Covid-19 Impacts to Business
CLICK HERE for a quick reference to Small Business Coronavirus Resources for REALTORS®
Spokane County, Washington State and the Federal Government have initiated emergency programs that can help businesses and individuals affected by the Coronavirus Quarantines.
May 14, 2021
Washington REALTORS® release new guidance for real estate operations under the revised state COVID 18 guidelines.
The Phase 3 protocols that must be followed for permitted in-person activities (previews, showings, listing appointments, inspections, walk-throughs, appraisals, etc.) include:
- In-person activities must be by appointment only;
- Face coverings are required to be worn at all times by real estate brokers, their clients,
and industry partners (e.g. appraisers, inspectors, photographers, stagers, etc.) - No more than ten (10) people, in addition to the broker, may be on site at any one time; and
- Those persons must strictly follow social distancing guidelines by remaining at least six feet apart at all times
May 13, 2021
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that the state is moving toward a statewide June 30 reopening date and that all counties in Washington will move to Phase 3 of the Healthy WA: Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan effective May 18 until June 30.
CLICK HERE for the full story
March 22, 2021
Spokane County has moved into Phase 3 under Goveror Inslee’s Roadmap to Recovery.
For large counties with more than 50,000 residents, key metrics will need to be followed in order to maintain that status:
- Sustain a 14-day average of new COVID cases at or below 200 per 100,000 residents
- Maintain a seven-day average of new hospitalizations per 100,000 at five or fewer
CLICK HERE for the latest information
March 11, 2021
Governor Inslee outlines his strategy for re-opening Washington under a phased system.
For REALTORS® this approach opens the door to more traditional real estate marketing strategies.
CLICK HERE to read the Governor’s announcement
Feb 11, 2021
Starting next week, Spokane will move to Phase 2 in the state’s reopening plan allowing restaurants, gyms and entertainment establishments to open to 25% capacity. Governor Inslee announced the state’s East region, which includes Spokane and eight other counties, will join most of the state in moving to the next phase.
Under the guidelines previously issued by the state, REALTORS® will now be allowed to hold open houses so long as they adhere to previous guidelines such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. These limited open houses are permitted with no more than ten (10) people, in addition to the broker, in the property with strict social distancing and proper sanitation measures.
Feb 2, 2021
New REALTOR® guidelines have been issued by the state under the “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery.” Under Phase 2, open houses will be allowed.
CLICK HERE for new operating details for REALTORS®
Jan 28, 2021
Governor Inslee revises guidelines for reopening Washington under the “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” program.
Jan 5th, 2021
A new series of restrictions on business have been ordered by the Governor as part of a newly announced “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” program.
Dec 31, 2020
Governor Inslee extends the eviction moratorium through March 31, 2021
Dec 30, 2020
Governor Inslee extends the statewide restrictions from Dec 10th until January 6th.. and issues a new set of Covid-19 proclamations
Dec 21st, 2020
The US Congress has passed a new round of stimulus funding. The agreement contains many priorities championed by NAR, including rental assistance, a fresh round of funding and simplified forgiveness for SBA loans, and more direct payments to Americans.
Dec 10th, 2020
Governor Inslee extends the shutdown order until January 4th, 2021, Modifications to this order include prohibiting indoor singing with persons outside of your household, but permitting outdoor singing while wearing a face covering in most circumstances, including religious and faith-based services, weddings, and funerals.
For REALTORS(R) this continues the previous guidance and regulations previously outlined. (see Nov 15th, 2020)
READ THE GOVERNORS PROCLAMATION HERE
Nov 15th, 2020
With Covid-19 cases on the rise in Washington, Governor Inslee has ordered a shutdown on a number of key business operations in the state. (CLICK HERE to read the formal announcement)
For REALTORS® this means:
- All real estate open houses are suspended.
- Professional services should work from home. If you are unable to work from home, those services will be limited to 25% of building occupancy and closed to the general public.
- Please note that private home showings are still permitted by appointment with no more than five (5) people, in addition to the broker, on site with strict social distancing
CLICK HERE for the latest guidance from WaREALTORS®
Oct. 9th, 20020
Governor Inslee announces he is extending the eviction moratorium until December 31st, 2020. The move extends the moratorium he placed on residential landlords in July.
READ the proclamation here
Oct 6th, 2020
Governor Inslee has moved to allow open houses to resume for REALTORS®. But there are a number of key guidelines that must be followed.
