Social Distancing in the Real Estate Market
Business is still happening. There is however ways of going about it to be more cautious.
Showing Houses
- Distance of 6′ between everyone.
- Use gloves, hand sanitizer, masks, etc as any of the parties see fit.
- Touch only KNOBS (door knobs, cabinet knobs, closet knobs) only. Let the agent be the designated “knob opener.”
- The Buyer needs to answer 3 essential questions.
- Have you had close contact with or cared for someone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days
- Have you returned from a cruise trip or any of the countries with travel restrictions from the CDC site in the last 14 days?
- Have you experienced fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath in the last 14 days (symptoms can also include sore throat, respiratory illness, difficulty breathing)?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then we cannot meet face to face with you at this time and you are not permitted to enter houses at this time. (We can virtually tour for you)
- We will not attend a showing that allows for overlapping appointments.
- Children are not allowed to attend. Decision makers only. Limit the number of attendees.
- Exercise good judgement
Listing Houses
- Distance of 6′ between everyone.
- Use gloves, hand sanitizer, masks, etc as any of the parties see fit.
- The agent will only touch KNOBS (door knobs, cabinet knobs, closet knobs).
- The Seller needs to answer 3 essential questions.
- Have you had close contact with or cared for someone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days?
- Have you returned from a cruise trip or any of the countries with travel restrictions from the CDC site in the last 14 days?
- Have you experienced fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath in the last 14 days (symptoms can also include sore throat, respiratory illness, difficulty breathing)?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then we cannot meet face to face with you at this time and you are not permitted to enter houses at this time. (We can virtually tour for you)
- Agents will make sure the Seller understands the showing process through 6′ distance, phone, or Zoom.
- During photography we ask the seller to leave for 1 hour, so we don’t have to many people in the home while pictures are being taken. In the home should be listing agent and photographer only.
- Documentations will be sent for review and e-sign.
Open Houses and Caravans
- NO open houses or caravans during this period.
- Possible violation of local rules regarding gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Unable to properly screen potential attendees.
- Cannot adequately insure social distancing of 6 feet.
Virtual Open Houses or Caravans
IF THE HOMEOWNER REQUIRES IT
With today’s technology driven world, the ability to perform a virtual open house is gaining in popularity. Add in our current need for social distancing, and it’s a true “no brainer”.
How it Works:
An agent sets up a time to go live and announces it to their social media following. The agent will need to be in the home alone. Then they Go Live at the stated time walking through the property space by space.
The Benefit:
Audiences tune in from the comfort of their home interacting with the agent in real time. The sellers feel like their home is getting needed exposure.
****We need to remember to be kind and cooperative with each other. All of us are trying to work through this unprecedented time and cooperation is more important now than ever before. Be patient and understanding with everyone you encounter in the housing market.
