Updates and Resources from Canopy to Manage Through COVID-19 (updated 5/21/21)
Industry Resources
NAR: Coronavirus: A Guide for Realtors®
NAR: Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act
NAR: Open House Guidance During COVID-19
NAR: Fair Housing Guidance During COVID-19
NAR: NAR Commends Protections for Realtors®, U.S. Consumers in $2 Trillion Economic Relief Bill
NC REALTORS®: COVID-19 Status Updates
NC REALTORS®: Understanding Evictions During This Time, and Other Updates
Inman News: 10 Things Every Broker Should Be Doing to Weather the Storm
**LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS**
5/14/21: Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order immediately lifting all mandatory capacity and gathering limits as well as social distancing requirements.
Additionally, Executive Order 215 lifts mandatory mask requirements for most indoor and outdoor settings. Face coverings, however, are still required in some settings, such as public transportation, child care, schools, prisons and certain public health settings.
Full press release
5/6/21: More than 50% of adults 18 and older in North Carolina have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
More than 43% of the adult population is fully vaccinated against the virus. To date, the state has administered more than 7.4 million vaccines. More than 74% of the population over 65 years of age is fully vaccinated, and nearly 40% of the total population of the state, regardless of age, has received at least one dose.
Full press release
4/28/21: Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order, effective 5 p.m. Friday, April 30.
Executive Order 209 lifts the state's outdoor face mask requirement and increases indoor and outdoor mass gathering limits to 100 and 200 respectively.
Full press release
4/21/21: Governor Cooper Outlines Timeline for Lifting State’s COVID-19 Restrictions
As vaccinations continue and trends stabilize, NC will lift mandatory social distancing, capacity, and mass gathering restrictions by June 1. The Governor plans to issue an executive order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May.
Full press release
3/24/21: Governor Cooper announces more relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions effective March 26 at 5 p.m.
As North Carolina’s trends continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases with 31.7% of North Carolinians over 18 having received at least one dose of vaccine, Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 204 will take effect March 26 at 5 p.m. is set to expire April 30 at 5 p.m. The state’s general mask mandate remains in effect.
Read more
2/24/21: Governor Cooper announces easing of COVID-19 restrictions as N.C. trends stabilize
Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state will carefully ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 195 will take effect February 26 at 5 p.m. and will expire March 26 at 5 p.m.
The Executive Order lifts the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10 pm and 5 am. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors. The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption will be moved from 9 pm to 11 pm. Some businesses, including bars and amusement parks, will now be open for patrons indoors as they adhere to new occupancy restrictions. Many businesses, venues and arenas will have increased occupancy both indoors and outdoors.
Read more
1/28/21: Governor Cooper further extends Modified Stay At Home Order through Feb. 28
Read the Executive Order.
1/13/21: Mecklenburg County Public Health Director issues directive for the next three weeks
As the number of COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County continue to grow at an exponential rate – from an average of 100 cases per day in September, to an average of 900 cases per day in mid-January – Public Health is issuing a specific directive for the people of Mecklenburg County for the next three weeks. The directive is effective immediately and will remain in effect for the next three weeks, until February 2, 2021.
The directive instructs individuals in Mecklenburg County to take several immediate actions, including (but not limited to):
1. Only leave your home for essential activities and remain at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless an exception as set forth in the Governor's Executive Order applies.
2. Utilize full-virtual options for work, school and any other activity where in-person activity is not required.
3. Avoid leaving your home if you are over 65 or at high-risk for developing serious illness.
4. Avoid any non-essential travel.
5. Avoid gathering with individuals that you do not live with.
6. WEAR a cloth face covering, WAIT 6 feet apart and avoid close contact, and WASH your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
7. Quarantine and get tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.
8. Answer the call and participate in contact tracing to protect against further spread if you receive a call or text from Mecklenburg County Public Health.
9. Get a flu shot and get the COVID-19 vaccine, when it is available to you.
Read the full directive with the complete list of actions individuals should take.
