California Realtors welcomed the news that the California Department of Public Health on May 12 amended its industry guidance for real estate transactions to allow open houses and in-person showings subject to certain safety standards. The California Association of Realtors subsequently updated its guidance on open house protocols to help members comply with the new state guidance. Santa Clara and San Mateo counties are following state protocols, but the state Realtor association says Realtors need to adhere to local guidelines should they be stricter in certain areas.
Also following suit on Friday was MLSListings, which announced effective immediately open houses may be entered in the MLSListings Listing Management system, and those properties will be displayed as such on the MLSListings public website at www.mlslistings.com. Later in the day, the local multiple listing service provider gave its okay for broker tours to resume.
"Our members are elated at the news that open houses, in-person showings and broker tours are back. All these are powerful marketing tools especially in our competitive market," said Joanne Fraser, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
Although the availability of the MLS and virtual showings on the internet has made it easier for buyers to search for homes, many agents and their clients still use open houses as a marketing tool to allow maximum exposure of a home that is for sale. Open houses also allow prospective buyers to view the property first-hand and receive immediate answers to their questions from the listing agent who is present.
"I'm proud of how our members were able to pivot quickly to virtual tours and virtual open houses during the pandemic and buyers and sellers responded. Resuming other marketing tools will help both buyers and sellers even more," said Fraser.
Fraser said broker tours allow agents to view another agent's property listing for a few hours during the week. "The broker tour is an important way for agents, especially new agents, to network. Also, by viewing a property first, a Realtor will have more information about a property to share with their clients."
Despite the easing of restrictions, Fraser stressed the real estate community is not in the clear. "Realtors and their clients still need to follow health and safety protocols and adhere to C.A.R.'s new guide to open house and showing rules."
Advertising open houses, without qualifiers, is allowed and appointments for open houses are no longer required. Showings, including open houses, are somewhat relaxed under the new social gatherings guidelines but still include social distancing between members of different households while attending an open house, and are subject to capacity issues depending on the tier of the county where the house is located. There will still be a sign-in requirement on site and forms, though shortened and simplified, will still need to be completed.
C.A.R. is referring its members to its Quick Guide to Open Houses and Showing Rules, which will continue to be updated. Fraser also reminds members of SILVAR that the association tour policy rules apply. The tour policy and schedule can be found on the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors website at www.silvar.org.
"I wouldn't say things are back to normal, but it is certainly a step in the right direction," said Fraser.
The Silicon Valley Association of Realtors is a professional trade organization representing nearly 5,000 Realtors and affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. The term "Realtor" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.