REALTORS® and consumers in Harvey can get point-of-sale home inspections and real estate transfer stamps thanks – at least partially – to the efforts of Illinois REALTORS® local Governmental Affairs Director Tom Joseph.

Although real estate was deemed an essential service in Illinois during the COVID-19 quarantine, point-of-sale inspections in the south suburban city were stopped after a staff member contracted the virus. Without the inspections, real estate transfer stamps were not issued, and transactions were jeopardized as city leaders tried to protect the health and safety of staff and community members.

Joseph contacted the Harvey city manager and mayor, and shared examples of how other municipalities were conducting inspections safely. Over the course of several meetings, Joseph convinced them to allow “as is” transactions.

“Harvey agreed that the service could be provided safely and resumed inspections,” said Illinois REALTORS® Director of Local Advocacy Mike Scobey. “This was largely due to Tom’s intervention.”