1/06/21: Governor Cooper extends Modified Stay At Home Order through Jan. 29
Read the Executive Order. Secretary Cohen also issued a Secretarial Directive with stark warnings for North Carolinians to avoid indoor spaces without masks and gatherings between households.
Please remember to continue to follow CDC guidelines and best practices.
12/09/20: Governor Cooper announces Modified Stay At Home Order
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced a Modified Stay at Home Order on Tuesday that includes a statewide 10 p.m. curfew — a measure taken to try to flatten the recent upward trend in new cases and hospitalizations.
Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., all individuals in N.C. must stay home or at the place where they will stay for the night, except for:
1. Travel to or from a place of work when a worker's presence is required by the worker's employer;
2. Travel for work purposes;
3. Performing work at the workplace or other location directed by the employer when the worker's presence is required by the worker's employer;
4. Travel to obtain groceries, take-out food, medical care, fuel, health care supplies, or social services;
5. Travel from a business that closed at or after 10 p.m.;
6. Travel to a business that will open at or after 5 a.m.;
7. Travel to take care of a family member, friend, or pet in another household;
8. Travel necessary for purposes of personal safety;
9. Travel into or out of the state;
10. Travel required by law enforcement or court order; and
11. Using or providing shared transportation (including without limitation taxicabs, ride shares, buses, trains, airplanes, and travel to airports, train stations, or bus stations).
**PAST ANNOUNCEMENTS**
12/02/20: Important message from Canopy President John Kindbom
With the number of positive Coronavirus cases rising in North Carolina, Canopy President John Kindbom has an important message about continuing to comply with CDC guidelines, best practices and Governor Cooper’s mandate to wear face masks. While this video references specific Mecklenburg County messages, the majority of the information is relevant to all members. Watch the video now.
11/23/20: Governor Cooper increases face covering requirements
On Nov. 23, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 180 to add additional circumstances in which people are required to wear face coverings in public places, both indoors and outdoors. This Executive Order eliminates certain circumstances where wearing a face covering - particularly indoors - had been excepted. The amendments in this Executive Order also authorize law enforcement to enforce face coverings against individuals who fail to wear a face covering outside the home without any applicable exception. Read more.
11/16/20: Governor Cooper extends and modifies Phase 3 through Dec. 4, 2020
North Carolina implemented Executive Order 176 on Nov. 13, 2020 at 5 p.m. The major change is that the the Mass Gathering Limit for indoor spaces is reduced from 25 to 10 people.
Gatherings and events subject to the 10-person limit include:
• Indoor in-home gatherings, social events, and all other indoor gatherings not otherwise exempted from the Executive Order
Gatherings or events not subject to the 10-person limit include:
• Worship, religious, spiritual gatherings, wedding ceremonies, funeral services, and other First Amendment activities
• Gatherings for work or for receiving governmental services
• Gatherings at places that are subject to other capacity limits stated in the Executive Orders, including fitness and exercise facilities; restaurants; personal care businesses; museums and aquariums; movie theaters; and motels, conference centers, and reception venues
• Normal operations at airports, bus and train stations or stops, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and shopping centers
• Families of more than ten people who reside together
10/29/20: Important new requirement for landlords initiating evictions
In line with other states' actions, Governor Cooper just announced Executive Order 171. Please take note of the following items:
• This order requires all landlords to provide the CDC Declaration form to residential tenants in any action for eviction.
• Here is the CDC Declaration Form.
• The landlord must also "execute an affidavit and present it to the court certifying that the landlord has provided the residential tenant with a blank copy of the Declaration form."
• While NC REALTORS® engages with the Governor and the Courts to clarify this requirement and potentially develop forms, they recommend immediate compliance as the penalties may be large.
• This order also extends eviction protections to eligible HOPE Program applicants, even if such applicants do not qualify for protection under the CDC's order. Here is the HOPE Program application.
