Continue to Use Virtual Tools When Possible to Market, Show and View Properties

BCREA would like to remind REALTORS^® to continue to use virtual tools when possible to market, show and view properties, to limit face-to-face interactions, and to follow the safer showings guidelines released last week. While the order issued by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) on November 7 limiting social interactions and travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley does not restrict rental and home sale viewings, it’s important to continue prioritizing virtual interactions to keep your communities safe.

Safer showings during BC’s second wave

The acceleration in the number of COVID-19 cases in BC means we must all continue our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus. On November 5, BCREA and the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC) released guidance on safer showings, to reflect current public health directives and orders issued by the PHO. This guidance is intended to help Realtors assess, prepare for and mitigate potential health risks to themselves, their clients and other community members when conducting in-person showings.

In addition to following these guidelines, we advise Realtors to continue discussing the risks of in-person showings with their clients and to recommend their clients use virtual tools when possible to market, show and view properties.

Realtors urged to stop open houses

BCREA, RECBC and the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate are also strongly advising real estate professionals to suspend open houses at this time. This recommendation follows the order issued by the PHO mandating that no more than six people may attend an event in or at a private residence. Realtors can find more information and resources on the use of virtual tools, how to safely conduct in-person showings and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic here.

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