REALTORS® employ new tools, resources and practices to serve their clients in phase two of BC’s re-opening plan
On May 18, the provincial government began phase two of their plan to re-open BC’s economy.
This phase calls for the careful easing of restrictions on businesses across different sectors.
The real estate profession has consulted with WorkSafeBC to develop and implement protocols for REALTORS® and real estate brokerages in this phase.
Realtors have adopted new practices to help prevent the spread of illness during COVID-19 and to enhance the information, tools, and resources needed to effectively serve home buyers and sellers today.
For example, Realtors can now publish double the number of photos, up to 40, on the MLS® system. This allows home buyers to get a better virtual sense of different homes for sale today before arranging an in-person showing with their Realtor.
In addition, the contracts your Realtor provides have also been adapted to address COVID-19-related issues.
As the province gradually re-opens, you can expect that your Realtor will continue to implement business practices to ensure they can meet your housing needs in a safe and responsible way.
“We’re seeing more innovation in today’s market, with Realtors using different technology to showcase homes virtually, assess neighbourhood amenities with their clients and handle paperwork electronically,” Colette Gerber, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s (REBGV’s) chair said.
Realtors continue to implement strict physical distancing and preventative hygiene practices when in-person interactions are necessary. These could include:
- prohibiting anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 from attending
- meeting at the property instead of travelling with clients
- holding meetings outdoors
- not sharing pens or other items
- following proper distancing requirements
- visiting a maximum of one property a day
- wearing a mask and shoe covers
- not shaking hands
- not touching anything inside of a home
REBGV, which represents nearly 14,000 Realtors and their companies, is continuing to recommend that open houses not be held. Earlier this month, REBGV Chair Colette Gerber sent a video message to members reiterating this recommendation.
“As a profession, we have a responsibility to continue to do our part to keep our communities safe and to prevent the further spread of illness,” Gerber says in the video. “At this stage, this means not holding open houses or other events that could result in large gatherings. The time is not yet right to resume these activities. We’re relying on all of you to follow through on this recommendation. We must do this for the safety of our clients, the general public, and our Realtor community.”
You can watch the video below:
If you have real estate needs or questions today, be sure to talk to your Realtor. They’re here to help you develop a plan for buying or selling your home in a safe, socially responsible way.