Real Estate Now Included as 'Essential'

Following an appeal by NHAR, "Real Estate Transactions" has been added to the list of essential services in the Governor's stay-at-home order. As part of Exhibit A to Emergency Order 17, the real estate provision reads as follows:

Real Estate Transactions/Agents/Brokers

Meetings between brokers/agents and clients (or prospective clients) cannot take place at a real estate brokerages' physical offices but may take place with social distancing or remotely by phone, video or other electronic means.
Showings of homes or other properties may take place by appointment and with appropriate social distancing measures.
Real estate closings can continue, either through remote means or with social distancing for any in-person transactions.
Property inspections and appraisals may continue with appropriate social distancing.
Open houses are not permitted.

The revised "essential services" explanation and list can be found here.

"Amidst the sea of change to which the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS has played witness in its 85 years, one thing that has remained constant is the Realtor 'R' and the value we bring to every real estate transaction in which we take part. We are part of a unique community where our familial cooperation transcends our business competition. These are not mere platitudes, but our living ideals, and they are, in fact, the foundation on which we conduct ourselves in our day-to-day affairs."

Joanie McIntire, 2024 President, New Hampshire REALTORS