Uncategorized March 27, 2020

WA State Essential Workers

We are bringing you an update as to whom and which businesses (and workers) have been deemed “Essential” for the time being, as it pertains to the Real Estate Market here in Seattle. In order to ensure transactions of buying and selling homes can continue to operate and close in a timely manner, here is the statement from Gov. Inslee of businesses permitted to operate:

While real estate activities along with mortgage lending activities have been approved as essential activities under the Proclamation, such activities shall only be permitted under the following restrictions and limitations:

  1.  In-person meetings with customers are prohibited except when necessary for a customer to view a property or sign necessary documents;
  2.   No real estate open houses shall be permitted;
  3.  Property viewings, inspections, appraisals, and final walk-throughs shall be arranged byappointment and limited to no more than two people on site at any one time, exercising

    social distancing at all times; and

  4.   Except for the limited exceptions authorized above, all new real estate listings shall befacilitated remotely.

To that end, it is permissible to engage in real estate sales, as appraisers, settlement agents and escrow officers, property inspectors, mortgage loan originators, processors, and underwriters, and other necessary office personnel including IT professionals, and back office staff necessary to maintain office operations, along with those government workers necessary to review real estate excise tax and record documents.

All real estate and mortgage activities must meet social distancing and appropriate health and worker protection measures before proceeding.