Inside this issue
  Letter from NVR 2020 President Chris Bishop  
  Dear Nevada REALTORS® members,

Even during this pandemic, Nevada REALTORS® are well-positioned to continue serving clients. REALTORS®, mortgage lenders, home inspectors, appraisers and other providers are currently at work and making sure buyers and sellers have all the services they need to complete their real estate transactions safely and efficiently.
 
TECHNOLOGY
Nevada REALTORS® are practicing "social distancing" while conducting real estate transactions. They can create virtual property tours and conduct video chats that allow buyers to see properties in a realistic way online. REALTORS® can also conduct virtual listing presentations with sellers.
 
REALTORS® use electronic documents and are encouraging buyers and sellers to sign paperwork through platforms like DocuSign to minimize in-person contacts. In fact, much of the transaction was already conducted, even before the spread of COVID-19. With an increased use of technology, however, we encourage buyers and sellers to be aware of scams. Before sending money, buyers and sellers should always call their title company, using an independently verified number to confirm wiring instructions.
 
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
During property showings and inspections, REALTORS® are encouraging the following to prevent the spread of disease.
 
  • Having all parties wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer before and after entering a home.
  • Asking buyers to avoid touching anything in the home.
  • Canceling showings if buyers or sellers or others are sick.
  • Opening all interior doors prior to showings to minimize the need for buyers to touch door handles.
  • Turning on all lights before showings to prevent touching light switches.
  • Disinfecting all door handles and high-touch areas prior to and after showings.
  • Having all parties stand six feet away from each other during showings
 
POTENTIAL DELAYS
REALTORS® currently report that real estate transactions are moving smoothly. Nevertheless, should any issues arise, Nevada REALTORS® is providing REALTORS® with the tools and information they need to help their clients through any delays, resulting from the outbreak.  Real estate closings continue to take place each day, and the demand for real estate remains high. Nevada REALTORS® stand ready to help Silver State consumers navigate the market and transaction.

Sincerely,
Chris Bishop
2020 Nevada REALTORS President
 
Also, NVR members can distribute this letter to clients, in flier form, to share about the dedication and precautions REALTORS® across the state are showcasing to ensure a safe real estate industry. Click here for the flier.
 
 
 

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  Governor defines REALTORS as essential  
  Last Friday, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said continued operation of non-essential businesses was impairing the state's ability to prevent the further spread of COVID19. He then issued an emergency regulation defining essential and non-essential businesses as well as parameters for essential businesses to conduct business in the state. Essential Licensed Business means ... Professional or technical services including legal, accounting, taxes, payroll, real estate, and property management services ... This means REALTORS® are viewed as offering essential services. 

Read the emergency declaration from the Nevada Dept. of Public safety by clicking here.
 

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  NRED extending all March-April renewals until 2020  
 
REMINDER: NRED offices closed, but online services still available

The Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED) is extending ALL renewals of licenses, certificates, permits and registrations due in March and April to May of 2020, including those of first-time licensees completing post-licensing education. The Division will also suspend all late fees during this period. 
 
We encourage all licensees to take advantage of the services and resources on the NRED website: http://red.nv.gov. The Division continues to offer online renewals and staff are readily available to answer phone messages and emails. For questions regarding licensing, education or complaints, please contact the Division at (702) 486-4033 or email realest@red.nv.gov.  For questions regarding homeowner association matters, please contact the CIC Ombudsman's Office at (702) 486-4480 or  mail CICOmbudsman@red.nv.gov
 
Due to the Nevada State Business Center (NSBC) temporarily closing its doors, division officials are unable to process mail. Any services outside of online the online services listed in the attached link are temporarily suspended. Click here for a list of available services and for more information.
 

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  NAR always advocating for members, especially during current turbulent environment  
 

The National Association of REALTORS® is committed to ensuring that lawmakers continue to take into consideration the real estate industry, including independent contractors and small business owners. 

Congress has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) providing support to American workers, families, and businesses, including the expansion of paid sick leave and family medical leave. It also includes refundable tax credits for small businesses and self-employed individuals to cover the cost of the leave. Keep up on all of NAR's political advocacy efforts during the COVID19 pandemic by clicking here

NVR is working closely with NAR and real estate associations throughout the country to create messaging that is streamline and precise regarding best practices for our REALTOR(R) members as we all navigate through these evolving times.  
 

 

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  Coronavirus resources include preparedness plan, open house tips and much more  
  NAR is offering a myriad of resources during the Coronavirus pandemic. Have you been to NAR.Realtor/Coronavirus?

Among the resource materials you can find are: Click here and check it out to learn more.

Other resources from Nevada REALTORS®, include our Legal-themed articles, keeping members up-to-date on the latest changes to the law and legal guidance. A popular topic our NVR attorneys are discussing now revolves around landlord entry rights. You can read a special article released last week by NVR by clicking here

Remember, the Coronavirus and its impacts are far-reaching and force public elected leaders and private association leadership to react to change on a daily basis. Please follow NVR's social media channels and read your emails from NVR to stay on top of the latest changes and get the most recent information.
 

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