Freeman supports limited reopening of real estate market

Rep. Robert L. Freeman    May 19, 2020 | 3:16 PM

HARRISBURG, May 19 – State Rep. Robert Freeman said he supports reopening segments of the Pennsylvania real estate market, in accordance with a letter sent to Gov. Tom Wolf this week by House and Senate Democratic Caucus leaders.

“This is an effort to help people buy and sell houses in a measured and reasonable approach, without fully reopening things and potentially spreading the COVID-19 virus,” said Freeman, D-Northampton. “I am hopeful that the governor will allow this segment of the state’s economy to restart in this limited way.”

The letter from House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa stated, “Unlike House Bill 2412, we believe that an approach that prohibits open houses, requires limited contacts and implements other practices to prevent coronavirus spread could allow for real estate services to resume, even in red phase areas of the commonwealth.”

Freeman voted against the bill when it passed the House last week because it would have permitted open houses and mandated that certificates of occupancy be issued with a full and unconditional permit that prohibited inspections of the property. The governor vetoed the bill today.

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