeesappearing at the same time
    • Restrict access after each showing to allow time for disinfecting areas of the home previous attendees viewed
    • Consider providing gloves and booties to attendeesand requiring face masks for all persons inside the home, even if social distance is maintained

The Executive Order requires all persons participating in a real estate showing to maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person, and where possible, have hand sanitizer and sanitizing products readily available.

The City has issued recommended guidance titled, “Be Safe. Residential Buildings.” In its guidance, the City recommends that real estate professionals provide virtual and self-guided tours as an option and that tours be limited to amenities, model, and vacant units only.

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® will continue to monitor ongoing developments and provide additional information it learns from the City of Chicago. We always advise consulting any office policy your broker may have and working with your legal counsel.

CAR urges all people engaged in real estate services to take prudent and common-sense precautions to limit the risk of unnecessary exposure to, and transmission of, COVID-19 to brokers, their clients, and the general public. Members should consult with their sellers and managing brokers to ensure compliance with any company policies that may be put in place to keep people safe.

CAR strongly recommends that its members and members of the real estate industry avoid face-to-face real estate practices, including showings, as much as practicable until it is safe to do so. Members are strongly encouraged to find alternative ways to engage in showings, such as virtual tours and video conferencing.Members should consult with their sellers and managing brokers to ensure compliance with any company policies that may be put in place to keep people safe.

更新:6月24, 2020:Per Illinois REALTORS®, in Phase 4, real estate brokerages are legally allowed to hold open houses so long as all of the safety measures can be observed. These include social distancing where possible, with face coverings where social distancing can’t be observed and frequent cleaning. Groups of more than 50 are prohibited.

Best Practices:

  • When conducting an open house, consider having the owner or listing broker open doors including closets and cabinets, turning on lights and opening window coverings to reduce the need to touch surfaces.
  • Incorporate a non-discriminatory appointment policy into “open house-day” procedures to cut back on the number of attendees appearing at the same time.
  • Restrict access after each showing to allow time for disinfecting areas of the home previous attendees viewed.
  • Consider providing gloves and booties to all attendees of an open house and requiring face masks for all persons inside the home, even if social distance is maintained.
  • Consider having an “open house” policy regarding use of PPE for showings and open houses.

Even if legally permissible, brokerages should carefully consider whether open houses are the safest option for their clients, their brokers and consumers. Each attendee brings a different set of contacts into the property. Brokerage policies should consider incorporating the use of technologies (like virtual open houses) to reduce physical presence, especially for the early stages of marketing properties. Use appointments in a consistent and non-discriminatory manner to physically view the property and incorporate the best practices from above, while keeping the number of contacts smaller.

更新:6月3, 2020:PER ILLINOIS REALTORS® GUIDANCE:Prior to May 29, 2020, open houses were prohibited per the Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO’s) guidance interpreting the last gubernatorial disaster order.

Beginning on May 29, 2020, real estate brokerages are legally allowed to hold open houses so long asall ofthe safety measures can be observed. These includelimitinggroupstoten people or less (including owners and brokers who might be present in the property),social distancing where possible, withface coverings where social distancingcan’tbe observedand frequent cleaning.

Best Practices:

  • When conducting an open house, consider havingthe owneror listing brokeropendoors including closets and cabinets,turning onlights andopeningwindow coveringsto reduce the need to touch surfaces
  • Incorporate a non-discriminatory appointment policy into open house day procedures to cut back on the number of attendeesappearing at the same time
  • Restrict access after each showing to allow time for disinfecting areas of the home previous attendees viewed
  • Consider providing gloves and booties to all attendees of an open houseand requiring face masks for all persons inside the home, even if social distance is maintained

Even if legally permissible,brokerages should carefully consider whether open housesarethe safest option for their clients, theirbrokersand consumers. Each attendee brings a different set of contacts into the property.Brokerage policiesshould consider incorporatingthe use of technologies(like virtual open houses)toreducephysical presence for the early stages of marketing propertiesUse appointmentsin a consistent and non-discriminatory manner to physically view the property andincorporatethebest practices from above, while keeping the number of contacts smaller.

The City has issued recommended guidance titled, “Be Safe. Residential Buildings.” In its guidance, the City recommends that real estate professionals provide virtual and self-guided tours as an option and that tours be limited to amenities, model, and vacant units only.

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® will continue to monitor ongoing developments and provide additional information it learns from the City of Chicago. We always advise consulting any office policy your broker may have and working with your legal counsel.

