Have Sellers began mandating people take their temperatures yet?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

I interviewed for a listing yesterday and the seller said they would mandate all people, agents and buyers have their temperature taken before entering the home. That added a a new responsibility that would require lots of time and liability to who ever lists her home. The interview went well. She loved my approach to selling. Now we had to work on this taking of temperature part. 

 

The first step was getting a Digital Thermometer. I searched Walmart, CVS and Walgreens, none to be had. The pharmacist pulled up a link on her phone and let me take a picture of it. She said it is the one she actually uses at home.

 

As the home owner gets the home ready to show, I got to working on the plan how to accomplish her wishes. All showings would have to be assisted unless the seller allowed buyer agents to self attest they took their temperature. Then there was the liability...

 

Have any agents had a seller make this request?

 

My plan is to schedule showings during a block of time on the first Saturday the home hits the market. That way unlike an open house buyers will be pre qualified. I can also be there to do it myself, i could not just trust someone saying they did not knowing. The second part is a liability form signed by the seller that the temperature taken was either normal or high, the results was that the person was or was not let into the house. The key fact is that this is not a Covid test and only a temperature taken by a Digital Thermometer with factory settings.  The thought is to attract several offers the first day which will eliminate a drawn out requirement to be there daily for temp taking. 

 

 

IN SUMMARY, we are taking the pre-cautions we can take. This over shadowed my marketing plan. A plan to price the house right. Tips for the seller to get the home ready to show. Write up a great ad to post. Take great pictures to show the home off. Use my magic to attract the most possible buyers with t he goal is to get the highest price in the shortest time. 

 

IN THE END: The results will show for themselves. The willingness to do what the seller wants. The will to make the seller happy. My wish is sellers do not rush into listing with just anyone. I leave you with my infamous thoughts, My philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other.

 

To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com .

 

About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. Proud to be locally owned and operated with 34 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area.We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs. Servicing Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack and Belknap counties. 

 

    

 

 

 

We stand by you through every step in selling your home
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Comments (33)

Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Let’s hope so and everything and go from there and then make everything better from that perspective.

Jul 11, 2020 10:40 PM
Scott Seaton Jr. SLS Home Insp
SLS Home Inspections-Kankakee Will Iroquois Grundy Counties - Bourbonnais, IL
The Home Inspector With a Heart!

We have been wearing masks, gloves and boot covers while in the home, but no sellers are allowed and buyer is limited to one person and must be masked. So far so good, but this is one step beyond for sure. 

Jul 12, 2020 04:38 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Hmmm.  What a dilemma.  I see what people are saying about liabilty and I'm sure that should be simple enough to solve w/ attorney

 

But, it seems to me that the priorities are a bit messed up here and ironically may faciliate spread rather than reduce.


The most important thin is masks, followed by and in conjunction with gloves and booties.  And, if want to protect buyers and go an extra step, then at least 30 mins between showings.

I don't think temps are a very good indicator and not sure how temp spikes/doesn't vs most active contagious period.

Ironically, by insisting on this, puts agent and buyers at more risk by gettting close to take temperatures.

I don't know the answer.

I do know that masks are working and believe it or not, here in NY we are at a record low (due to mask wearing).  And, there are many cities that have more cases per capita than NY ever had on the worst days in April.

Regardless of what you do, I'd advise sellers to stay out of home for at least 30 mins after each/last showing. This is what I do w/ my groceries. At least that is simple.

Jul 12, 2020 05:22 AM
AndreaBFerreira CRS - SRS - CLHMS
Keyes Co. - Davie, FL
Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County in FL

How much have I learned here today.Thank you so much. I really wouldn't know how to judge this considering the over heated days here in FL. 93F everyday? The person that is coming is having a fever or just got the heat from the weather? Thank you so much! Be safe

Jul 12, 2020 10:40 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Scott Godzyk ,

Wow I agree with Barbara Todaro and Kathleen Daniels . WAY TOO much libility..I'd seek advice from an attorney and what does your broker say?

Jul 12, 2020 10:45 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Oh good grief!  I would have told them about the folks in my mom's assisted living who came down with COVID, my mom included, who never ran a temperature.  The only sure way to not come in contact with the virus during your home being shown, is for your home to be vacant.  End of story.

Jul 12, 2020 04:27 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Scott, California has more forms than you can imagine to protect buyers, sellers and Realtors...the short answer is when they sign the PEAD form all parties basically agree that they do not have the disease and if they do than they will disclose before being allowed to enter...if you would like send me an email and I will be happy to share the forms...Endre

Jul 12, 2020 04:50 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I know a lot of people have been really concerned so I wouldn’t be surprised if any of this is happening

Jul 12, 2020 11:22 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I know for a fact that California does have quite a lot of paperwork to work through Endre Barath, Jr.

Jul 12, 2020 11:23 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

That is exactly my thought Barbara Todaro on both the Dr and lawyer ends. There is a great update though, the seller signed the contract but needed time to get ready to sell, since then we found her a new home and she will be moving out and then allowing me to sell the home vacant, so the whole temperature request will be dropped. I am happy it worked out becuase it did bother me. I knew i could sell the home and as it was a referral, i did not want to let either down. 

Jul 13, 2020 05:46 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

In these times that is true Sham Reddy CRS 

Jul 13, 2020 05:47 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

As i pondered the best approach Doug Dawes  , i had time as the seller readied the home, then things changed, she found a home and decided she would move right way and let me sell the home vacant 

Jul 13, 2020 05:49 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Kathleen Daniels it was down right scary to get a request that made me feel uncomfortable. It was a house i knew i could sell, it was a referral that i could not let down. One reason i did take teh listing is i had time to  reserach and reach out to my lawyer and those here on AR. As the lawyer pondered the best disclosure, the seller found her dream home and decided she would move first. She is older and scared, for her, this was a better answer and winds up a better solution for me too. 

Jul 13, 2020 05:53 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

The seller did realize there is no guarantees Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD and the only 100% solution was to not be living there when showings start. She found her dream home and will close soon, moving in and allowing me to sell vacant. 

Jul 13, 2020 05:55 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I pondered it long and hard Will Hamm and happy the seller realized the only true way was to move into a new home before showings started, she was able to do this and eliminate the need to worry any longer. It should sell the first day easy 

Jul 13, 2020 05:57 AM
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

I would not touch a listing like this. Too much liability, and quite frankly a seller I would be afraid of. You could do everthing right, and still be sued! glad it worked out for you!!

Jul 14, 2020 02:05 AM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I haven’t seen this yet . One restaurant though had a sign up that if you don’t have a mask on we’ll need to take your temp .

Jul 14, 2020 04:15 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I sure would not want to be selling my house right now, so whatever makes them comfortable I guess!

Aug 09, 2020 06:17 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Yes. On contractors working at the house. Owners need to stay home and contractors wear masks issued.

Aug 09, 2020 07:41 AM
Chris Ivy
Ivy Vine Investments - Memphis, TN
Sell Your House Fast For Cash In Memphis Tennessee

Safety over everything right now.

Aug 09, 2020 02:12 PM