• The Governor's order does not require landlords to document their providing the CDC Declaration to a tenant except for the affidavit. However, members may consider sending the CDC Declaration form via tracking service, such as FedEx or UPS, to provide supplemental evidence of compliance.
NC REALTORS® will continue to monitor this to keep you informed.
10/22/20: Governor Cooper extends Phase 3
Governor Cooper has extended Phase 3 through Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. Read more.
10/01/20: Governor Cooper moves N.C. to Phase 3 with stable numbers
North Carolina will ease some restrictions while continuing safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as the state’s metrics remained stable in September. Read more.
9/14/20: Important message for property managers and investment property owners
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered a temporary halt on evictions for non-payment of rent and other fees in order to prevent the further spread of COVID. Learn more.
9/02/20: Safer at Home: More About Phase 2.5
Under Executive Order 163, North Carolina will enter Safer At Home Phase 2.5 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Under this phase, people are also required, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings while out in public when physical distancing of 6 feet is not possible. Read more.
9/01/20: Governor Cooper eases coronavirus restrictions in N.C.
Starting Friday, Sept. 4, museums and aquariums will be allowed to open at half capacity, and gyms will be able to open at 30% capacity, Cooper said in a press conference. Playgrounds will also be allowed to open. Read more.
8/24/20: NC REALTORS® President Maren Brisson-Kuester's Three Things
Maren reminds you of three important guidelines set forth in Governor Cooper's Phase 2 and what they actually mean for REALTORS® and how we conduct business and activities in North Carolina. Watch now
8/07/20 Read Governor Cooper's new Executive Order extending Phase 2
This Executive Order is effective at 5 p.m. on August 7, 2020. This Executive Order shall remain in effect through 5 p.m. on September 11, 2020 unless repealed, replaced, or rescinded by another applicable Executive Order. Read the order.
8/05/20: Governor Cooper extends N.C. Phase 2 through at least Sept. 11
Read more
7/24/20: Curbside service is once again available for store items, lockboxes and keys
Thank you for your patience! Make sure to contact Member Services at 704-940-3110 or the Realtor® Store at 704-940-3126 in advance.
7/21/20: No curbside service available until Friday, July 24
Due to a tenant in our building testing positive for COVID-19 and the need to have the building professionally disinfected, there will be no curbside pick-up available for Realtor® Store items, lockboxes, keys, etc., until Friday, July 24.
Any current appointments to exchange lockboxes are in the process of being rescheduled. Any items ordered from the Realtor® Store for online delivery will not be fulfilled until Friday.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
7/14/20: Governor Cooper extends N.C. Phase 2 through at least Aug. 7
Read more.
6/29/20: Update from CEO Anne Marie DeCatsye
With N.C. extending Phase 2 until July 17, CEO Anne Marie DeCatsye discusses how the organization continues to take precautions for the health and safety of our members and staff while providing support, resources, Realtor® Store supplies, training and education to members.
She also talks about an important virtual Member Town Hall Meeting on Friday, July 17 with President John Kindbom.
6/24/20: Governor Cooper requires masks starting June 26 at 5 p.m.; keeps N.C. in Phase 2 through July 17
Read more and read the order.
6/17/20: N.C. Pro Bono Resource Center COVID-19 Small Business / Nonprofit Initiative
The North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center is partnering with North Carolina law firms and Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) to launch a remote legal clinic to help small businesses and nonprofits with legal needs from the impact of COVID-19.
The North Carolina Small Business/Nonprofit Initiative will match qualifying small businesses or nonprofits with 25 or fewer employees with N.C. firms for assistance. Pro bono lawyers will be matched to offer a free 45-minute phone or virtual legal consultation, helping these small business owners or nonprofits navigate the CARES Act, or questions related to employment, contracts, commercial leases, insurance, and insolvency issues. Interpretation is available in Spanish.
Learn more.
