Real Estate in the Time of C-19
March 25, 2020, by Mark Wheeler
Hello All. I hope this message finds you in good health & enjoying this lovely spring season, as much as possible given recent events. Roots Realty has adopted new Policies & Procedures during the current state of emergency due to the COVID-19 Virus. In general, these Policies & Procedures are based on the guidance from the Oregon Association of Realtors, the Portland Metro Association of Realtors, & local, state, & national recommendations. These protocols will be revised as new information requires.
Since shelter is one of the basic human needs, the real estate industry is adapting all processes to take care of those who truly must buy or sell property during this difficult time. If one does not absolutely need to buy or sell right now, our advice is to wait. Real Estate Agents are not expressly prohibited from engaging in most of the activities they normally do, such as listing property, preparing a property for sale, or showing a home to clients or prospective customers – so long as it is in compliance with the spirit and intent of the Oregon Governor’s Executive Order No. 20-12, https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19.
Roots Realty Agents will not be in direct contact with anyone related to real estate business activities if the Agent feels unwell or has any indication that they may be infected with COVID-19. We will adhere at all times to the following recommendations:
– Avoid all groups or crowds in all venues (private or public);
– Observe social distancing at all times and all occasions, i.e. at least six feet from any person who is not a member of our immediate household;
– Comply with other social distancing requirements issued by the Oregon Health Authority (https://www.oregon.gov/oha/pages/index.aspx);
We will facilitate work at home and telework to the maximum extent possible, and minimize travel as much as possible. We will will not travel with any clients, customers, or other business associates.
We will not hold open houses, and will do prospective buyer showings by appointment only. Buyers should be completely preapproved for their mortgage, or have proof of cash funds available, prior to setting any showing appointments. We will avoid personally meeting with clients & customers if possible, by using email, texting, phone, or video.
When preparing a property for sale, we will:
– Make sure all visits to the home are with our client’s prior consent;
– Recommend that the property owner wash down all hard surfaces before and after the any visits;
– Confirm with property owner that they are satisfied with the process, and we’ll change strategies if necessary.
– Frequently use hand sanitizer and wash hands.
When showing a property, we will:
– Make sure to have the owner’s consent in advance;
– Establish a time limit for visits inside the home;
– Not travel with clients;
– Engage in social distancing at all times inside and outside the home;
– Frequently use hand sanitizer and wash hands.
Please let us know if you have any questions. We wish you all good health.
Follow Us