COVID-19 and Real Estate

(Last updated January 6th 2022)

Capacity restrictions on indoor gatherings for venues where proof of vaccination is required were lifted towards the end of 2021. Just as things were looking up for the holidays, along comes the Omicron variant and with it more uncertainty.

With general recommendations that we do what we can to minimize social interactions, it remains to be seen what changes in how we handle real estate listings and showings will be recommended in the coming weeks as the industry ramps up after the holidays.

The term ‘Open House’ has evolved from an outright ban in 2020 to several modified versions once it was reinstated. The open front door with crowds of potential buyers and curious neighbours streaming through is a thing of the past. I am not expecting to see piles of shoes on the front steps of ‘Open Houses’ anytime soon.

The mandate to wear masks indoors remains in place regardless of setting or vaccination status. That means that masks will continue to be required during showings and open houses.

Safety practices for open houses will continue to focus on enforcing public health protocols. Hygiene practices will largely depend on input from home owners, tenants and the listing agent.

Safety measures may continue to include some or all of the following:

• limiting the open house to serious buyers using technology to pre-screen them
• requiring that attendees wear masks and other personal protection equipment when appropriate 
• keeping 6’ of physical distance between everyone in attendance at all times
• employing sanitary protocols after each open house
• keeping a log of visitors for contact tracing 

In some cases, REALTORS® may limit showing appointments and access for open house attendees to serious buyers by leveraging technology first, and screening to qualifying consumers who:

• are working with a REALTOR®,
• are prequalified for financing,
• have already viewed the property online through videos, 3-D renderings, etc., and
• have already viewed the neighbourhood.

Pre-registration and/or a schedule may be in place for open houses. Consumers may be asked to do the following before considering attending an open house: 

• review the MLS® listing details/photos in full
• review any floor plans, 3D renderings, videos or additional information
• drive by and be familiar with the physical location of the property
• ensure they are prequalified
• bring their own masks and other personal protective equipment as required
• review the open house safety procedures, as provided by the open house host

It continues to be important to have good photos, floorplans, details of maintenance history and renovations. 3D tours have become more common.

Buyers have less time and access for tire kicking, so they need help to interpret details on property listings. Access to property history, documents, knowledge of construction details and neighborhoods all help to facilitate the buyers need to armchair search for a home.

Technology continues to help with the process. Document scanning with a smart phone and digital signing of documents are now indispensable tools.

If you have any questions, concerns or just need to chat, please pick up the phone and call me. If I can assist you in any way, don’t be afraid to ask.