6/08/20: Congress approves widened PPP loan terms
Congress has passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which will make it easier for small businesses to utilize funds under the PPP and still qualify for loan forgiveness. Read more.
6/04/20: Fair Housing Guidance Amidst COVID-19
NAR has released comprehensive guidance to help REALTORS® comply with their Fair Housing obligations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more.
6/01/20: Managing showing appointments through COVID-19
As we emerge from quarantine and begin to work through the phases of reopening, agents are reminded that COVID-19 has far from disappeared and that special precautions must still be taken when showing properties. Read more.
5/22/20: Outline of N.C. Governor Cooper's Phases
Effective 5 p.m., Friday May 22, North Carolina has moved into Safer At Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions. The phase runs through at least Friday, June 26 unless changed or canceled. Read more.
5/19/20: Public safety campaign launched
Now that restrictions have been eased slightly and the economy is beginning to re-open, Canopy Realtor® Association has launched a “safety and taking precautions” public service campaign.
Talk with your Realtor® about what should be done to safely show your home.
Read more about taking precautions at https://www.carolinahome.com/see-it-all-safely.
5/09/20: Update with Governor's Phase 1 starting May 8
Our building will remain closed to members and students during Phase 1.
Starting Wednesday, May 13, the Realtor® Store will resume no-contact, curbside pick-up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There will be no in-person sales. You must order supplies online or by calling 704-940-3126.
Defective display keys and/or lockboxes may also be exchanged with no-contact, curbside service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. but you MUST first make an appointment with Membership at 704-940-3110 or membership@carolinahome.com.
5/08/20: Open House guidance
With respect to holding Open Houses, you may want to consult the guidelines published by NAR and NC REALTORS® in the following links:
https://www.ncrealtors.org/covid-19-qa/
https://www.nar.realtor/open-house-guidance-during-covid-19
5/08/20: All N.C. counties fall under Governor Cooper's Phase 1 beginning May 8 at 5 p.m.
Read the order.
4/30/20: Canopy President John Kindbom's message to the membership
President Kindbom discusses what is changing now that the Mecklenburg County Stay At Home Order has expired and Mecklenburg County residents now fall under the State of N.C. Stay At Home Order. He also discusses best practices, and how while this change now provides agents, buyers and sellers with more options in Mecklenburg County, it does not mean it is a return to "business as usual." Watch John's video message now.
4/28/20: Mecklenburg County transitions to state order on April 30 as local stay at home restrictions time out
Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte and the six county towns have agreed to follow the State of North Carolina's Stay at Home Order starting April 30. Read more.
4/23/20: Unemployment Benefits and Independent Contractors
On Thursday, April 23, the Employment Security Commission unveiled information regarding the roll-out of the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for North Carolina independent contractors and self-employed workers who are out of work as a result of COVID-19. Beginning Friday, April 24, individuals will be able to apply for assistance through des.nc.gov.
4/20/20: Haywood County seasonal residents flyer
Haywood County government has created a flyer explaining that seasonal second-home owners, visitors, or residents returning from a stay more than three days outside the county must self-quarantine for the first 14 days after arrival, as well as notify Haywood County when they arrive and where they traveled from. Read the flyer.
4/17/20: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the CARES Act
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has updated its website to include a comprehensive set of FAQs that address many of the questions our Realtors® have been asking regarding pandemic unemployment assistance, how to take advantage of the programs offered through the CARES Act and other general questions concerning real estate transactions, mortgage and personal finance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
4/16/20: Organized answers to your questions to the County Manager
We have compiled every answer we have received from Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio into one organized web page for your convenience, which will continue to be updated as we receive more answers. Read the answers from the County Manager.
4/16/20: Mecklenburg County Stay At Home Order extended to April 29
Read more.
4/14/20: Haywood County Attorney advice for real estate professionals with out-of-county clients
Haywood County Attorney Frank Queen has provided advice for real estate professionals who may be bringing out-of-county clients into Haywood County. Read the County Attorney's Advice.