CLICK HERE to learn more
Oct. 1, 2020
Following a delay, the The U.S. Treasury Department will begin processing PPP loan forgiveness applications. PPP borrowers are eligible for forgiveness if they meet the program’s requirements, which include using at least 60% of the funds for payroll costs and the remainder for other eligible uses (including rent, utility bills, and mortgage interest) during the covered period.
CLICK HERE for full forgiveness requirements
CLICK HERE to watch a step-by-step video on how to fill out the PPP forgiveness application.
September 30th, 2020
REALTORS® in Spokane can now have 5 people in a home showing at a time.
In-person activities including showings, inspections, appraisals, and final walk-throughs may now include up to five (5) persons (PLUS the broker).
The US Treasury Department has announced that the Small Business Administration has begun its Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness application process.
Sept 23, 2020
Governor Inslee has allowed venues to allow gatherings of 200 – so long as they practice social distancing.
READ his guidance here
September 4, 2020
Governor Inslee has adjusted guidance for REALTORS® to allow 5 people at a time to attend viewings of a home. Open Houses are still prohibited.
READ the governor’s guidance here
September 2, 2020
Following an Executive Order by President Trump, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is using its authority to temporarily halt evictions through the end of 2020 in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Under the CDC Order, American renters who meet certain conditions cannot be evicted if they have affirmatively exhausted their best efforts to pay rent, seek Government rental assistance, and are likely to become homeless due to eviction.
- Those who benefit from this assistance are still obligated to pay accrued rent or housing payments in accordance with their lease or contract.
- Landlords are still permitted to pursue eviction against tenants committing criminal acts, threatening the health or safety of other residents, and damaging property, among other offenses.
CLICK HERE for more information
August 27th, 2020
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend the moratoriums on single-family foreclosures and real estate owned (REO) evictions until at least December 31, 2020. The foreclosure moratorium applies to Enterprise-backed, single-family mortgages only. The current moratoriums were set to expire on August 31, 2020.
Read the details here
August 5th, 2020
Governor Inslee issues new guiodance fopr the reopening of school.
Read the order here
August 4th, 2020
The Washington State Department of Commerce has announced $100 million will be made available for rent assistance.
Read the PROGRAM DETAILS HERE
August 1st, 2020
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has paused indefinitely all 39 Washington counties in his Safe Start recovery program due to the increasing numbers of infection from COVID-19 across the state.
This means Spokane County will stay at Phase 2 for the foreseeable future.
CLICK HERE for the Covid-19 needs assessment tool
July 28, 2020
Governor Inslee issues an order limiting all gatherings to 10 people. Some exemptions exist for weddings and funerals.
READ THE ORDER here
July 28th, 2020
Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI), the County’s designated Associate Development Organization (ADO), will launch the OPENTogether Small Business and Non-profit Grant program to help small businesses and non-profits offset safety and operating costs, rent and other allowable expenses with $10 million of Spokane County-allocated CARES Act dollars.
July 28th, 2020
Governor Inslee adds new guidance for his extension on COVID-19 related restrictions and regulations for activities shown to provide a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure, including restaurants, bars, and fitness centers, as well as weddings and funerals. The changes will also affect family entertainment centers, movie theaters and card rooms.
The proclamation also adopts the updated facial covering order, 20-03.1, issued by the secretary of Health.
CLICK HERE for details
July 24th, 2020
Governor Inslee extends moratorium on evictions.
CLICK HERE for details
July 16th, 2020
Bans of musical events and new requirements for social distance by Governor Inslee
CLICK HERE for details
July 14th, 2020
Governor Inslee extends the order issued Feb 29th.
CLICK HERE to see the proclamation
July 7th, 2020
Governor Inslee has ordered all businesses to not serve any customers who are not in compliance with the new Facemask Wearing Protocols.
CLICK HERE to read the Secretary of Health’s order
CLICK HERE to read the Governor’s Office Guidance for businesses
July 5th, 2020
Congress has passed the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Extension program.
The deadline for application is August 8th
CLICK HERE for more information
June 23, 2020
Governor Inslee has ordered the wearing of protective masks be mandatory for all residents in Washington beginning June 26th.
CLICK HERE to read the Governor’s statement
June 17, 2020
The Small Business Administration has issued key updates on Paycheck Protection Program, offering automatic forgiveness for certain independent contractors and creating a broader application form for forgiven.
CLICK HERE for information from NAR
June 10, 2020
The Spokane County Treasurer has extended the payment of property taxes on rental properties to August 1st. Landlords need to file a form for the exemption. This only applies to properties that are being rented.
