In March, our entire world as we knew it stopped. As we slowly opened back up and defined businesses as essential we had to make some serious adjustments to our day to day operations.
Under Federal and State guidelines, activities required to facilitate a real estate transaction are considered essential activities. However, this does not make them free from COVID-19 risks. Everyone must still practice “social distancing” and take all the steps necessary to protect themselves from others. On May 7, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom released updated industry guidance to begin reopening with modifications that reduce risk and establish a safer environment for workers and customers. This guidance includes, among other things, information pertaining to real estate transactions. Therefore, per the guidelines and in accordance with our companies best practices we invite you to consider the following prior to any physical home tours.
Top 10 Recommendations
- We recommend that a Virtual Showing happen first. Utilizing the property management software of your choice, zoom or Facetime apps!
- We would recommend a physical showing occurs only in unoccupied homes!
- Showings to groups from separate households at the same time should be prohibited.
- Multiple showings need to be scheduled with a minimum 10 min window in between to sanitize. Showing prospects should remain outside or in their car until their turn for a showing.
- We would also recommend having the prospect sign off on a COVID release form. If you are an independent owner, you can request examples of this via https://www.car.org/ – Or your property management company should have access to it.
- The showing agent should go in property first wiping and/or spraying down all handles and doors knobs with disinfectant. They should open all doors and cabinets so that the prospect may view the home.
- Both prospect and showing agent must always be wearing masks and utilize hand sanitizer entering and exiting the home.
- Once cleaned prospect may enter the home and tour- the showing agent will remain 6 feet away or outside depending on the situation or property. The showing agent should advise the prospect to please not touch or open anything (cabinets etc.)- anything pertinent should already be opened by agent or please ask.
- After showing is complete, the showing agent will wipe down/ spray all surfaces and locks up.
- Prior to move in, the home will need to be professionally cleaned.
Showing Prospects represent that:
- To the best of their knowledge, they are not currently afflicted with, and have not knowingly, within the last 14 days, been in contact with someone afflicted with, COVID-19;
- They are not experiencing a fever, or signs of respiratory illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or other COVID-19 symptoms and;
- They understand that persons may be afflicted with COVID-19 and: (i) not exhibit symptoms; (ii) not be aware that they are afflicted or (iii) may not voluntarily agree to disclose their condition.
- They will inform Owner or Agent if there is a change in their health condition or knowledge that potentially puts others at risk or invalidates the representations made.
This information is not deemed legal advice, just best practices as determined by our company. You should always do what is best for you and your employees, specifically with health and safety in mind. For those not comfortable or unable to adhere to these type of guidelines, it might be time to consider hiring professionals to do so. We are happy to help! Call us at 619-286-7600 to speak with one of our New Account Specialist. Don’t waste your valuable time managing property, let us take it from here!
