By: Dennis MacDonald
The start of this quarter ushered in an unexpected turn of events for us all. The impact of the COVID-19, sadly enough, has claimed many lives, brought some businesses to a crawl and forced the temporary closures of several industries. The entire social-distancing experience has set forth new paradigms to conduct real estate transactions. Showing a home, meeting with prospects, obtaining signatures and even closings have required us all to adopt electronic methods of execution.
Rest assured your Association is here for you. Staying abreast of all the latest developments, we quickly mobilized our entire operations to enable our members can meet the new normal. To keep you informed of the latest news, our staff added a COVID-19 page to the GTR website. In addition to the site including REALTOR® business changes from our state and national associations, staff sought information related to Safer-at-Home, economic assistance and resources from our county, state and national governments. With the contributions of the executive board, senior staff and personnel, a plan of action was created to navigate our transition to providing 100% virtual support.
As REALTORS®, to productively operate your business in a safe manner, you also understand the importance of professional development. I congratulate those of you who have benefited by attending zoom classes, registering for the reduced and free training courses offered through Greater Tampa REALTORS®, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and Florida REALTORS® (FR) and completing various REALTOR® certifications through our partnership with the Pinellas REALTOR® Organization.
Some of you have taken this time to participate in the Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) contest. Earning this designation ultimately builds your credibility as a professional REALTOR®. We are also excited to see many of you taking advantage of your free access the David Knox Real Estate Training Video Library. This online, on-demand video training provides access to videos, support materials and action plans specifically for real estate agents.
It was good to see members watched and asked questions of our elected officials and the presidents of NAR and FR during sponsored Zoom forums. Also, the virtual classes have been very well attended. Our educators and Affiliates continue to play a major role in helping to make these important Zoom forums and classes available for you. We truly value our REALTOR® educators and Affiliate sponsors.
Our committee leadership have also done a commendable job to continue assemblies through conference calls and video meetings. The scope of committee meetings explores and identifies ways to benefit as professionals, enhance the REALTOR® image in the community and protect your interests in the real estate industry. Our committee chairs are appreciated for their due diligence and thoughtful guidance through these turbulent times.
As business, government and communities slowly return to some levels of normalcy, the board, and perhaps many of you, had a chance to review the Emergency Operational Procedures (EOP). The three-phase document that “contains Greater Tampa REALTORS® detailed plan for reopening and operating to meet its highest priority – the safety of members and employees. These procedures shall affect all REALTORS®, Affiliates and employees and are for the benefit of our entire association.”Click here to read the complete document.
Emergency Operational Procedure Overview
Available During All Phases
- 100% virtual support is available for all REALTORS®, Affiliates and prospective members. Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. via email, phone, website chat, and text.
- Curbside pickup for online REALTOR® Store purchases.
- Virtual sponsorship opportunities are available for all Affiliates.
- Virtual support on weekends. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Utilizing flexible scheduling for no additional cost to payroll.
- May continue as a permanent member benefit if warranted.
Phase 1
- Curbside pickups for REALTOR® Store purchases at our Tampa headquarters only.
- Appointments available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- No access inside of the building, curbside service only.
- Mailing option available upon request for SUPRA lockbox purchases.
- Employee will wear facemasks and gloves for your protection.
- Wesley Chapel, Brandon and Zephyrhills satellite offices remain closed.
- Committee meetings, classes and events will be held via video/teleconferencing.
- All non-essential business travel for REALTOR® volunteers and leadership is suspended.
Phase 2
- Curbside pickups for REALTOR® Store purchases at our Tampa headquarters only.
- Appointments available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Mailing option available upon request for SUPRA lockbox purchases.
- Employees will wear facemask and gloves for your protection
- In-person member support appointments are our Tampa Headquarters only.
- Appointments are available for members only between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- No one other than members or prospective members are permitted into the building for appointments.
- Face mask/coverings and social distancing are required in our office.
- Wesley Chapel, Brandon and Zephyrhills satellite offices remain closed.
- Committee meetings and classes are still held via video/teleconferencing.
- All non-essential business travel for REALTOR® volunteers and leadership should be minimized with strict adherence to the CDC Guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
Phase 3
- Face masks/covering are no longer required inside our offices, but social distancing is still recommended.
- All offices will offer pick up for online purchases any day of the week.
- All offices are open for walk-in service with no appointments necessary.
- Committee meetings, classes and events may resume in person with social distancing precautions and video conferencing options (when available).
- Travel restrictions are lifted.
