Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Guidance

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: COVID Vaccines Digital Resources Center

This Digital Resource Center includes information, tools, and templates that businesses of all sizes need during this critical phase of the pandemic response.

View Resources

Guidance for Rent Relief Requests and other Tenant/Landlord Issues

We've gathered some resources to help you navigate potential issues among tenants, landlords, and lenders.

View Guide

Coronavirus Relief Advocacy Efforts Infographic

CCIM Institute and IREM continue to advocate on behalf of the industry. This infographic details our results and what we're working on next.

View Infographic

CCIM Institute is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, as well as prepare for contingencies to prioritize the health and safety of our members, course participants, instructors, and staff.

CCIM Institute prepared the following resource page for commercial real estate professionals to provide additional professional guidance around this issue. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

Above all, we want to ensure that you have the support you need to get through this. Please take a moment to review the Center for Disease Control's tips for coping and identify your local mental health resources.


Practical Tools for Your Clients and Your Business

  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce: COVID Vaccines Digital Resources Center

    This Digital Resource Center includes information, tools, and templates that businesses of all sizes need during this critical phase of the pandemic response.

    View RESOURCES

  • Guidance for Landlords, Tenants, and Lenders

    View CCIM Institute's guide on rent relief requests and other commercial real estate tenant/landlord issues:

    View Guide

    Loan Relief and Commercial Real Estate’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
    Loan relief is another pressing issue. Commercial Investment Real Estate magazine put together a loan relief checklist and a brief Q&A detailing one portfolio manager’s view on the situation as a whole.

    View Article

  • Guidance on Reopening Your Business

    Reopening the COVID-19 Workplace with Cushman & Wakefield’s Despina Katsikakis

    Despina Katsikakis, head of occupier business performance at Cushman & Wakefield, details best practices on reopening workplaces, including the firm’s Six Feet Office concept that reinforces social distancing, improves air quality, and optimizes workspace. In addition, she shares how the future of the office sector will be impacted as a result of the pandemic and how commercial real estate professionals can be proactive in their preparations.

    IREM® Pandemic Guide for Real Estate Managers – Resources for Reopening Your Property
    As talk of reopening the economy becomes more commonplace, IREM has put together a comprehensive guide for preparing to reopen your property in a way that ensures tenants and residents are safe.

    View Guide

    U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Reopening Business Digital Resources Center

    View Resources

    NAR Workplace Re-Entry Checklist

    View Guide

    BOMA International: Preparing Buildings for Re-Entry

    View Guide

  • Government Aid For Your Clients Or Your Business

    COVID-19 Legislative Update for Commercial Real Estate
    Download the accompanying presentation.
    Paycheck Protection Program Application and Guidelines

    While the Paycheck Protection Program closed on August 8, CCIM Institute is advocating for its extension with our coalition partners. Businesses with 500 or fewer employees, sole-proprietorships, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals were eligible for Small Business Association 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans. Funding remains available for PPP loans.

    The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was enacted on June 5 to increase flexibility in the Paycheck Protection Program by:

    • Decreasing the 75% payroll requirement to 60%. Loan recipients now must use at least 60% of the loan for payroll costs and can utilize up to 40% for eligible operational expenses, including rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and interest on loans.
    • Increasing the amount of time borrowers have to use their loans from eight to 24 weeks.
    • Extending the deadline to rehire workers in order for their salaries to count towards loan forgiveness from June 30 to December 31, 2020.
    • Easing the repayment term for parts of the loan that are not forgiven from two to five years.

    View PPP Application

    Treasury, SBA Release PPP Loan Forgiveness Application

    Sept. 30 Update: SBA will begin processing PPP loan forgiveness applications following a delay. The SBA is expected to quickly approve forgiveness applications for loans less than $2 million, with reports that the backlog may be cleared in as little as two weeks. PPP borrowers have 10 months from the end of their loan’s covered period to apply for forgiveness before any payments are due on the loans.

    The Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration have released the documents that Paycheck Protection Program loan borrowers need to fill out and provide to their lenders when applying for forgiveness.

    The agencies have created a streamlined “EZ Forgiveness Application” for borrowers who:

    • Are self-employed and have no employees; or
    • Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25% and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; or
    • Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19 and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.

    View EZ Forgiveness Application View Standard Forgiveness Application

    NAR has produced a short video reviewing how to complete the PPP EZ forgiveness application form.

    CARES Act Guidance

    The Paycheck Protection Program is part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allocated $350 billion for this new SBA 7(a) loan program. The CARES Act also expanded the existing SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and allowed small businesses to receive advances of up to $10,000. While Economic Injury Disaster loans are still available, funding for the $10,000 forgivable advances has run out and therefore are no longer available.