CLICK HERE for a link to the news release
June 6, 2020
The eviction moratorium has been extended by Governor Inslee until August 1, 2020.
CLICK HERE to read the moratorium
May 27, 2020
Governor Inslee orders Washington’s Labor and Industry to enforce emergency rules to cite and fine businesses who do not meet pandemic closure orders. Fines are $10,000 or more for violations.
CLICK HERE to read the order
May 22, 2020
The Washington State Department of Health cleared Spokane County to move to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start reopening plan. With this move are new guidelines in place for real estate operations.
CLICK HERE for the Governor’s memorandum
CLICK HERE for Phase 2 Operations Guidelines for REALTORS®
May 20, 2020
Washington REALTORS has issued new guidance for reopening under Phase 2
CLICK HERE for details
May 19, 2020
Gov. Inslee announces that Spokane County will be eligible for early Phase Two opening.
CLICK HERE for professional standards needed for reopening
May 18, 2020
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.
The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
CLICK HERE for more details
May 14, 20020
REALTORS® are set to resume full activity June 1st under Gov. Inslee’s Phase Two reopening of the economy. A petition to reopen earlier by the Spokane County Health Department and Spokane County Commissioners has been rejected by the Governor’s office.
CLICK HERE for the governor’s guidance on reopening professional services
CLICK HERE for NAR’s Workplace Re-entry Guidelines
May 5, 2020
Washington wins $12-million federal grant to support economic recovery from COVID-19. The disaster recovery grant from the U.S. Department of Labor also will help the state’s workforce system adapt to providing services virtually during and after the pandemic.
CLICK HERE to learn more
May 1, 2020
Governor Inslee announces a four phase approach to reopening the economy. Phase Two has language that includes all other real estate activity including commercial real estate, the re-opening of real estate offices, and services such as sign installation. Phase 2 also allows gatherings outside your residence for up to 5 people, which presumably would apply to parts of the real estate transaction such as showings, appraisals notarizations, and other related real estate activities. More guidance on this phase is expected soon.
CLICK HERE for more information
April 30, 2020
Spokane County agrees to resume Building and Sewer Inspections following the Governor’s agreement to restart construction.
CLICK HERE for a copy of the announcement
April 24, 2020
Governor Inslee is lifts the quarantine order for some Residential Construction projects.
CLICK HERE for a look at the phase 1 requirements
April 23, 2020
NAR has put together a great resource page to help REALTORS® maintain financial stability.
CLICK HERE to learn more
April 21, 2020
Washington Governor Jay Inslee issues his outline for allowing Washington to return to work. There are no specifics listed, but this does outline the steps that will be taken next.
CLICK HERE to see the Governor’s Recovery Plan
April 20, 20020
The WA Employment Security Department has opened the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for independent contractors and self-employed workers. REALTORS® who may seek PUA should create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account, and watch ESD’s new tutorial.
You can find materials on ESD’s Unemployment Page now. Including:
- An application checklist to help you prepare
- An eligibility checker to help understand who is eligible
April 16, 2020
Inslee expands eviction moratorium and adds additional protections for residential and some commercial tenants
Among the changes:
- Prohibits landlords from assessing or threatening to assess late fees or other charges for non-payment.
- Prohibits landlords from increasing rents or deposits for residential and commercial unit
- Prohibits landlords from treating unpaid rent and charges as an enforceable debt, unless the landlord demonstrates the resident was offered a reasonable repayment plan
CLICK HERE for the Governor’s order
April 15th, 2020
Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward – speaking to the SAR Governmental Affairs committee revealed plans for a new Spokane based loan program for small businesses. Loans will be between $10,000-25,000.
Additionally:
- Program in the works to provide enter and mortgage assistance – may include Landlord relief as well
- Mayor joined other mayors in asking the Governor for residential housing to resume
- Concern is that this delay will set housing construction back by 12 to 16 weeks
- Hope is that parks, golf courses will be able to reopen soon
April 14th, 2020
Unemployment Insurance for Independent Contractors: The Washington State Employment Security Department will begin accepting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applications on April 20th, but may wish to apply now. REALTORS® who will be fully or partially unemployed because of the COVID-19 crisis and are interested in seeking PUA benefits should apply NOW for regular unemployment. BE ADVISED: Once you apply – you will be initially denied. But your application will then be first in line when the PUA program opens up. You’ll be able to claim benefits whether you’re fully or partially unemployed because of the COVID-19 crisis.
CLICK HERE to begin the application process
April 13, 2020
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee joins with the governors from California and Oregon to declare a West coast pact to use a shared approach for reopening our economies – one that identifies clear indicators for communities to restart public life and business.
