UPDATED NOVEMBER 7, 2020:

Given the growth in COVID-19 transmission rates, it's important to be aware of the inherent risk in showings. These risks can differ depending on whether a home is vacant, owner-occupied, tenant occupied or a strata unit in a multi-tenanted building. Only after assessing risk can you determine whether showings are appropriate.

A maximum number of 6 people are allowed in a residence at any time. For smaller properties, this limit may be smaller to ensure safe physical distancing. This applies to the interior and exterior of a home meaning buyers cannot wait on the property if another showing is already underway.

In addition, our regulators have asked all real estate professionals to refrain from hosting open-houses. Until we are advised otherwise we plan to do our part and stop all in-person open houses. We will however continue to host LIVE virtual open-houses via Facebook. Be sure to like our FaceBook page to learn more.

This information supersedes any contradictory information below. Any questions please let us know.

UPDATED JULY 7, 2020:

Showing Guidelines for Selling Clients

Showing Guidelines for Buying Clients

In-Person Property Visitation Best Practices

With consent from our Selling Clients, open houses are now allowed by our industry regulators however the following strict safety guidelines must be followed.

• Prior to attending one of our open houses visitors must confirm they have viewed the floor plan and the various virtual tours available for the property.
• All attendees must wear face masks and use hand sanitizer prior to entering the property.
• All attendees must keep two meters or six feet of physical distance between everyone in attendance at all times.
• Attendees will not be allowed to touch anything in the home.
• All attendees must provide their name and contact details for contact tracing purposes.

This information supersedes any contradictory information below. Any questions please let us know.

ORIGINAL POST:

Your health and safety is our primary concern. So is the safety of everyone else that works for us, with us, or shares this planet. 

If you're selling real estate:

• In keeping with social distancing best practices, we have cancelled all traditional open houses until further notice.  Open houses will now be done virtually using Facebook Live. Privately scheduled individual showings will be made available with proper safety protocols in place. Visitors will be required to use a mask and hand sanitizer and will be advised not to touch anything during their viewing.
• To reduce the number of physical showings, we will be creating virtual tours for each new listing. An example can be seen here: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=bW6Krfgsicu
• Prior to viewings, we will make inquiries with the Buyer's agent to ensure the Buyers are screened for potential COVID-19 risk including requesting health and recent travel information from potential buyers and their real estate professionals. Visitors will be denied access to your property if they have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days, have been in contact with anyone who is sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19.
• To avoid anyone touching doorknobs and light switches, please prop all doors open and have all lights turned on and blinds/ curtains open.
• All visitors to your property will be required to disinfect their hands upon entering your home.
• Depending on the property, viewings can also be done remotely through Google Duo, WhatsApp, WeChat and Facebook Messenger.
• To reduce the chance of exposure our property brochures will now be distributed digitally only.
• Please review "How can we prevent the spread of COVID-19?" below. If there is a chance you could expose others to COVID-19 please let us know and we will reschedule any showings/viewings/appointments until it's safe.
• As an extra precaution, we also advise cleaning all high traffic areas and surfaces before and after each showing.
• As always we're equipped to deal with offers remotely that you can digitally sign from the comfort of your own home.

If you're buying real estate:

• The majority of new listings have limited viewings. If you are really interested in a particular property, don't wait for an open house as the majority have been cancelled. Let us know as soon as possible and we will schedule a private showing.
• Prior to viewings, we will make inquiries with the Seller's agent to assess risk including requesting health and recent travel information from the Seller and their agent.
• During a showing please use a mask and hand sanitizer, and do not touch doorknobs, cupboard hardware, light switches or other surfaces.
• Please review "How can we prevent the spread of COVID-19?" below. If there is a chance you could expose others to COVID-19 please let us know and we will reschedule any showings/viewings/appointments until it's safe.
• As a reminder, we’re equipped to write offers remotely that you can digitally sign from the comfort of your own home.

How can we prevent the spread of COVID-19? 

There are a few ways you can help reduce the spread of the virus: 

• If you’re exhibiting any cold or flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% concentration. 
• Avoid touching your face. 
• Wear a mask and gloves.
• If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth with the inside of your sleeve. Wash clothing frequently.
• Clean your frequently touched items and surfaces, including your phone. 
• Be cognizant of “social distancing”, keeping two meters from other people. 

Additional resources regarding COVID-19:

Fraser Health

Vancouver Coastal Health

BC Centre for Disease Control

World Health Organization

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Our commitment to serving you and keeping you safe during these unique times continues.

Stay safe & stay healthy! 

David Reimers | The Reimers Group