Members of the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors have implemented a number of changes to adhere to guidelines issued by Empire State Development.

Now, due to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “pause” of non-essential services amid the COVID-19 crisis, EDS is now stating the following real estate activities are considered essential:

• Virtual showings – via video and photos provided by the Realtor or the seller.

• Virtual listings – via video or photos provided by the seller to the Realtor

• Appraisals – as required by the lender as a condition of financing, but Realtors should not attend the appraisals.

• Home Inspections – as required by the buyer, but Realtors should not attend the inspection.

Real estate offices are to remain closed to the public with as limited interaction with others as possible. Realtors are encouraged to continue to work from home whenever possible.

“We are utilizing technology more than ever and are committed to providing essential housing services to our clients and customers,” the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors said in a statement.

Members said they are embracing technology “not only to show and list properties but to complete closings that were already under contract before the NY on Pause. Above all else, we are staying home. Staying safe and stopping the spread of COVID-19.”

On Wednesday, EDS announced real estate agents could show properties in person, but that directive was reversed Thursday out of concern statewide.