(WXYZ) — A big step Thursday for both construction and the real estate industry in Michigan in the state's plan to re-open the economy.
Starting Thursday morning, people in these fields can head back to work.
For nearly seven weeks now, about 200,000 people in the construction industry have been laid off. But today, some good news for a change that will of course require precautions.
"The nature of the business itself and the nature of the work, we have always been social distance if you will," said Richard Thomas with Creative Construction Concepts.
Whether indoor or outdoors, residential and commercial construction workers in Michigan can pick up where they left off before the COVID-19 pandemic led to a shut down.
Though some safety measures have changed: workers can cover their faces, must maintain social distancing and not share tools.
"It's a little difficult to put an offer down on a home that you haven't actually walked through," said one metro Detroiter.
During the governor's stay-at-home order, the real estate industry's depended on virtual tours, which some say doesn't always make the sell.
"I think it's a really good thing the governor is opening things up and allowing buyers like me to find a new home for my family."
As construction crews, real estate agents, and buyers make a return, each will be expected to take the proper precautions learned over the past several weeks.
"Masks, gloves, booties, lights turned on so anything that doesn't have to be touched won't be touched."
Agent Anthony Gargaro says a good thing for buyer and sellers: the mortgage rates right now are the lowest they've been in quite some time.
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