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Coronavirus Addendum & Health Questionnaire

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Grants Pass, OR 199909023

As new information continues to evolve regarding the Coronavirus, so does the need to address potential health concerns that may impact the real estate industry.  Some States have created a Coronavirus Addendum, addressing the need for escrow extensions due to unforeseen delays.  Some real estate brokerages have put moratoriums on open houses.  Other offices have created a health questionnaires, requiring agents and clients to complete prior to viewing a home. 

What can we do to protect ourselves and others?  Besides the obvious CDC recommendations regarding handwashing and social distancing, you can consult your brokerage and Association regarding policies being implemented locally.  Most State Associations have legal departments where you ask questions on how to proceed (legally) in certain situations.

Here are some basic questions you can ask your clients before agreeing to meet/show. 

  • Have you been sick with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath in the previous 21 days?
  • Have you traveled outside of the United States in the last 21 days?  If so, do you have any sign of fever, respiratory illness, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath? 
  • Have you had contact with a person who has a confirmed case of COVID-19? 
Posted by

Mel Peterson

 Melinda Peterson, ABR, CRS

 Oregon Principal Broker

 Real Estate Cafe LLC

 541-659-1620

 TheOregonDream.com

 

 

Discover Central and Southern Oregon 

Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

I like the idea of an Addendum for extension of time, and for a waiver of risk liability. Fortunately all of my upcoming listings are vacant.

Mar 18, 2020 03:03 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

I like the Addendum too Mimi.  California has one in place and Oregon will have one by the end of this week.  Vacant homes may still present a risk due to transference of germs from buyers touching surfaces while viewing a home.

Mar 18, 2020 03:07 PM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

I've been in touch with a Coming Soon seller who just told me "I understand, it's cyclical, things happen, I'll go with the flow". Needless to say, I love it, and her! But since not all people are that understanding, getting an addendum signed by all parties that some things are out of our control but we'll still work diligently/let's not sue one another in the event of a delay... is smart  

As far as the health questionnaire is concerned, we just need to make 1000% sure all people are asked the same questions. Who would have thought that we would add something like this to your paperwork? 

Mar 18, 2020 06:51 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Sounds like a wonderful Seller Andrea!  As for the health questionnaire (which was created by one of our local franchises), you are one smart cookie!  I ran it by our State Association legal dept before posting, and they said the exact same thing... either it must be given to ALL clients, or not be given at all. 

Mar 18, 2020 07:37 PM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

Oh, and Hi Mel!! I am totally loving your positive vibe on the social media channels .. am feeling it on the other side of the continent.  Let's have a virtual latte together! 

Mar 18, 2020 06:53 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

I'm loving that you're loving the positive vibe Andrea!  I've never subscribed to negative energy... life is too darn short to engage negative nellies.  I'd love to have a virtual latte with you across the continent!

Mar 18, 2020 07:41 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

my skin on my hands is about to peel off I've washed them so many times.  But I'll keep it up. I love the idea of a quesionaire for clients.  I don't need one for my agents as I know all their personal info already.

Mar 18, 2020 07:13 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Me too Tammy... even though I'm slathering them with lotion constantly, ugh!  The questionnarie in our area is being used by Listing Agents for prescreening everyone who plans on entering the home.  It's giving Seller's peace of mind, and it works both ways for buyers and agents too!  

Mar 18, 2020 07:44 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

HI Mel- very interesting times but we have to be practical. It's a disclosure that seems necessary. 

Mar 18, 2020 07:35 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

It certainly is an unprecedented time for all Kathy!  I keep hearing everyone say they have NEVER seen anything like it.  All the more reason to be prudent in following official recommendations and taking every precaution to protect ourselves and others... especially those in higher risk categories. 

Mar 18, 2020 07:53 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Mel:

Those are great questions and similar to what you get asked at any medical appointment these days.

Our state association just released a new Coronavirus addendum (I saw that your referenced that in a comment above after I wrote this). It's not mandatory but in some situations could make sense. We also have a legal hotline that I think can be a good resource for issues arising from a COVID-19 situation or something related (income, lender delays, certain office closings, inability to travel to sign documents).

Jeff

Mar 18, 2020 10:37 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

I saw the CA Coronavirus Addendum, which was sent to me by a CA Realtor/Friend.  Who would have ever thought that we would need an Addendum of this nature... crazy!  Our daughter just called to tell us LA County was just placed on a "Shelter at Home." 

Mar 19, 2020 07:21 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Mel - California has a new addendum addressing delays due to the Corona virus, as does our company. Here in the San Francisco area open houses and broker tours are no longer allowed, and private showings highly discouraged since they go against the shelter-in-place mandate in effect. 

Mar 19, 2020 09:27 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Hi Lottie - I saw the CA Addendum, and I think it is really prudent under the circumstances.  Agents are still showing properties in our area, which is kind of crazy.  I expect a shelter-in-place order will be coming soon!  Stay safe kiddo!

Mar 19, 2020 07:25 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

The California Addendum provides for the possibility of extensions of contingency times and extension of close of escrow and even cancellation due to Covoid 19 events. We also have a form that must be signed by every visitor...buyer, agent, appraiser, inspector, etc,...to a listing house prior to being granted permission to access the property.

Jul 30, 2020 11:25 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Would love to see the last form (Permission to Access) you mentioned John! I’ve seen several in our area drafted by individual brokerages with no uniformity.
Jul 31, 2020 06:56 PM