State realtor association criticizes restrictions on most real estate transactions

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR) recently released a statement expressing their disappointment in Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to continue deep restrictions on most in-person real estate transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pennsylvania is the only state that has not recognized real estate professionals as providing a life-sustaining service.

“The governor’s unreasonable restrictions have created a harmful situation for real estate professionals and consumers,” PAR President Bill Festa said. “The shutdown restrictions have created a marketplace of chaos for consumers and Realtors.  Consumers are reaching out to our members and the association, asking for advice on how they can buy, sell or rent a home during the state’s incredibly restrictive shutdown. They’re experiencing financial hardships and are essentially in limbo because important in-person services are prohibited for most real estate transactions.”

PAR is encouraging the state General Assembly to pass House Bill 2412, sponsored by Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-District 144), and Senate Bill 1135, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-District 18). Both bills seek to designate real estate services as essential in every county.

The discrepancies in the state-issued guidelines have placed an unnecessary burden on consumers and real estate professionals, Festa said. For example, real estate activities in Pennsylvania have been limited to only two people at a time in a property while contractors performing repairs or renovations in an occupied home can have four workers plus the residents.

“Guidelines for in-person real estate should be consistent with other professions and allow at least four people in a property, while practicing social distancing,” Festa said. “The governor’s office refuses to discuss how finding shelter is life-sustaining to consumers.”

Additionally, Festa noted that the state has always ignored commercial and property management, a large sector of the real estate industry. PAR believes that all residential, commercial and rental transactions should be permitted and regulated the same as in-person real estate activities.