WA State COVID Advisory for Showings
On September 28th, Governor Inslee issued certain modifications to the Order for the residential real estate industry that acknowledge the importance of providing housing to the public. The Governor’s directive balances housing needs with the over-riding importance of protecting public health through staying home and social distancing.
We share the Governor’s priorities and our paramount concerns are safety of our clients and the prevention of the spread of the COVID -19 virus. Accordingly, we will limit personal interactions to the greatest extent possible and will engage in-person only when necessary, and by following these strict protocols:
1. In-person activities must be by appointment only.
2. Clients to travel to homes independently.
3. No more than 5 people, including the broker, may be at the property at any one time.
3. Face coverings are required to be worn at all times by real estate brokers, their clients, and industry partners (e.g. appraisers, inspectors, photographers, stagers, etc.). Brokers may not provide services to any client who does not wear a face covering; and the persons on site must strictly follow social distancing guidelines by remaining at least six feet apart at all times.
Real estate brokers, who strictly follow the above protocols are permitted to engage in the following in-person activities related to the purchase and sale of homes:
1. Preview and show listings by appointment only; and
2. Facilitate inspections, appraisals, buyer “walk-throughs,” and key delivery.
All other real estate brokerage services will be limited to services that the broker can provide from the broker’s home.
There are risks associated with leaving the safety of your home and viewing homes for sale, as well as having prospective buyers enter homes. Buyers and sellers must be attentive to and abide by the mandates and guidelines from public health officials and work with their real estate broker to make informed decisions about listing, selling, and purchasing real property.
Brokers will exercise their best judgment under the circumstances to provide advice regarding all aspects of the current real estate market.
Updated information about COVID-19 is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website (www.cdc.gov) and from the Washington State Department of Health’s website (www.coronavirus.wa.gov).
If you have specific questions about health concerns related to COVID-19, you should consult with a health professional.