CAR urges all people engaged in real estate services to take prudent and common-sense precautions to limit the risk of unnecessary exposure to, and transmission of, COVID-19 to brokers, their clients, and the general public. Members should consult with their sellers and managing brokers to ensure compliance with any company policies that may be put in place to keep people safe.

UPDATE: May 15, 2020:NAR offers members a COVID-19 showing guidance resource to help formulate best practices and guidelines for showing properties and preparing for business in the new normal. To access this resource,click here

CAR strongly recommends that its members and members of the real estate industry avoid face-to-face real estate practices, including open houses, as much as practicable until it is safe to do so. Members are strongly encouraged to find alternative ways to engage in showings and open houses, such as virtual tours and video conferencing.Members should consult with their sellers and managing brokers to ensure compliance with any company policies that may be put in place to keep people safe.

再次,汽车敦促所有人从事房地产serves to take prudent and common-sense precautions to limit the risk of unnecessary exposure to, and transmission of, COVID-19 to brokers, their clients, and the general public. Members should consult with their sellers and managing brokers to ensure compliance with any company policies that may be put in place to keep people safe.

UPDATED May 13:You asked for the ability to add virtual open house showing information in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this feature will be a permanent part of listing options available to brokers.

MRED now has a new virtual open house feature for your listings in connectMLS. A “Live Stream” field now appears in the “Tour/Open House” section of add/edit. Select “yes” in this field to input a link to the online tour or open house via Zoom, Facebook, Webex, etc.

You can also now search by tour type in Search > Tour/Open House, and virtual tour information is available on Property Detail Reports. MRED is syndicating the “Live Stream” field to third-party vendors; however, this does not guarantee any particular portal will display this information.

Learn more, by watching this video

更新:6月24, 2020:Per the Illinois REALTORS®, tenant-occupied showings are allowed in Phase 4, depending on the terms of the particular lease and/or any local, state or federal requirement to give a certain amount of notice to the tenant(s) prior to showing the rental unit. Any showing, after giving the tenant the appropriate notice, must be done in a manner where all the safety measures are observed, that is, physical distancing, face coverings or any other required PPE, small groups, hand washing and sanitization/cleaning of surfaces.

Best Practice:

  • Before entering a tenant-occupied unit, obtain the tenant’s express consent before showing a tenant-occupied unit.

更新:6月3, 2020:PER Illinois REALTORS® GUIDANCE:Prior to May 29, 2020, showings of tenant-occupied properties were prohibited per the DCEO’s guidance interpreting the last gubernatorial disaster order.

As of May 29, 2020, tenant-occupied property showings may be legal, depending on the terms of the particular lease and/or any local, state or federal requirement to give a certain amount of notice to the tenant(s) prior to showing the rental unit. Any showing, after giving the tenant the appropriate notice, must be done in a manner where all the safety measures are observed, that is, physical distancing, face coverings or any other required PPE, small groups, hand washing and sanitization/cleaning of surfaces.

Best Practice:

  • Before entering a tenant-occupied unit, obtain the tenant’s express consent before showing a tenant-occupied unit.

Chicago has not issued a new executive order that is more strict than the State’s regulations with respect to open houses and showings of occupied rental properties. It is possible that the City may issue an order that would prohibit such activities.

The City has issued recommended guidance titled, “Be Safe. Residential Buildings.” In its guidance, the City recommends that real estate professionals provide virtual and self-guided tours as an option and that tours be limited to amenities, model, and vacant units only.

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® will continue to monitor ongoing developments and provide additional information it learns from the City of Chicago. We always advise consulting any office policy your broker may have and working with your legal counsel.

CAR urges all people engaged in real estate services to take prudent and common-sense precautions to limit the risk of unnecessary exposure to, and transmission of, COVID-19 to brokers, their clients, and the general public. Members should consult with their sellers and managing brokers to ensure compliance with any company policies that may be put in place to keep people safe.

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 which require notarization can now be executed remotely, allowing the transactions to proceed to closing.

根据订单,双向视听传播的和tion 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.

The resources atthis linkprovide property owners with assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.

A newProtect Your Investmentbrochure is available from NAR designed to help homeowners who are struggling to meet their loan obligations.Protect Your Investmentoffers guidance on working with trusted professionals like REALTORS® and housing counselors at HUD-approved agencies. The brochure also provides information about payment options offered by lenders and tips for avoiding scams. TheProtect Your Investment brochureis also available in Spanish.

