UPDATED GUIDANCE REGARDING GOVERNOR MILLS' EXECUTIVE ORDER (March 25, 2020):

Maine Governor Janet T. Mills issued an Executive Order on March 24 (see below) that requires all Non-Essential Businesses and Operations to cease activities at sites that are public facing.  This Executive Order is effective from 12:01 am on March 25, 2020 through 12:00 am on April 8, 2020.

Real Estate Deemed "Essential Business":  Again overnight, the Maine Association of REALTORS® put forth a request to the Governor's office that real estate be deemed an "essential business". This morning, the Commissioner of Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development, given authority under Section V of the Executive Order, has made the determination that real estate services are "essential business" and can continue with the following restrictions in place:

• In-person open houses are prohibited
• During all interactions, CDC and the Executive Order guidelines for personal and work site safety should be followed, including: physical distancing, group size, and health and safety precautions. (see links below)
• Gatherings of more than 10 persons are prohibited
• The Governor and DECD Commissioner are urging remote work to the maximum extent practicable

Municipal Executive Orders Reminder: This MAR guidance applies only to the Governor's Executive Order. It is important to note that any local municipal orders that are more restrictive are permitted by the Governor's Executive Order.  This means that if your local municipality passes an order that has additional restrictions on business practices, then those restrictions are also enforceable and must be followed.

Enforcement: The Governor's Executive Order may be enforced by any governmental department, official that regulates professional licenses, and/or law enforcement. A violation of the Governor's order may be construed as a violation of your professional license and penalties may be assessed.

Industry Partners:  MAR encourages our Affiliate Member partners to consult with the Maine Department of Economic and Community development regarding the interpretation of the Governor's order as it pertains to their business. You may contact DECD at: business.answers@maine.gov

Professionalism:  This is not "business as usual".  As professionals, please be respectful of others' business practices and other members' clients' directives. Each company and client make their own decisions regarding business continuity, including face-to-face interaction and access to properties. Please consider how you can provide outstanding service to your clients and customers while adhering to CDC guidelines and the Executive Order.

Guidance could change at any time: We will share information regularly about new developments as they happen through MAR E-NEWS.

Thank you for your support during these unprecedented times.

Click Here to Read the Governor's Executive Order (March 24, 2020)

Click Here for CDC Guidelines for Health and Safety:

- Courtesy of Maine Associations of REALTORS®