CLICK HERE to read the joint statement from all three governors.
April 10, 2020
IRS Extends Key Tax Deadlines
New guidance from the IRS grants deadline relief in two critical areas:
- 1031 Like-kind exchanges. If an investor has taken the first step of a like-kind exchange by selling the old property, and either the 45-day or the 180-day deadline falls between April 1 and July 15, the deadline has been extended to July 15.
- Opportunity Zones. If an investor who sold a capital asset planned to roll over the gain into an Opportunity Fund and the 180-day deadline to do so falls between April 1 and July 15, 2020, the investment can be made as late as July 15.
Additionally, sole proprietors who pay quarterly estimated taxes now have until July 15 to file their second quarter payment. As a result of an earlier IRS notice, first quarter estimated tax payments had already been extended to July 15. This means that any individual or corporation that has a quarterly estimated tax payment due on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020, can wait until July 15 to make that payment, without penalty
CLICK HERE for more information
April 9, 2020
REMINDER: Spokane County Property Taxes Relief – payment deadline moved from April 30th to June 15th
CLICK HERE to learn more
April 8, 2020
New Washington Small Business emergency Grant available for up to $10,000 in emergency funding
April 6, 2020
The IRS has issued new guidance over who is eligible for the upcoming economic impact payment and other tax guidelines
- Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment of $1,200
- Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child 17 and under
- College students are not eligible
- Social Security recipients will be receiving a check even if they don’t file an income tax return
- Deadlines for filing taxes for both individuals and companies have changed
CLICK HERE for more information
April 3, 2020
Unemployment Compensation delayed for REALTORS® and Independent Contractors
Under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment provisions of the Coronavirus Stimulus package – independent contractors are eligible for compensation. But states are responsible for developing guidelines for implementation. As such, the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) is asking independent contractors to wait for a few weeks.
April 2, 2020
The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) will be accepting applications for two key programs that affect REALTORS®
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – This loan is made through a local SBA participating lender. (CLICK HERE for a list of Spokane Area lenders) It’s designed to cover expenses for a business during any 8-week period between February 15, 2020 and June 30, 2020. They can be used for payroll costs, rents, mortgage interest, and utilities. If a business owner maintains a certain level of payroll expenses and employee numbers during that 8-week period, the loan is 100% forgiven; as employees go below those levels, the forgivable amount is phased out. APPLY HERE
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance – Low-interest loans for small business that experience an economic hardship as the result of a declared disaster. Unlike other disaster loan programs, they do not require physical damage to a business. Part of this loan may be forgiven. APPLY HERE
CLICK HERE for more information from NAR
April 1, 2020
Photographers and Stagers now allowed into homes for REALTOR® related services
Information concerning real estate services indicates that professional photography for listings is now permitted.
Creating virtual tours is an effective way to allow buyers to view the property without the need for an in-person showing.
Like all other in-person activities, staging activities must be by appointment, a total of no more than two people may be at property at any one time, and those two people must adhere to strict social distancing guidelines established by the CDC.
CLICK HERE for more details
March 31, 2020
Update on Unemployment for Independent Contractors
The Washington Employment Security Department (“ESD”) is currently in the process of establishing its online system to accept applications for unemployment benefits from independent contractors under the CARES Act, the federal law to provide economic stimulus in response to COVID-19. Under the CARES Act, independent contractors and the self-employed can receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”), which will be administered by ESD in Washington State. ESD estimates that updates to its online application system will allow for applications from independent contractors and the self-employed by mid-April. ESD requests that those who may file for PUA benefits sign up on its website to be notified when the application process for independent contractors is ready.
CLICK HERE to add your email for information
Residential Property Management now Essential
Property management services for single and multi-family residential buildings (including apartment buildings) are now within the scope of Governor Inslee’s March 28 residential Real Estate services memo. This means that residential single and multi-family property management, including working with tenants, can occur subject to the requirements of the memo.
CLICK HERE to learn more
March 28, 2020
Governor Inslee has issued Essential Business Guidance memorandum that allows REALTORS® to resume work with limited in person activities.
These protocols include:
- In-person activities must be by appointment only;
- No more than two people, including the broker, may be at the property at any one time; and
- Those two persons must strictly follow social distancing guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) by remaining at least six feet apart at all times.
The revisions to the Order are limited to allow the following in-person activities, provided the above protocols are followed:
- Previews and showings of listings by appointment only;
- Listing presentations, photography, and creating virtual tours for new listings
- Inspections for pending transactions;
- Appraisals for pending transactions;
- Buyer “walk-throughs” for pending transactions prior to closing; and
- Providing keys to buyers at closing.
