How to Sell a House and be Safe-- COVID-19 Precautions

Selling a home during this challenging time, may seem daunting but the California of Realtors (C.A.R.) has outlined steps to protect you and your buyer while selling your home. 

C.A.R. has released two new forms to help clarify how to protect the seller and buyer: One is a Listing Agreement Coronavirus  Addendum or Amendment (RLA-CAA) for sellers and listing agents to sign, and the other is a Property Viewing Advisory and Declaration (PEAD) that is to be given to and signed by the seller, buyer, agents and anyone else who will be entering a property.

Seller should expect Buyers and their should follow the steps that were previously discussed agents in How to Safely Buy a House--COVID-19 Precautions.   Other guidelines that Sellers should follow: 

1. The written approval of the seller for all pre-marketing activities must be obtained by the listing agent. No third party can enter the property if they have not agreed to follow CDC, Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Guidelines. Even for contractors and workers, gloves and other protective gear are mandated, as is the declaration that they are asymptomatic and agree to follow the CDC guidelines.
2. Listing presentations and staging should be done virtually.
3. Virtual photography using a video-based system. Keep in mind that the usual copyright  considerations governing photographic images still apply.
4. Shoe covers, gloves and hand sanitizer should be located near the front door.  If hand sanitizer is not available, soap and water at a designated sink should be made available. 
5. Sellers should be gone during all showing appointments that are scheduled for individual parties, one set of clients at a time. 
6. No open houses, broker tours or broker previews should be held. A virtual open house or showing scheduled for a specific time with the Seller's permission, can be scheduled; however, no one will be present other than the listing agent holding the virtual open house.
7. REALTORS® CANNOT BE conducting any face-to-face marketing during the COVID-19 related declaration of emergency.
8. Flyers will be posted on the on-line multiple listing service.  No paper flyers at property.
9. After each showing, the agent or seller should clean doorknobs and counter tops with disinfectant wipes and follow the CDC's Cleaning & Disinfecting Guide recommendations.
10. All negotiations and discussion regarding the property will be done by phone or virtually.
11. All transaction paperwork will be done by electronic signature systems. 
12. For HOAs, he seller should obtain a copy of any new rules that may govern showings of common areas or entry to the property.

Using these COVID-19 precautions, sellers should be able to safely show and sell their home. 

Written by 
Virginia Hall, CRS, ABR, CNE, SFR
Keller Williams Realty
619.258.8585