Yes, as restrictions ease, some open houses are back – but not the same. As our Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board Chair, Colette Gerber, stated:- “This doesn’t mean a return to pre-pandemic practices.” Our professional body & regulator are putting in safety measures in consultation with WorkSafe BC to help prevent spread of disease, while endeavoring to provide a service.
Hosting realtors are obligated to keep a log of visitors for the purpose of contact tracing and to comply with strict hygiene and enhanced cleaning practices both before, during and after the open house. Attendees must be prescreened “serious” buyers, must wear masks and not touch anything inside the home.
All of this will not be like “the good old days” with 40 pairs of shoes at the door and elbow to elbow lookers! A vast improvement for sellers’ comfort, but could be a long cumbersome process for buyers lining up. If, as a buyer, you feel the “new norm” for open houses is unappealing and time consuming, please call us. We are happy to make a private, safe appointment to take you through a home of interest where you don’t have to wait and can have time to look thoroughly. As an essential service, our full time professional team has continued to do this safely throughout the Covid-19 time. We are totally cognizant of the fact that this is not “business as usual” for our industry and are committed to protecting our clients and managing the risks responsibly while still doing the most professional job of achieving their real estate dreams and goals. This is what clients have every right to expect.
The word “unprecedented” has been overused, but is currently very appropriate when referring to rock bottom interest rates, which are driving our market and making summer look like Spring – what pandemic?! People are using this moment to move up the real estate ladder – buy that larger home, change location etc. If this is on your mind and you want to run your ideas by us, please do. Always happy to talk real
estate and help with your plan.
If you are able to take risk free holidays, enjoy them. Otherwise, we can be tourists at home and explore the local beauty spots, walks and our lively city. Stay well and safe over the summer. In gratitude for living in BC and for our own Dr. Bonnie Henry, we are:- Generations Real Estate Partners:- Michelle Hawthorne, Scott Johnson, Sheila Francis, Ray Harris and Shane Goutsis.