What it’s like to plan open houses during COVID-19 pandemic?

Now, that people are allowed to host open houses in certain areas, there are several guidelines for them to follow amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including leaving the doors open and all the lights on.

This month, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver said that open houses will be allowed, although with certain restrictions. Potential buyers will see signs with health precautions, use hand-washing stations and sign in for a possible contact tracing.

A large part of Ontario has also entered the Stage 3 of reopening plan, including open houses with gathering limits of 50 people, or 30% capacity, and of course with physical distancing.

According to Regina-based real estate agent Tim Otitoju, reducing the need to touch doors and light switches is one of the changes to the open house process.

When the showing starts, he opens any door with his sanitized hands wearing gloves and a mask. He also keeps the number of people in the home under control.

Another change is that before entering, visitors and sellers answer several questions and sign waivers about symptoms or exposure to COVID-19. In addition to it, it’s a seller’s obligation to sanitize the property.

It’s a little bit more difficult if landlords want to show properties occupied by tenants.

Although the Real Estate Council of Ontario is discouraging unnecessary private showings or open houses, it doesn’t have the power to demand that agents should receive a tenant’s consent.

Otitoju says not all sellers agree to host open houses these days, as many of them prefer virtual showings, as well as Otitoju himself.

“I have shoe covers in my car. My professional tools have definitely changed,” – he says.

“I can see it’s working. Now, people who visit open houses really want to purchase this type of a property. The times of just going around to open houses as a hobby is over. Buyers, sellers and realtors know that”.

It could seem that when you buy a property, you would want to see it personally, but even buyers of expensive real estate see the benefits of virtual tours.

According to Anthony Hitt, president and CEO of Engel & Volkers Americas, during a tour where an agent carries a camera around the property buyers can look closely at all the details and enjoy the views through windows.

Certain specialists expect home purchasing to become similar to car shopping, where most of the research is done before closing the deal.

“Time is your most valuable asset”, – says Hitt, noting that online tours can save it significantly.

“In my opinion, open houses will be still hosted, but less frequently. Many of consumers are not ready to be in a crowded property even wearing masks and following all the precautions.”

Earlier, sharing a meal with a client was a common thing to do, but now it’s different, Otitoju says.

“I don’t remember when was the last time I shook someone’s hand,” – he adds. “But we build relationships not by shaking hands, but with our actions.”