Are the many activities that underline the real estate industry – from home construction to title searches – essential services during the coronavirus pandemic? Christopher Krebs, director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), thinks so. Earlier this week, Krebs designated “real estate services” as part of the nation’s “critical infrastructure” in a memorandum that serve as a guideline rather than an enforceable federal directive. Aside from real estate, the 15-page advisory encompasses healthcare, agriculture and transportation, among other economic segments. “This list is intended to help State, local, tribal and territorial officials as they work to protect their communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security,” Krebs’ letter says. Here are the real estate professionals and activities CISA considers essential: Residential and commercial real estate services, including settlement services. Staff at government offices who perform title search, notary, and recording services in support of mortgage and real estate services and transactions. Click to read more at www.forbes.com.