If you show property or hold an Open house you MUST act safely.
The percent of Flu deaths in Florida is less than 1% Deaths from COVID is 3% plus. Catching COVID is 30% more likely than catching the Flu.
Part of the understanding between Florida Realtors and the State of Florida was to agree to recommendations for protecting the public which includes showings including open houses. This is why Real Estate was deemed essential in Florida and NOT shut down completely. Let’s not risk this opportunity.
From Florida Realtors:
“Many of you were able to participate in our >WebEx meeting last week with the Florida Surgeon General. Based on that >discussion Florida Realtors is releasing revised guidance on in-person open >houses. Although virtual events are preferable it is understood that an in-person event could be held as long as the Realtor and consumers take precautions to protect themselves from contracting Covid -19. Attached is >the Florida Realtors Covid-19 Open House Guide. This will be posted online, along with other resources including infographics and a new video, this afternoon.”
Use Form Simplicity to access the In Person Acknowledgement and Waiver SAMPLE from Florida Realtors®.
Neither NEFAR nor realMLS is restricting brokers from having showings or an open house. If your broker, you, and your seller still decide to do a Showing or an Open House, here are some key In-Person Showings/Open House recommendations:
- Show by appointment only, schedule times, and call in advance to schedule
- If someone is sick reschedule
- Use different cars to get to the property
- Sanitize lockbox
- Everyone wears masks, shoe covers are recommended too
- Limit attendees to the prospect only
- Density 4-5 per 1,000 square feet (that includes you and assistants)
- Keep a distance of 6-10 feet apart
- Keep door open, open all doors closets everything that a prospect may want to look at
- Signs for do not touch doors or handles
- Signs for do not touch surfaces
- Turn lights on
- Virtual/electronic business cards
- Virtual/electronic brochures/handouts
- Loads of sanitizers
- Sanitary Wipes
You should also post in the public remarks language stating that:
“The seller requires that all showings including an open house must follow CDC and Florida Surgeon General Guidelines and anyone entering the property must agree to follow those guidelines”.
Keep in mind that any restrictions or requirements you and your seller place on one prospect must be adhered to by ALL prospects in order to avoid any and all potential Fair Housing issues.
Florida’s Surgeon General, the Governor, Health and Human Services, and the PUBLIC will be watching closely.
Let’s show them that we can be professional.
Although numbers are down our results are far better than any other part of the state.
We appreciate all that Northeast Florida Realtors are doing to Make the Market Work.Thank You for Your Support
Ron Stephan, CEO