PA Lawmakers Push To Reopen Real Estate Amid Coronavirus

HARRISBURG, PA — Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle would like to see Pennsylvania reopen real estate services during the coronavirus pandemic.

Senate Democrats are asking Tom Wolf to consider proposals to reopen real estate services with certain safety measures in place.

Gov. Tom Wolf has already said he'll veto House Bill 2412 — the Republican's proposal to reopen real estate. The bill, introduced by Bucks County Rep. Todd Polinchock, would permit some level of in-person real estate services across the state.

In a May 17 letter, signed by Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody and written on behalf of their respective caucuses, the politicians say real estate should reopen with specific safeguards in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The Democrats are proposing an approach that would prohibit open houses and require limited contacts, as well as other practices to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"As we know you are, we encourage you to continue to review ways in which industries might be able to safely open in a limited fashion while also maintaining the health and safety of their employees and customers," the Democrats' letter states. "Real estate services is one of those areas."

House Bill 2412 has the support of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors.

“Shelter is essential. We’re seeing many Pennsylvanians who are facing tremendous difficulties and financial hardships due to this shutdown,” the group's President Bill Festa said. “It’s outrageous that a majority of Pennsylvanians continue to be unnecessarily restricted from purchasing or selling a home.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page Monday, Sen. Steve Santarsiero of Bucks County's 10th District: "We are hopeful that the Governor will be receptive to our request."

He also said while Bucks County remains in the "red" phase of mitigation, "it seems clear that we are not far away from moving to yellow as well."

"I also believe that we can do other things that will help get our economy moving again, while not jeopardizing the progress we have made to slow the spread of the virus," Santarsiero said.

"One of those would be to follow the lead of our neighbors in New Jersey and allow for curbside pick up at all retail locations. Another would be to allow open-air dining at restaurants that can do so safely."

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