PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A Turn Of Events
orlandorealtors.org
I’ve heard before that an association president’s
term is oft en defined by some sort
of traumatic event that challenges him,
the institution, and the membership on
all levels. I’m pretty darn sure that COVID-19
is going be to my term’s defining event.
There is a lot of uncertainty in the world
right now due to the coronavirus but one
thing is certain: ORRA is here for you. To
continue providing you access to the
important services you count on, we’ve
made some changes. We’ve developed free
webinars and online CE courses, enabled
curbside pickup of Supra lockboxes and
store items, and remained operational via
remote technology.
IMPACT ON REAL ESTATE
I know we’re all anticipating the release
of ORRA’s next housing market report for a
stats-based look at how COVID-19 is directly
impacting the Orlando market. Based on
the March data, which reflects sales that
went under contract in February, I think it’s
safe to say we’re going to be seeing some
changes in the short term.
It’s important to remember that we’re
in a global pandemic, not a real estate
recession. Orlando is a vibrant destination
in great demand to new residents, international
homebuyers, investors, etc. I am confident
in the long-term strength of Orlando’s
real estate market, and I hope you can be
confident as well.
The impact of COVID-19 on the world
continues to evolve; however, we have an
opportunity to maintain certain elements of
our new reality long aft er this pandemic has
passed. How we conduct business is one of
them. Virtual options we’re implementing
today to keep our customers safe may become
the new norm, and I’m confident that
providers are seeing an uptick in the use of
their services.
WE’RE ESSENTIAL BUSINESS, BUT IT’S
NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL
Do Your Part to Help Stop The Spread!
Things move fast, but as of press time,
the State of Florida’s “Stay-At-Home” order
is still in eff ect. The state’s order specifically
identifies “residential and commercial real
estate services, including settlement services,”
as a component of Florida’s essential
critical infrastructure workforce.
We’re considered an essential service
and therefore allowed to operate our businesses
in normal fashion, while adhering
to CDC requirements. But I’d argue that
just because real estate is essential doesn’t
mean that conducting our businesses in
normal fashion is essential. There’s an array
of virtual alternatives to conducting in-person
showings or driving clients around. We
are seeing more and more virtual showings
in the MLS.
However, what is essential is for REALTORS
® to be mindful, and to do their part to
help stop the spread of this awful disease.
Nothing is more important than the
health and safety of our members, their
families and loved ones, and their customers.
At this time, as an industry, we need to
do our part to protect those most vulnerable
to the coronavirus. Once again you
can do this by adhering to CDC guidelines.
Practicing social distancing. Working from
home if at all possible. Frequently washing
your hands. Following all safety protocols
both in the workplace and home.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Our REALTOR® associations are constantly
churning out updates and resources.
This unending stream of news
and FAQs and critical info is why ORRA
maintains a page on its website to serve as
your go-to starting point for all REALTOR®
things COVID-19. Bookmark it now: orra.us/
COVID19.
On behalf of myself, the leadership
team, CEO, and our devoted staff , I wish
for nothing but for you to remain healthy
and safe. As always, thank you for being a
valued member.
Stay safe,
Reese Stewart
2 Orlando REALTOR® Spring 2020
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