COVID-19 Info & Resources
Montana is currently under a State of Emergency.
Montana is ordered to Shelter in Place Starting March 28th.
Find Executive Orders, Directives, Press Releases and other COVID-19 Information
Montana Department of Health and Human Services Information
Governor Bullock has issued a Stay at Home Directive effective March 28 through April 10. The directive expressly designates real estate services as Essential Businesses. MAR urges our members to exercise all due caution when carrying out business in order to protect public health and personal safety.
If you have any questions or concerns about the decision to consider real estate an essential service during the Stay at Home directive, please contact MAR President Diane Beck at: DianeBeck@realtor.com
Highlights of the directive pertaining to real estate:
Financial and real estate services and institutions. Banks, consumer lenders, including but not limited, to pawnbrokers, accountants, consumer installment lenders and sales finance lenders, credit unions, appraisers, realtors or others providing real estate services, title companies, financial markets, trading and futures exchanges, affiliates of financial institutions, entities that issue bonds, related financial institutions, and institutions selling financial products.
Critical trades. Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, and other trades including but not limited to plumbers, electricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations
Professional services. Professional services, such as legal services, accounting services, insurance services, information technology services, real estate services (including appraisal and title services).
READ THE FULL STAY AT HOME DIRECTIVE
Congress Passes $2 Trillion Aid Package
The U.S. House of Representatives passed an historic $2.2 trillion COVID-19 rescue package today Friday, March 27, 2020 sending it to President Trump for his signature.
The bill contains numerous benefits for REALTORS® that NAR fought hard for during the past three weeks, including unemployment eligibility for the self-employed and independent contractors; unprecedented aid for small businesses; and a delay in business payroll tax payments.
Here is an outline of the major provisions
NAR'S ADVOCACY WORK TOWARD COVID-19 RELIEF
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
How many and where are the current cases in Montana?
Where can I find more information about COVID-19 in Montana?
Where can I find guidelines on how to currently transact business?
Should I have an open house?
Where can I find additional information for REALTORS®?
REMINDER: NAR provides general guidelines for REALTORS® . Know what the recommendations and guidelines are for our local area by checking out Montana DPHHS site.
MAR Forms and Information for New Forms
MAR's Forms Screening Panel and MAR legal counsel have provided some forms for use at this time. Below are links to the COVID-19 Clause, Mutual Termination Form and a COVID-19 White Paper.
In order to view these forms, you will need to login to a secure page of MAR's website using your NRDS number as you username, and your last name with the First Letter Capitalized (ex. Smith) as your password.
COVID-19 Clause and Information of Use
Mutual Termination Form
Termination of Real Estate Contracts in Light of COVID-19 White Paper
There is only one authorized user of the Legal Hotline per office (a User). Only the User in each office is authorized to use the Legal Hotline, unless the User has the prior written consent of MAR or Boone Karlberg P.C., the law office that staffs the Legal Hotline. Additionally, the number and email for the Legal Hotline should never be given to clients, non-REALTORS® or to friends who are having trouble in a transaction.
MAR MEETINGS AND EVENTS
At this time, all in-person meetings, including GRI, April Business Meetings and Forms Subcommittee, have been canceled. MAR committees will meet via Zoom Conference calls and we are still working out the best way to conduct our spring Board of Directors meeting.
LATEST COMMITTEE CALL INFORMATION
MAR OFFICE
The MAR office is currently closed and we are working from home. At this time all services are still available to our members. Please send an email to the appropriate staff member or to info@montanarealtors.org. We are here to help you navigate this uncertain time.
NAR RESOURCES
NAR COVID-19 HOMEPAGE
NAR has complied some great resources for you as well as guidelines to keep you and your business safe.
NAR'S TRANSACTION GUIDANCE DURING COVID-19 March 24, 2020
NAR'S ADVOCACY WORK TOWARDS COVID-19 RELIEF March 21, 2020
NAR OPEN HOUSE GUIDANCE DURING COVID-19 March 20, 2020
CORONAVIRUS: A GUIDE FOR REALTORS® March 19, 2020
CORONAVIRUS: RESOURCES AND GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS March 19, 2020
CORONAVIRUS: RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS March 19, 2020
CORONAVIRUS: A GUIDE FOR REALTOR® ASSOCIATIONS March 19, 2020
MESSAGE FROM NAR PRESIDENT VINCE MALTA March 17, 2020
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
In response to the growing concerns about COVID-19, Montana Association of REALTORS® (MAR) has created a guide of resources to help you stay informed. Information from Federal, State and local governments change daily (sometimes multiple times a day), so know what the recommendations are and reach out to your local public health officials if you have questions or concerns.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Montana Department of Health & Human Services (DPHHS)
Agents, Brokers, and all office staff should be on the same page with safety precautions and guidelines that your office is following. Ultimately, you need to work with your clients to make sure they are comfortable in the process.
