Can you hold an open house during the pandemic?

The flat answer? It depends on the situation. One major setback in the housing industry due to the COVID-19 threat is the restriction of open houses in most states, including the Lone Star State. The Texas Association of Realtors reiterated the call to “consider the advisability of holding open houses at this time,” but also notes that should it be extremely necessary to do an in-person showing, it must be done with proper safety protocols in place.  Considering the clipping of a vital instrument in the home-selling process, brokerage firms have made adjustments to the way homes are shown to potential buyers. Here are several guidelines to observe regarding in-person home showing in the new normal:

Keep lines of communication open between seller and selling agent

If you are a seller and you’re apprehensive about receiving people in your home via an in-person showing, discuss your apprehensions with your listing agent. These professionals should be able to provide expert advice and alternatives.

Opt to wear PPEs

Should an open house proceed, then proceed with extreme caution. To protect those who will be actively involved in the conduct of the open house, make sure to provide them with PPEs. Costs of these PPEs may be shouldered by the home seller, although the potential buyer/s and their agent can also bring their own sets of PPEs with them. PPEs ensure that even while people interact closely with each other during the viewing, the chances of any pathogen transfer are reduced significantly.

Limit the number of people

In a regular open house, the following parties should be present:

• Potential buyer
• Buyer’s agent
• Listing agent representing the seller

  Note that the seller’s presence is not required during the open house; more so now in the time of COVID-19. Buyer representation should also be limited to two individuals. This open house etiquette has been in effect even before the pandemic struck, so this has been very much in line with guidelines from the Center for Disease Control stating that there should be less than ten people in a home during an open house. To avoid crowding at the home for sale during the open house, it is best to schedule buyers in batches. Remind visitors/potential buyers that they should coordinate with the listing agent for the best schedule for their home viewing.

Provide means for disinfection

Another proven method to halt the spread of COVID-19 is through frequent hand washing and disinfection. Provide a means for those coming to the open house to disinfect and wash their hands. A disinfecting station can be set up at the front door. Sanitizers and alcohol should also be accessible throughout the house. 

Use digital means of procuring contact information 

To lessen possible contamination among guests through surface contact, ask them to sign up online instead of using a sign-up sheet. If this isn’t possible, then require guests to bring their own pens for signing. 

Yes, you can refuse buyers

Not everyone takes the threat of COVID-19 seriously. Remember that sellers are allowed to refuse people in their homes should the latter refuse to follow safety protocols or if they are exhibiting symptoms of illness. In these times of uncertainty, it is best to err on the side of caution. 

Consider a virtual open house 

While physical home viewings are known to be incredibly effective tools in selling a home, the times call for safer means of real estate marketing. Thankfully, the internet has given agents and their clients a viable, effective, and safer alternative – virtual home tours. Sellers can discuss with their agents the possibility of coming up with these virtual home viewings so that potential buyers can still “visit” their home from the safety and comfort of theirs. 

Keeping real estate transactions active even in a pandemic

Across the United States, the number of COVID-19 cases remains on the rise. While selling a home and making a profit matter, health and safety should still be the number one priority.  Even in these trying times, the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caliber Realty team continues to help a diverse array of clients from first-time homebuyers to empty nesters in fulfilling their real estate needs. If you want the best tips for selling your home, this is the group of experts to call. Reach out to the team at 979.694.8844 or send an email to sales(at)bhhscaliber(dotted)com.

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