Open House Guidance During COVID-19
NAR’s goal is to keep members informed about the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the real estate industry, and to provide guidance on the many difficult decisions members are tackling on a daily basis. Consider how you may continue providing first-class services to clients, while also exemplifying REALTORS® as community leaders by demonstrating care for the health and well-being of clients, colleagues and the greater public welfare in reducing the risk of exposure to, and spread of, COVID-19.
Q: May REALTORS® continue to hold open houses during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: First, members should consult with their brokers, and consider how federal, state and local authorities' recommendations and actions, such as “shelter in place” mandates, impact the advisability, and even permissibility of open houses.
Where open houses are permissible, NAR strongly encourages members to consider the advisability of continuing to hold open houses at this time, especially in light of the guidance and actions of federal, state and local authorities, including “The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America (link is external)” recommending that gatherings of ten or more persons be avoided.
Q: What if my client insists that I continue to hold open houses?
A: You are never required to put yourself at risk in servicing a client. Have an open and honest conversation with your client about your concerns with holding an open house at this time, including whether doing so would contradict current government recommendations or mandates, particularly in geographic areas with “shelter in place” mandates. If after discussing these issues, you and your client mutually agree to hold an open house, advise your client about necessary precautions to minimize exposure to, and the spread of, COVID-19.
Read more …
