Home sales in the three counties covered by the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors plummeted 52% over last year as much of the industry was shut down by COVID-19 restrictions.

Pennsylvania’s businesses, workers and residents would lose a bevy of protections if the state’s disaster declaration were ended by a resolution passed by the state General Assembly, according to Gov. Tom Wolf.

The residential real estate market is so busy, there aren’t enough homes for sale to keep up with demand, Lancaster County agents say.

The Wolf administration will use $225 million from its federal CARES Act allocation to provide liquidity to Pennsylvania small businesses that are financially struggling in the aftermath of the forced shutdown orders instituted to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Members 1st Federal Credit Union plans to break ground on its new Hampden Marketplace headquarters next week, closing in on plans announced last year to consolidate the financial nonprofit’s administrative offices.

During the eight weeks of the pandemic prior to May 19, an average 79 homes per week sold in York Count.. From May 25-31, the total skyrocketed to 254 - an increase of 322%.

Lancaster-based contractor scheduling software company Schedule Engine lets contractors offer their clients remote consultations to limit in-person house visits.

Lancaster County contractors of varying sizes are ramping up activity, with a few glitches, such as a shortage of certain supplies. Some even report interest from new customers – a pleasant surprise they weren’t expecting in this economic climate. 

“We visit a lot of collections, but this one really comes out as one of a kind,” said John Kraman, TV commentator and consignment director with Mecum Auctions, in an interview Tuesday afternoon.

The incoming Gardner Theater at Lancaster County Day School in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, was well into construction when the COVID-19 pandemic caused the state to put a hold on all non-essential construction sites.

Woodbridge, New Jersey-based real estate agency The Kislak Company recently closed on the Mulberry Station Apartment Homes in downtown Harrisburg for over $12 million.

Data released May 12 from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that house prices increased in the first quarter of 2020 despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

During the stay-at-home and work-from-home orders, employers are seeing how they can operate with some or all their employees working remotely, and do so as, or more, efficiently than from their traditional work environment. 

Real estate businesses and workers are allowed to resume operations across the state under industry-specific social distancing guidelines, the Wolf administration announced Tuesday afternoon. This amendment to the statewide closure of “non-life-sustaining businesses” goes into effect immediately.

Nine of this year’s Central Penn Business Journal’s Women of Influence and Circle of Excellence honorees have something in common: They’re graduates of one of Leadership Harrisburg Area’s programs.