4/13/20: More answers to your questions from the Mecklenburg County Manager
The responses include clarifications about agents traveling to other counties to show property, buyers traveling to other counties, property management issues, and more. Read the County Manager’s latest responses verbatim.
4/10/20: Latest answers to your questions from the Mecklenburg County Manager
The responses include a clarification about vacant homes and the seeming inconsistency between prior answers regarding when a buyer can enter a home. Here are the County Manager’s latest responses verbatim.
4/09/20: 25-County Stay At Home Resource Directory
For the counties served by Canopy MLS, a Stay At Home by county resource directory has been created with links to orders/ordinances along with specific county websites where you can access the latest information. Should you have specific questions about doing business in these counties, we have provided direct phone numbers to each county/COVID-19 hotline. Access the Resource Directory.
4/06/20: Mecklenburg County answers your questions about amendments to Stay At Home Order
On Monday, April 6, President Kindbom received answers directly from the Mecklenburg County Manager to questions that came in on Friday and over the weekend. Many questions were similar in nature and were grouped together. Here are the County Manager’s responses verbatim.
4/06/20: How Canopy MLS and Canopy Realtor® Association are helping members
During these unprecedented times, we have prepared the following guides on various ways you can keep your business healthy, update your brand profile, access free training as well as other resources: Connect with Canopy MLS and Connect with Canopy Realtor® Association.
4/03/20: Mecklenburg County issues amendments to Stay At Home Order regarding home sales
Mecklenburg County has issued further clarifications pertaining to listings, selling or renting/leasing property, measuring, and obtaining photography and/or video effective today, April 3. Read more.
4/02/20: Real estate services in Henderson County now considered essential
Henderson County revised its Stay At Home Order effective 3/31/20 to include real estate services as essential. Read more.
4/01/20: Canopy Real Estate Institute now offers online postlicensing courses
Classes occur in real time through online synchronous distance learning. Read more
3/31/20: Real estate services in Cabarrus County now considered essential
Cabarrus County has revised its Stay At Home Order to include real estate services as essential. Read more.
3/31/20: Regarding showings, measurements, and photographs
The N.C. Governor’s Executive Order 121 includes real estate as an essential service, but it DOES NOT preempt or supersede any local order that includes more restrictive guidelines. If you are living or operating in a local area (county or municipality) with a more restrictive order on real estate activity, YOU MUST COMPLY WITH IT. Read more.
3/30/20: Canopy Real Estate Institute now offers online GENUP and BICUP courses
Take classes in real time with your favorite instructors! Read more
3/28/20: Mecklenburg County Issues Clarification and Guidance on Stay At Home Orders for Real Estate Transactions
Read more
3/27/20: Governor Cooper Orders Statewide Stay At Home Order Until April 29
Read more
3/27/20: Matrix Open House Function Suspended Immediately; Canopy MLS Adds New Virtual Open House Option
In response to local governments already enacting or starting to enact Stay at Home orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and at the direction of Canopy MLS Board of Directors, Canopy MLS has disabled the ability for members to create new Broker or Public Open Houses inside of Matrix.
To help facilitate the continuation of business, Canopy MLS has added a new Virtual Open House option to the Open House function in Matrix.
Read more
3/24/20: Statement on Meck County Stay at Home Order
Working in conjunction with NC REALTORS®, a statement has been issued by NC REALTORS® President Maren Brisson-Kuester to help provide an initial interpretation of Mecklenburg County’s Stay at Home Order as it relates to real estate brokerage and property management.
You will see that there are several areas that need further clarification. We will send updates as more information becomes available.
Read the statement
3/24/20: All Association/Canopy MLS Staff Now Working Remotely
Members will be served through email and by phone until further notice.
Membership: 704-940-3110 or membership@carolinahome.com
Canopy MLS Help Desk: 704-940-3159 or support@carolinahome.com
Virtual technology and MLS training will continue. Check https://apps.carolinarealtors.com/technologytraining/.
