As new information continues to evolve regarding the Coronavirus, so does the need to address potential health issues that 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 their clients to complete prior to showing 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 Local/State Associations regarding policies being implemented locally. Most State Associations have legal departments where you can ask crucial questions on how to proceed (legally) in certain situations.
Here are some basic questions you can ask your clients before agreeing to meet/show. Be sure not to be selective about which clients you ask these questions; you either ask all of them or none of them.
- 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?
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