See also NAR’sProtect Your Creditbrochure.

Check out thisApartment Therapy Q&A articleabout buying and selling during the pandemic – this is an excellent resource for you to share with your clients.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the switch for many to virtual business, we’ve received quite a few questions about Sentrilock lockboxes. We put together ashort FAQto help clarify confusion about one day codes and who can be given access.

Illinois REALTORS®’ Betsy Urbance put together some guidance and information regarding the current pandemic and the impact on real estate brokerage.Click here to access

We also hosted a town hall with Betsy and association leadership recently. Check out the recordinghere

Government & Legislative Resources


The City of Chicago is putting out regular COVID-19 updates.Access the latest here

City Hall is closed effective March 20, 2020, and will remain closed until further notice. Visit theirwebsitefor more information and resources.

The State of Illinois is putting out regular COVID-19 updates.Access the latest here

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 answers we currently have. We’ve also noted the questions to which we are still actively seeking answers.Check back to this page regularly for updates!

NAR联邦倡导团队一直关闭ly with Congress and the Administration to ensure the interests of REALTORS® and their clients are protected in any federal action in response to COVID-19. We are also in constant communication with industry partners to ensure there remains a united front defending the real estate industry and minimizing transaction disruptions during these very difficult times.

In addition to our hotline, stay in touch with the latest on our advocacy efforts on the pandemic by texting COVID19 to 30644. You’ll get information on how we’re fighting for members, and how recently passed legislation affects you. The response you’ll receive will send you to visitNAR.Realtor/coronavirusfor the latest information.

As the actions out of Washington evolve daily,click herefor a list of ongoing NAR Advocacy efforts that will be updated regularly. You can also check outthese advocacy-related FAQs

This year’s first-ever, all-virtual REALTORS® Legislative Meetings set record levels of participation—more than 26,000 REALTORS® came together from across America for virtual conference sessions focused on education, and forums on putting members first and providing support in uncertain times. Missed anything? The nine conference sessions will be available for viewing on demand for 30 days from Friday, May 15 at2020.legislative.realtor

Licensing & Education


Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to the Chicago Association of REALTORS®’ Real Estate School. We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 (known as the coronavirus) and its impact on our community.RRES complies with all CDC rules and regulations.We are continuing to host online and webinar courses through RRES.

Property Management Resources


IREM has put together a guide for real estate managers to help you through the pandemic.Click here to access

IREM has also put together resources on COVID-19.Access them here.如果你有任何问题或想法IREM的“From the Front Lines” series, please reach out to Brian at bflozell@irem.org or Denise at dfroemming@irem.org

UPDATED September 15, 2021: Governor Pritzker’s office announced it will extend the state’s eviction moratorium until October 3.

UPDATE August 27, 2021: The Supreme Court has ruled to end the CDC’s eviction moratorium.Find out more here.

UPDATE August 2, 2021: The City of Chicago has released information you need to know about the COVID-19 Eviction Protection Ordinance.Check it out here.

UPDATE May 3, 2021:Governor Pritzker has extended the eviction moratorium another 30 days until May 29.

UPDATE April 6, 2021: Governor Pritzker has extended the eviction moratorium another 30 days until May 1. Continuing from theexecutive orderfrom March 5, landlords must deliver to tenants a declaration that tenants may then execute and deliver back to landlords to trigger the protections of the moratorium.Find out more here.

UPDATE March 9, 2o21: Governor Pritzker has extended the eviction moratorium to April 3. He also signed a new order stating that if, after the filing of an eviction action, a tenant delivers an Illinois Tenant Declaration to the landlord, the landlord may only continue with the eviction if the tenant:

  1. Poses a direct threat to the health and safety of other tenants, or
  2. Is an immediate and severe risk to the property.

This clarification allows emergency evictions to continue even if a tenant is a “covered person” under the executive order.Click here for more information.

UPDATE February 10, 2021: Governor Pritzker announced that the eviction moratorium would be extended until March 6, 2021.

UPDATE December 14, 2020: Governor Pritzker announced on Friday, December 11 that theeviction moratorium would be extended another monthuntil January 9, 2021. The modifications include specific language regarding a minimum of 5-day notice for eviction actions. Also, the order specifically prohibits an eviction action against “a tenant who does not owe rent” and an exception is offered. However, this means an eviction action against a tenant with an expired lease but current with rent payment may not commence.