Stay well and healthy during this time.
3/20/20: NC REALTORS® Publishes Form 790-COVID-19 Addendum to the 2T-Offer to Purchase and Contract
This Addendum allows the parties to agree to an extension of the Contract (time period to be negotiated by the parties) if circumstances arise related to the world-wide Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that could make it unduly burdensome or impossible for Buyer or Seller to exercise their rights and/or perform their obligations under the Contract. This form is not required; however, it is being made available to all REALTORS® to use if appropriate in their transaction. Read more. Download the addendum. Legal Q&A
3/19/20: Canopy MLS EXTENDS 2Q 2020 MLS and/or Supra Key Fee Payment Due Date to May 1, 2020.
We are offering an extension during these uncertain times. Please contact us at 704-940-3110 or membership@carolinahome.com with any questions.
A Message from CEO Anne Marie DeCatsye
Dear Association members and MLS subscribers,
Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on our community. As COVID-19 is predominantly spread through close contact, we implemented precautionary measures out of an abundance of caution as recommended and directed by government and health officials and the N.C. Real Estate Commission in order to protect the health of our staff, members and students.
- We announced that effective Monday, March 16, Canopy Realtor® Association had closed its building to members and visitors in an effort to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. On March 24, we announced all Association and Canopy MLS staff would work remotely until further notice.
- Canopy Real Estate Institute has suspended all in-person instruction effective immediately after the N.C. Real Estate Commission recommended that all licensed and approved schools and approved education sponsors immediately suspend all in-person instruction through April 30, 2020. Naturally, we understand the concerns and frustrations of our students and hope to have more definitive information shortly to discuss options for completing classes and how this will impact any deadlines licensees may have.
- Business is still being conducted at the Association. We are utilizing all available technology to communicate and host meetings. Association and MLS committees have all been contacted by their staff liaisons to schedule conference calls or videoconferences. The same is occurring for the Boards of Directors of Canopy Realtor® Association, Canopy MLS and Canopy Housing Foundation.
While we all recognize that much of this is out of our control, our spirits remain positive and we know that together we are stronger.
We will continue to monitor the situation and keep everyone informed as things change. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. And please stay safe!
Anne Marie
Contact Us
Membership and Accounting: 704-940-3110 or membership@carolinahome.com
Canopy MLS Support: 704-940-3159 or support@carolinahome.com
Canopy Real Estate Institute: 704-372-2984 or canopyreinstitute@carolinahome.com
Realtor® Store: 704-940-3126 or realtorstore@carolinahome.com
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) has approved a set of temporary emergency procedures for real estate schools and course sponsors that were effective on March 26.
Canopy Real Estate Institute now offers online continuing-education classes for the GENUP, BICUP and elective courses!
Learn more about the online GENUP and BICUP
Learn more about online electives
Online MLS Technology Training
Learn how to use more digital tools during this time of limited in-person contact.
While we cannot offer in-person training, we have ramped up our online schedule.
Learn how you can enhance and keep your business growing with our suite of digital technology.
You can also schedule a virtual office visit (webinar-style) by emailing our Canopy MLS Broker Relations Team below.
Register for free online training
Schedule a virtual office visit
Stay Up on the Market
Position yourself as a market expert and use SAM to create fast and easy reports, charts and presentations about the current market. SAM is an interactive market analytics Web tool for custom documents, and is one of the many valuable benefits of being a Canopy MLS Subscriber.
Click here to work with SAM. You will be asked for your Canopy MLS login and password.
Questions? Email Kim Walker.
Are you taking advantage of your free Inman Select subscription to get the most up-to-date real estate news during this time? You can sign-up here.
Government Resources
City of Charlotte: COVID-19 Updates
Mecklenburg County Health Department: COVID-19 Info
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services: COVID-19 Response in N.C.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Coronavirus (COVID-19)