On Friday, May 14th, the NMDOH announced that New Mexico will be adopting the CDC's updated guidance on face masks for those who are fully vaccinated.

• The CDC's new guidance says that in most circumstances, fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask in either indoor or outdoor settings.
• All individuals who are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated are still required, per the public health order and CDC guidance, to wear a mask in public settings.
• People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose, or two weeks after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

State officials said all New Mexicans, including those who are fully vaccinated, should continue to wear masks where required by localities, tribal entities, and individual businesses.

Masks will still be required, regardless of vaccination status, in:

• Health care settings, including but not limited to hospitals, long-term care facilities and doctors' offices
• Correctional facilities
• Homeless shelters
• Public transportation, including but not limited to buses, trains, and planes and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations
• Schools for all students and staff – since most students remain unvaccinated

Under the NMDOH definitions, GAAR falls under the category of “All other businesses” which allows 75% of maximum capacity indoors; no restrictions on outdoor spaces. 

The GAAR Board of Directors has set forth the following recommendations:

GAAR Building

• Vaccinated members are no longer required to wear masks or social distance from other vaccinated individuals.
• Unvaccinated members should continue to mask up and practice social distancing.
• If you are vaccinated but uncomfortable with unmasked members feel free to mask up.
• Some staff may choose to wear masks and use plexi-dividers.
• All members should continue to sanitize hands and sign in upon entering.

Continuing Education

• Classes will continue with a mix of in-person/zoom options as per instructor preference.
• Occupancy in the classrooms has been increased. If you are not comfortable attending in person, feel free to attend remotely when available.

SWMLS Recommendations on Showings, Listings, and Open Houses

First, Members should always adhere to their Office Policies. In the event that none are in place, please consider the following recommendations:

• If you have a listing, it is time to have a conversation with your seller to determine what they are comfortable with in regard to showings, inspections, and open houses. Make sure that you request your seller’s preferences in writing and clearly communicate those in the LO/SO Remarks ASAP.
• If you have a buyer, make sure you are carefully reviewing the LO/SO Remarks, and are clearly following all instructions noted. Buyers and buyer’s brokers must comply with the seller’s directive.
• Keep in mind that the seller dictates the showing terms. This is outlined in the Code of Ethics:

Standard of Practice 1-16
REALTORS® shall not access or use, or permit or enable others to access or use, listed or managed property on terms or conditions other than those authorized by the owner or seller. (Adopted 1/12)

• And it is not just buyer’s brokers who must comply with the seller’s wishes; listing brokers must as well. In the event they allow others to access a home on terms other than the seller’s wishes, they can be found in violation of the Code of Ethics.

Above all, we would like to appeal to all GAAR/SWMLS members to be kind and respectful to each other as we transition out of the pandemic. Remember that everyone has a different comfort level so please do your best to be understanding during the process.  

Belinda Franco                                                               Cathy Colvin
2021 GAAR President                                               2021 SWMLS President