Back to Work!
As of today, Realtors are able to get back to work! Here, we’ll share the details on what exactly that is going to look like.
Late last week, Realtors all across Michigan were surprised and excited to hear that the limitations on many of the functions of real estate professionals would be lifted, meaning we could get back to (most of our) work!
For the past month and a half or so, the housing market has been an interesting place. With open houses, showings, photography, and sign placement not being allowed, the market has been moving at a snail’s pace compared to a typical spring market in West Michigan.
With rates being steadily under 4%, buyers had been ready to purchase and sellers had been looking forward to competitive offers. Then suddenly, with no one able to go into homes that were listed, things got a little, well, weird. Things got weird.
Sellers have been on the hook to host Zoom walk-throughs of their homes. With no real estate background, some of these have been a little dicey at best, even with their Realtor directing them towards what to show on the call. No showings has also brought on the extremely frustrating inability to gauge interest in a home. Previously, sellers were able to see how many people were scheduled for showings, and after the showings, their Realtors were able to provide them with the feedback that the buyers’ agents had left. More recently, the only way to even remotely gauge interest has been through questions from other agents and checking Zillow views and saves. Lots of variables, lots of unease.
The recent executive order has given us all in the industry a huge sense of relief. Not just for our own jobs, or more importantly for our clients, but also for the economy. Sales of homes results in funds from the seller side, allowing them to have a bit of freedom to buy. On the buy side, moving ultimately does mean spending- updating paint, carpet, purchasing new furniture or landscaping, out with the old and in with the new all around. It’s a cautious yet exciting moment in the world of West Michigan real estate, and something that will be immensely interesting to follow.
While there have been many limitations that have been lifted, buyers and sellers, as well as the general public, can rest assured that safety measures are still in effect and we are taking these measures extremely seriously. Open houses are still off the table, PPE’s must be worn, and showings are being limited to four people only, including the Realtor. Showings are being spaced apart, which seems reasonable even without the guidelines, though in a typical Spring market, it isn’t uncommon to see agents having to overlap showings just because the interest in a home is so great. Additional measures will also be taken in accordance with the requests of the buyers and sellers.
Per the guidelines in the updated executive order and in accordance with our Association, the new protocol is as follows:
FOR AGENTS:
Work remotely to the greatest extent possible.
Placement or removal of signs and lockboxes is permitted.
Personal contact with others should not be required for these tasks.
Disinfect the lockbox surfaces after installation.
Use photographs, virtual showings and floor plans to help buyers narrow down their housing needs and wants prior to any inperson showings.
Property photography/videography, viewings, inspections, appraisals, and final walk-throughs shall be arranged by appointment and limited to no more than four people on site at any one time, using the same protocols as contained in this document for showing properties.
Conduct in-person meetings only when necessary to develop a new listing, to show properties, or to sign necessary documents.
Sign documents electronically if at all possible.
Limit in-person showings to potential buyers who have been pre-approved for financing or have provided proof of funds adequate for purchase.
Meet clients at the home rather than driving clients to showings. If meeting clients at a home, ask them to wait in their car for your arrival.
Discourage anyone who does not need to view the home from attending a showing, such as children, those who may have symptoms of illness, and those with conditions that might make them especially vulnerable to illness.
The requirement for personal protective equipment (PPE) could vary from one seller to another, and could also differ if a property is vacant or occupied. As the listing agent, place the seller’s requirements of PPE in the showing instructions. As the showing agent, you must then comply with the seller’s instructions to show the property. Keep in mind that sellers may have video on during showings to see how well agents are following safety guidelines in their home.
Refrain from touching any surface in a home and do not sit on any furniture. Do not share phones, pens, tablets, or other devices. Do not exchange paper documents (send everything electronically).
Maintain at least a six-foot social distance at all times.
After a showing, rather than discussing the home while outside the property, consider waiting to discuss the home via email or phone.
As the listing agent, do not permit overlapping showing appointments for your listings. Allow time between showings, if possible, for the air to settle. As the showing agent, do not schedule an overlapping showing and do not enter a home if another showing is in process when you arrive.
Listing agent to confirm a seller has authorized in-person showings.
FOR SELLERS:
Leave all lights on to prevent the need for others to touch switches.
Leave all drapes and blinds open to prevent the desire for others to open them.
Leave as many doors open as possible, such as closet doors, pantry doors, bedroom doors, basement doors, etc. to prevent the need for others to touch door knobs.
Weather permitting, crack open some windows and turn on fans, if any, to keep home ventilated.
Provide a box or trash receptacle in the garage or outside of the home for the sole use of agents and buyers to dispose of shoe covers and gloves.
Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces prior to and after the showing(s).
Do not request that your agent hold an open house for your property since the Executive Order currently prohibits that activity.
FOR BUYERS:
Meet your agent at the home rather than riding together to showings. If you arrive prior to your agent, please wait in your car for the agent’s arrival.
Limit attendance at showings to those who need to view the home. Children should not attend, nor should those who may have symptoms of illness or those with conditions that might make them especially vulnerable to illness.
Your agent will instruct you as to the PPE the seller has required for viewing the property. You must abide by the seller’s instructions.
Refrain from touching any surface in a home and do not sit on any furniture. Do not share phones, pens, tablets, or other devices. Do not exchange paper documents. Request it be sent electronically.
Maintain at least a six-foot social distance at all times.
Properly dispose of shoe covers and/or gloves in receptacle provided at seller’s property. Mask can continue to be used if continuing to view more homes.
After a showing, rather than discussing the home while outside the property, wait to discuss the home via electronic method or phone.