    See the CCIM/IREM CARES Act summary below for an outline of the provisions impacting the commercial real estate industry and individuals. For in-depth guidance, please visit NAR’s SBA CARES Act FAQs page.

    View Summary

    The CARES Act provisions provide further relief in its tax provisions, including an employee retention tax credit. The Real Estate Roundtable CARES Act Tax Policy Guide details the tax implications of the CARES Act.

    IRS and Treasury Department

    Deadline Extended for 1031 Exchanges: The IRS has issued guidance that indicates that the 45-day and 180-day deadlines for 1031 like-kind exchanges that would have expired from April 1 to July 14 will now expire on July 15. Watch for further details soon.

    Opportunity Zones Relief: The IRS has provided coronavirus-related relief for Opportunity Zone investors and Opportunity Funds. Such relief includes five specific changes and clarifications, including extending the deadline to December 31, 2020 if the 180-day investment period to roll gains into an Opportunity Fund would have expired between April 1 and December 31, 2020. The IRS's announcement of these changes provides additional details.

    Deadline to File and Pay Taxes Extended: A three-month extension has been made for tax filing and payments. Individuals will be able to defer up to $1 million without interest or penalties, and corporations can defer up to $10 million.

    FEMA

    FEMA Flood Insurance Renewal Extension: FEMA is extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies from 30 to 120 days. If a policy has an expiration date between February 13, 2020 and June 15, 2020, then the NFIP insurer must receive the appropriate renewal premium within 120 days of the expiration date to avoid a lapse in coverage. Likewise, if a policyholder receives an underpayment notice dated between February 13, 2020, and June 15, 2020, then the NFIP insurer must receive the additional premium amount requested within 120 days of the date of the notice.

    Federal Reserve

    Federal Reserve Main Street Lending Program: On June 15, the Main Street Lending Program became operational to support small and medium-sized businesses that were in good financial condition before the onset of the crisis. Under the program, the Federal Reserve will support up to $600 billion in loans to eligible businesses. The loans will be made by federally-insured banks, savings associations, and credit unions that apply to participate in the program. The minimum loan amount is $250,000, and the program is currently available until September 30, 2020. Eligible banks may originate new Main Street loans or use them to increase the size of existing loans to businesses. View NAR's reference guide on the program here.

    Commercial Paper Funding Facility: The Federal Reserve Board will establish a Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF) to support the flow of credit to households and businesses.

    Facility to Facilitate Loans for Paycheck Protection Program: The Federal Reserve Board will establish a facility to facilitate lending to small businesses via the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by providing term financing backed by PPP loans.

    Federal Accounting Standards Board

    On June 3rd, the Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance on a one-year delay for the implementation of the new accounting rules on revenue recognition and leases for some private companies and nonprofits. Implementation was delayed to provide companies with some administrative relief as they cope with the impact of the coronavirus.

  • Real-World Solutions from CCIM Institute’s Chief Economist

    CCIM Institute's Leveraging Corporate Earnings Reports for Commercial Real Estate Analysis
    Download the accompanying presentation.
    CCIM Institute Chief Economist K.C. Conway, MAI, CRE, on cross-discipline solutions during the coronavirus pandemic.
    CCIM Institute Chief Economist K.C. Conway, MAI, CRE, on coronavirus and tenant/landlord issues.
    CCIM Institute Chief Economist K.C. Conway, MAI, CRE, on coronavirus and government finance interventions.
  • CCIM Institute Member Resources

    Site To Do Business Resources and Professional Development
    To assist in your professional development during this time we have developed a series of short videos that highlight some of the new capabilities available in your Site To Do Business toolkit.

    VISIT LEARNING CENTER

    CCIM Career Center Talent Kit
    The new SelectLeaders Talent Kit is designed to help real estate job seekers navigate the CCIM Career Center.

    Download the Talent Kit (PDF) Visit the Career Center

    Discover CCIM.net Email with Google G Suite
    CCIM Designees get a custom CCIM.net email along with Google G Suite tools for working on the go. G Suite is a set of apps that allow you to collaborate with associates, quickly share information with clients, and get work across devices - wherever you are. To get acquainted with a specific G Suite product, sign up for our on-demand webinars or visit the tips and tricks pages that correspond to each product.

    Learn More

    NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now
    The National Association of REALTORS® Right Tools, Right Now initiative makes new and existing NAR products and services available for free or at significant discounts and is available to REALTORS® and REALTOR® Associations.