UPDATE November 14, 2020: Governor J.B. Pritzker, seeking to “balance the rights of tenants and landlords,” issued Executive Order (EO) No. 2020-72, extending the moratorium on initiating and enforcing residential evictions, with some amendments. As with all prior executive orders, this one is in effect for 30 days, until December 13.Find out more here.

There are currently three overlapping eviction and foreclosure moratoriums effective in Chicago.

  • The County moratorium covers all Chicagoans and currently lasts through at least May 18
  • The State moratorium also covers all Chicagoans and lasts through the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, and prevents the actual execution of evictions.The Governor’s executive order extending the eviction moratorium also prohibits “commencing,” as well as carrying out, residential evictions
    • UPDATE July 23: The moratorium has been extended to August 22.
    • UPDATE September 16: The moratorium has been extended until November 14.
  • Thefederal moratoriumpassed in the CARES Act covers HUD-supported housing and housing with federally-backed mortgages, and lasts for 120 days (through July 25).
    • The federal eviction moratorium restricts lessors of covered properties from filing new eviction actions for non-payment of rent, and also prohibits charging fees, penalties or other charges to the tenant related to such nonpayment of rent.
    • The federal eviction moratorium under the CARES Act does not prohibit the filing of cases that were filed before the moratorium took effect or that are filed after it sunsets, that involve non-covered tenancies, or where the eviction is based on another reason besides non-payment of rent or other fees or charges.

汽车支持市长Lori Housin快脚的芝加哥g Solidarity Pledge in April. The pledge states that Chicago’s leading residential housing lenders and landlord associations stand with all Chicagoans by affirming they may provide deferred payments and other relief for eligible renters and mortgage borrowers who demonstrate a significant financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.Learn more about the pledge

Under Governor Pritzker’s March 20 Stay at Home Executive Order, building management and maintenance is an essential service and may continue. Residents should be staying at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of illness, but may continue to travel to seek essential services, to work if they are an essential employee or to have in-home services or food deliveries. Landlords and building management should take steps to help decrease the spread of COVID-19 in Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health has put togetherthis documentproviding guidance for multifamily residential buildings.

The Community Investment Corporationand The Preservation Compact have compiled relevant resources that may be helpful to building owners and tenants during the COVID-19 health pandemic.Access them here
With so much discussion around rent payments during COVID-19, the National Apartment Association has released a video explaining the breakdown of $1 of rent.Watch it here

With so much discussion around rent payments during COVID-19, the National Apartment Association has released a video explaining the breakdown of $1 of rent.Watch it here

Association Offices & Services During COVID-19


我们在这里为您服务!虽然我们大部分的工作人员尸体n remote, the CAR offices are now open to drop off dues payments and other transactions. We encourage you to continue to engage with us for transactions on a virtual basis.

  • You can continue to reach us by phone, chat andemail
  • Sentrilock lockboxes可能要求在线或通过电话。
  • While classroom classes are resuming, we have manyvirtual optionsfor you to complete your CE and professional development during this unexpected downtime, including both webinar and online courses.
We are working in conjunction with our Board and our venues to make decisions about which events can resume in person and which will continue in a virtual format. Please check our emails and website for the latest information about which events are in-person and which are virtual.

Questions?Please reach out to our events team

In-person classes have resumed with restrictions on capacities and mask requirements for all individuals regardless of vaccine statue. Our online CE options are easy to complete in the comfort of your own home or office and we are continually expanding those offerings.

CAR to You可以同时帮助你哟ur education and member needs.
Questions?Our education team is here to assist you

Decisions about which association meetings will remain virtual are being made on a committee-by-committee basis and the nature of the work needing to be completed. Staff liaisons will keep committees, workgroups, and task-forces update about the status of future meetings.

At this time, we encourage all members to pay fees, including new member applications, classes, transfers, dues, NIREIN and RPAC, with a credit or debit card. Check and cash payment processing will experience delays.

NAR is dedicated to providing members with the latest information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on the real estate industry. Their new hotline at 1-800-874-6500 will connect you to a Member Support Representative who can assist with your questions and concerns.

In addition to the NAR hotline, you can stay in touch with the latest on NAR’s advocacy efforts on the pandemic by texting COVID19 to 30644. You’ll get information on how NAR is fighting for members, and how recently passed legislation affects you. The response you’ll receive will send you to visit NAR.Realtor/coronavirus for the latest information.

Everything MRED subscribers need to know about COVID-19 is availablehere