(photo courtesy of headcovers.com)
We at Bushwick have fielded many questions about real estate since the COVID-19 pandemic has reared its ugly head. As we all settle into this new norm of Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, many people have wondered aloud if real estate professionals are essential.
We are here to tell you that Inslee has declared: yes, we are. Halting the real estate industry was determined to risk causing homelessness, so Inslee and the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) have given real estate brokers strict guidelines on what and how we can perform our essential duties.
Rest assured that if you or a loved one is looking to buy or sell your home during these uncertain times, all precautions are being taken to ensure everything is sanitized and safe. Here are a few rules we currently must follow to ensure we keep ourselves COVID free:
In-person activities must be by appointment only;
No more than two people, including the broker, may be at the property at any one time; and
Those two persons must strictly follow social distancing guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") by remaining at least six feet apart at all times.
Refer your clients to the virtual tours available in many listings rather than viewing homes in-person if possible.
Consider conducting "virtual showings" rather than having...client[s] visit the property with you.
No open houses to be held
(courtesy of the NWMLS, Best Practices for Showings and In-Person Interactions, April 7, 2020)
If you have any questions, or would like to consider resuming your real estate search, please do let us know. We are taking these precautions very seriously. The real estate market is still moving and is still strong. We’re here to help you buy or sell your home, so let us know if you or a loved one is looking by dropping a comment here! Stay safe and healthy out there, all!