Can real estate be done during COVID-19 pandemic? We asked an expert

Non-essential workers are waiting patiently to hear some news about a timeframe for when they can get back to work, but it could still be weeks if not months.

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In the meantime, entrepreneurs are getting creative to keep their businesses afloat.

Real estate is one industry in which some aspects are considered essential, while others are non-essential.

“There are parts of real estate that I believe are really, truly essential ... but there is this moral, ethical role we have to play,” said realtor John Marzullo with Howard Hanna.

Marzullo, a top-performing realtor, is deemed non-essential. While face-to-face interactions with buyers and sellers have stopped due to the pandemic, business has not.

Marzullo told Channel 11 just about every aspect of the home buying and selling process can still be done with some creativity.

Mortgages, closings and titles are deemed essential and can continue, but Marzullo is torn about the stay-at-home order. He talked about the real needs of many people – some have two mortgages, while others have no home at all or are stuck in the middle of a transaction.

“I think maybe there's a balance there,” Marzullo said.

It’s a balance car dealerships in Pennsylvania are also trying to find. They took their concerns to Harrisburg, fighting to keep their lots open to customers who need a car; as is the case with surrounding states as long as they follow CDC guidelines.

Pa. National Guard delivers meals to Salvation Army in Pittsburgh Pa. National Guard delivers meals to Salvation Army in Pittsburgh

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