Note: professional photographers are not considered “essential,” thus all photos must be taken by the broker or seller
No other in-person real estate brokerage activities are permitted.
CLICK HERE for more information
REALTORS® Declared Essential by Department of Homeland Security
CLICK HEREto read the official declaration
Key REALTOR@ Websites for information
National Association of REALTORS®
PAST POSTS
March 27, 2020
The US House of Representatives has passed a Coronavirus Stimulus package.
CLICK HERE for a look at how this will affect REALTORS®
March 26, 2020
The U.S. Senate passed a $2 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package Wednesday night with overwhelming bipartisan support.
The measure now goes to the House. This includes $350 billion for the Small Business Administration 7(a) loan program. Under the terms, eligible businesses (500 employees or fewer) can get up to $10 million toward mortgage interest, rents, utilities, and payroll costs. A portion of these loans will be forgivable.
CLICK HERE for more information
March 25, 2020
There are a number of challenging questions facing REALTORS® – ranging from home inspections, to online notary services.
Your Washington REALTORS® are working to address these issues.
CHECK HERE for the latest newsletter
March 24, 2020
New guidance from Washington REALTORS®
Among the issues being addressed:
- Pending Sales
- Ongoing Real Estate Brokerage Services
- Associated Real Estate SErvices
- Property Management
- Remote Notarization
- Extension of Expiring Real Estate Licenses
CLICK HERE for the latest newsletter from WR
March 23, 2020
Governor Inslee issues a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order that requires:
- Every Washingtonian to stay home with the exception of essential activity.
- Bans all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.
- All businesses close except essential businesses
REALTORS® are not considered part of this essential business group.
- READ WR’S GUIDANCE HERE
- CLICK HERE to read the Governor’s Official Proclamation
- CLICK HERE to see the official State of Washington Essential Business list
March 20, 2020 FHFA Suspends Foreclosures and Evictions for Enterprise-Backed Mortgages
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the coronavirus national emergency. More information here
March 18, 2020
- Spokane County Assessor, Auditor & Treasurer will be transitioning to Virtual Customer Service beginning Thursday March 19th and continuing until May 1st. More information here
- Gov. Jay Inslee announces 30-day statewide moratorium on evictions for residential tenants.
Strategies for Business
From encouraging employees to work from home, to best practices for cleaning your workspace, the CDC has put together this helpful guide.
Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
This resource offers help for everything from accessing unemployment benefits for temporarily displaced workers, rent and mortgage assistance, paying utilities and short term loans.
Tax Relief for Businesses Affected
The Washington Department of Revenue has some tax relief options for businesses
Paid Sick Leave and Coronavirus
Information and guidance from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries on use of the state’s paid sick leave laws in connection with the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Financial Resources for Businesses
Small Business Loans
The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to provide assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program to businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury in an eligible disaster area. These loans can help small businesses meet financial obligations and cover operating expenses.While Spokane County is not yet listed under those counties directly affected, it’s anticipated this status will soon be changing.
Click here for more information
Extensions on Tax Filings
The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) can work with impacted companies that request an extension on tax filing. The law grants the Department authority to extend the due date for excise tax returns. A business may request such an extension from the Department prior to the due date of the return, and, if granted, the business would be allowed to delay reporting and paying its tax liability. If a business needs an extension of more than 30 days, the law requires the Department to collect a deposit from the business. The amount of deposit required is based on the business’ reporting history and how many reporting periods are covered under the extension WAC 458-20-228 (13). For more information call the DOR at (360) 705-6705
Unemployment
The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) can provide support in the form of unemployment benefits. For employers that want to keep from losing highly-trained employees, these unemployment benefits can be received through, or while covered by, Shared Work, Partial Unemployment and Standby (which allow certain workers to collect unemployment while remaining with their employers and not actively seeking other jobs). Click here
Medical Leave Benefits
ESD’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program can provide paid leave benefits for Washington workers who need to take time off from work due to a serious health condition or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Certification by a healthcare provider is required for applications for Paid Family and Medical Leave due to a serious health condition. Click here
Layoffs
If COVID-19 disrupts a Washington business and causes a mass layoff or closure, ESD and its local workforce development board partners can respond with Rapid Response services and funding to help impacted workers get connected to unemployment benefits and re-employment services, including re-training, worker support services, and referrals to other social services. Click here
Check back for updates on this page