'Real estate is essential,' Ohio REALTORS tell Gov. DeWine
Ohio REALTORS Chief Executive Officer Scott Williams sent the following letter to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine today, requesting that real estate be deemed an essential professional service if the state makes a declaration involving the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dear Governor DeWine:
On behalf of the 33,000 Ohio REALTORS I respectfully request that real estate be deemed an essential professional service in any declarations made for the State of Ohio during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of real estate on the Ohio economy is significant and meeting the current needs of today’s market is critical. REALTORS® across the state are actively working with clients who are reliant on our members to achieve a successful closing.
We appreciate your leadership and dedication during this unprecedented time. Ohio REALTORS share your concerns regarding the health and safety of our communities. We are also concerned about the impact this will have on the real estate economy. Our industry accounts for $99.6 billion annually, or almost 15 percent of the Ohio’s gross state product. Every real estate transaction puts over $50,000 back into the Ohio economy. A complete shutdown of the real estate industry could exacerbate the devastating effect of the COVID-19 crisis.
Equally noteworthy, REALTORS are independent contractors and not currently eligible for many of the support programs being offered. We are concerned for REALTORS, their families and their businesses. We appreciate your leadership in supporting Ohio’s independent contractors and are here to work with you as you continue to make these difficult decisions.
REALTORS are taking precautions to prevent the spread of disease and are actively working with our local Associations to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. We are altering our day-to-day real estate practices, including using virtual tours to control exposure and spread.
I appreciate all of work you are doing to keep the citizens of Ohio safe. Once this has passed, please know that we are here to work with you to rebuild our communities.
Real estate is essential.
Sincerely,
Scott Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Ohio REALTORS
