SARASOTA, Fla. (March 25, 2020) – With the threat of states and counties shutting down non-essential services, your Government Affairs Department at the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee is taking a proactive measure to ensure that real estate services stay open. On March 24, 2020, RASM sent letters to Sarasota and Manatee counties on behalf of RASM asking that if non-essential services are shut down in our area, real estate services be deemed essential.
Florida REALTORS® is also advocating at the state level to ensure there are limited interruptions to certain essential government services that could have negative impacts while also keeping workers safe, such as recording by the County Clerks. In Sarasota and Manatee counties, e-recording and e-filing services allow documents to be submitted online or through electronic platforms.
The purchase of a home or building is likely one of the largest financial transactions individuals and companies undertake. In addition to health and safety concerns, our Association is also concerned about the potential impacts this will have on homeowners and other property owners who are in the process of buying and selling property. The ability to close real estate transactions includes certain requirements and deadlines which impact the lives and finances of many property owners.
RASM is asking that these transactions not be halted during a time our economy needs as much activity as it can get. With that in mind, REALTORS® need to be diligent and as careful as possible that they are adhering to all CDC guidelines in their day to day during these times.
While non-essential businesses have not yet been shut down in Sarasota and Manatee Counties (as of March 24, 2020), we’re hoping that these efforts will prevent your business from being halted during these unprecedented times. Your well-being is our top priority and we’re committed to working on your behalf to address REALTOR® and homeowner issues.
For more information and resources concerning advocacy work towards COVID-19 relief, visit myrasm.com/coronavirus. Let us know how things are going by completing our Local Market Pulse Survey: Coronavirus vs. Real Estate.