    Learn More


The Impact of Coronavirus on the Industry

CCIM Institute's 2020 Economic Update for Commercial Real Estate Professionals
Download the accompanying presentation.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives in Turbulent Times with GRESB’s Roxana Isaiu

Roxana Isaiu, director of ESG and real estate at GRESB, a leading sustainability benchmark for real estate and infrastructure investments across the globe, details how environmental, social, and corporate governance initiatives differ in Europe and North America for commercial real estate. She also outlines how ESG will be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRE Tech Solutions in a COVID-19 World with Michael Beckerman, CEO of CREtech

Michael Beckerman, CEO of CREtech, a leading event, data, and content platform focused on tech in commercial real estate, discusses how technology can help the industry respond to our rapidly changing world. He also shares how the staggering effects of the coronavirus pandemic may actually accelerate the adoption curve for new technologies and boost investment in potential solutions.

Coronavirus and Its Impact on CRE with CCIM Institute Chief Economist K.C. Conway

In this special episode of the Commercial Investment Real Estate podcast series, CCIM Institute Chief Economist K.C. Conway discusses the pandemic, how CRE practitioners can weather the storm, and how to future-proof new investments. For an edited excerpt of this episode, read the Commercial Investment Real Estate magazine online exclusive article.

NAREIM's Rent Relief Survey
According to a NAREIM member survey conducted between March 24 and 26, "85 percent of real estate investment managers invested in retail assets had experienced rent relief requests. More than half of managers in the office sector had been asked for concessions, while 42% of multifamily managers were fielding abatement requests."

"The Coronavirus, the End of the Cycle, and U.S. Commercial Property Markets: Early Thoughts" from The Counselors of Real Estate.


Advocacy and Public Policy Updates

  • Coronavirus Relief Advocacy Efforts Infographic

    The extraordinary challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic call for extraordinary efforts. That’s why CCIM Institute and the Institute for Real Estate Management have been working together and collaborating with other real estate industry partners to advocate on behalf of the industry and provide invaluable resources to help commercial real estate practitioners successfully navigate these uncertain times. CCIM Institute continues to represent your voice and interests at all levels of government to ensure the industry remains vital and healthy. Take a look at the infographic detailing the tangible results we’ve already seen and what initiatives we're working on next.

    View Infographic

  • LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES

    Multiple coronavirus emergency legislative packages have been enacted:

    Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act: This $8.3 billion emergency relief package, signed into law on March 6, is focused on funding health care preparation to fight the virus, as well as vaccine research.

    Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Signed into law March 18, this $183 billion-plus package expands Medicaid and unemployment benefits, provides free coronavirus testing, and mandates paid sick leave and childcare leave for certain employees. Learn more about how the act affects real estate professionals.

    Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): This $2 trillion package, enacted on March 27, provides relief to businesses and individuals. Learn more about how the act impacts real estate professionals. For a finance perspective, read the CRE Finance Council's "Alert: Key Commercial Real Estate Related Provisions in $2 Trillion Stimulus Deal."

    Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act: This $484 billion legislative relief package, enacted on April 24, includes $310 billion to replenish the SBA 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program, $60 billion for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, $25 billion for expanded testing capability, and $75 billion for hospitals.

    Follow the links below to view cumulative COVID-19 legislative reports on the state and federal levels:

    In Session State Legislative Report
    Federal Legislative Report

  • ADVOCACY INITIATIVES

    CCIM has joined NAR and other industry organizations on multiple letters addressing issues we would like to see addressed either legislatively or through administrative action:

