What is happening to Real Estate Services?

What is happening to Real Estate Services?

Although REALTOR’s have recently been deemed an essential service in Alberta, this can change at any time as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb. I am still here to assist you with your housing needs however, it is certainly not business as usual. Real Estate services are changing and tweaked daily during this pandemic.

What has changed?

• Open houses are banned, virtual open houses are recommended.

Working with buyers:

• I will work virtually with pre-approved buyers to assess properties and discuss pros and cons by: thoroughly viewing the home online including all photos, videos, virtual tours, floor plans as well as mapping proximity to key sites and amenities.
• If a buyer is very interested in a property, then I will provide a virtual showing walking the buyer through the home via Facetime or another meeting app.
• Once a buyer has narrowed their search to a single property and requests a physical visit, I will make the necessary arrangements to keep both clients and myself safe. I will prepare and have easy access to hand sanitizer, latex/nitrile gloves, anti-bacterial wipes and paper towels (subject to change by government and public health authority guidelines).
• All showings should adhere to the guidelines developed to reflect the guidance of government and public health authorities.
  • Before scheduling a showing, the buyer must confirm that they are not displaying any signs of illness. Refer to Government of Canada guidelines on symptoms and prevention measureson an ongoing basis as information and guidance on these is subject to change. Guidelines currently include, but are not limited to:
    • Prohibiting access to property showings when myself, the buyer, or any occupant of the property:
      • Has recently travelled anywhere outside of Canada or has been in contact with anyone who has travelled outside of Canada; or
      • Has had any of the following symptoms in the last 14 days: Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing; or
      • Has knowingly come into contact with anyone experiencing the following symptoms in the last 14 days: Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing;
      • Has come in contact with anyone with a presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the last 14 days.

It is important to follow the current direction from government and health authorities, there are risks that come with attending in-person showings, and these measures MUST be followed while viewing a home.

Showing a property:

• Viewings will be limited to the buyer/s whose names will be named on the offer. If there is more than one person, each will walk through separately. Additional family members, friends or children MUST NOT be in attendance but can attend virtually.
• I will request in advance of the showing that the seller opens all interior doors, closets and leave all lights on, to eliminate the need to touch surfaces in the home.
• I will request that all occupants of the home be absent during the showing.
• I will meet buyers at the property.
• My buyers and I will maintain at least 2 metres apart at all times.
• I encourage the buyer to keep their phone in hand to make any notes or questions that can be discussed at a later time or keep their hands in their pockets. This minimizes the amount of time in the property.
• All footwear must be removed and socks must be worn, no bare feet.
  • Under no circumstances should visitors use the washroom facilities while viewing the home.
  • No surfaces should be touched while walking through the home.
  • Sanitizing wipes will be used to disinfect a surface should the buyer or I inadvertently touch one.
  • Sanitizing hands before and after entering the home.
  • Buyers are requested to notify me if they become ill at any time after a showing.

Working with sellers:

• Before confirming a showing, the seller must confirm that they are not displaying any signs of illness. Refer to Government of Canada guidelines on symptoms and prevention measureson an ongoing basis as information and guidance on these is subject to change. Guidelines currently include, but are not limited to:
  • Prohibiting access to property showings when the buyer agent, the buyer, or any occupant of the property:
    • Has recently travelled anywhere outside of Canada or has been in contact with anyone who has travelled outside of Canada; or
    • Has had any of the following symptoms in the last 14 days: Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing; or
    • Has knowingly come into contact with anyone experiencing the following symptoms in the last 14 days: Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing;
    • Has come in contact with anyone with a presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the last 14 days.
• Views are restricted to buyers who have an accepted conditional offer or an offer pending contingent on physical inspection ONLY.
• Before a showing, the occupants must open all interior doors, closets and leave all lights on, to minimize the need for viewers to touch surfaces in the home.
• All occupants of the home must be absent during the showing to avoid any physical contact with the buyer or buyer’s agent.
• Sellers may consider time slots or showing blocks to reduce any cleaning/sanitizing they have to do before and after a showing.
• Occupants are recommended to thoroughly clean and disinfect the lockbox, all exterior and interior doorknobs, cabinet hardware, surfaces, light switches, and counters with antibacterial/germ-killing cleaners after the showing.
• If a buyer should become ill or is diagnosed with COVID-19, this will be communicated to the listing Realtor immediately.

Here is a link for COVID-19 Canada updates, Self-Assessment, Financial and Economic Support and more.

No one knows what this will look like as we move forward, but I will work diligently to provide information and answer any questions you may have. Your health and safety is my priority. If you have questions, comments or simply want to chat, I am here.

Stay safe and healthy,