    • March 17:  Extension on 1031 Exchanges: Sent to both the Treasury Department and IRS, the letter encourages relief on the 180-day and 45-day period deadlines.
    • March 17:  Extension on Opportunity Zone Deadlines: NAR sent a second letter urging the extension of certain deadlines for the Opportunity Zone Program.
    • March 18:  Main Street Response to COVID-19: CCIM Institute joined more than 70 associations to call on policymakers to enact legislation and regulations that will help secure the short- and long-term vitality of the U.S. economy during this unprecedented disruption.
    • March 19:  Rental Assistance and Mortgage Forbearance: CCIM Institute joined a coalition of national organizations urging Congress to provide an emergency rental assistance fund, to urge caution when issuing blanket eviction moratoriums, and to allow for mortgage forbearance for rental property owners.
    • March 25:  Trade Association Emergency Assistance: CCIM Institute joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and trade associations throughout the country urging Congress to include all nonprofit organizations in emergency coronavirus assistance legislation.
    • March 26:  Housing and Construction Essential Service: CCIM Institute joined a coalition of industry groups urging home construction be considered an “essential service.”
    • March 31:  Business and Employee Continuity and Recovery Fund: A coalition of national organizations, including CCIM Institute, sent a letter to congressional leaders supporting the creation of a Business and Employee Continuity and Recovery Fund to facilitate the distribution of federal funds and liquidity to businesses and their employees impacted by the pandemic.
    • April 2:  Include Associations in COVID-19 Relief: CCIM Institute joined the nationwide association community to urge Congress to provide emergency financial relief to associations.
    • April 7:  Rental Housing Industry Financial Stability: A coalition of real estate organizations sent a letter urging Congress to provide rental assistance and mortgage forbearance relief. 
    • April 10:  Modification of Affiliation Rules under PPP Program: CCIM Institute joined a coalition of trade organizations requesting a modification of affiliation rules under the Paycheck Protection Program.
    • April 13:  Additional Funding for Small Business Loan Programs: NAR sent a letter to congressional leaders on behalf of its membership and its affiliates, including CCIM Institute, requesting additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
    • April 14:  Aid for Associations: CCIM Institute joined 2,800 associations and trade organizations in a letter to both congressional leadership and Secretary Mnuchin urging the inclusion of 501(c)(6) organizations in the next coronavirus relief legislative package.
    • April 20:  Pandemic Risk Insurance Act: CCIM Institute joined a coalition of industry associations encouraging congressional leaders to enact a pandemic risk insurance bill entitled the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act (PRIA).
    • April 20:  Clarification on 1031 Exchange Deadline Extension: CCIM Institute joined a coalition of real estate associations urging clarification from the Treasury Department and the IRS on the extension of deadlines for 1031 like-kind exchanges.
    • May 3:  America's Recovery Fund Coalition: CCIM joined over 100 trade associations and organizations across the United States in a letter advocating for the establishment of a COVID-19 Recovery Fund. The coalition's goal is to advocate for a grant-based federal program to assist businesses of all sizes and from all industries impacted by COVID-19. You can learn more here.
    • May 15:  Loan Modifications for Financial Institutions: CCIM Institute joined a coalition of real estate organizations on a letter to the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to encourage financial institutions to work constructively with all borrowers affected by COVID-19.
    • May 27:  Liability Relief Legislation: CCIM joined a coalition of associations, businesses and other nonprofits encouraging Congress to enact temporary liability protections against COVID-19 exposure claims for businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions that follow applicable public health guidelines.
    • June 1:  Rental Assistance and Forbearance: CCIM joined a coalition of real estate industry organizations to urge leaders of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee to consider offering further rental assistance and forbearance and to reconcile the eviction moratorium and forbearance timelines.
    • June 9:  Rental Assistance and Forbearance: CCIM joined a coalition of real estate industry organizations to urge leaders of the House Financial Services Committee to create an emergency rental assistance program, expand forbearance programs for all loans and to reconcile the forbearance and eviction moratorium timelines.
    • June 17:  Expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit: CCIM Institute joined a broad coalition of organizations on a letter to congressional leaders to request expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit.
    • July 1:  ASAE Coalition Requests: CCIM Institute joined over 2,000 organizations in a letter to Congress requesting assistance to nonprofit associations impacted by the pandemic, passage of the Pandemic Relief Insurance Act, and passage of the Skills Renewal Act.
    • July 15:  ASAE Coalition Requests: Additional Relief for the Rental Housing Industry: CCIM Institute joined a coalition of real estate industry organizations to urge congressional leaders to provide additional rental assistance, mortgage forbearance and to limit and further target any eviction moratorium in the next coronavirus relief package.
    • July 28:  Support for the Small Business Comeback Act: The America's Recovery Fund Coalition sent a letter to Representatives Filemon Vela (D- TX) and Lance Gooden (R- TX) in support of the Small Business Comeback Act (H.R. 7671) and thanking them for introducing this legislation which would create a direct federal grant fund to small businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic.
    • July 30:  Support for the SAFE TO WORK Act: CCIM Institute joined hundreds of business and nonprofit organizations in a letter to Members of Congress in support of the SAFE TO WORK Act (S. 4317), which would provide targeted and temporary COVID-19 liability protections.
    • Sept. 3:  Emergency Rental Assistance in Response to Eviction Moratorium: CCIM Institute joined a coalition of real estate organizations in a letter to congressional leaders imploring Congress to enact emergency rental assistance.

    Check out NAR’s comprehensive list of its advocacy work toward COVID-19 relief.


Additional Resources