When preparing the marketing approach for selling your home during COVID pandemic, there are a few things you can do to minimize your health risks while improving your chances of a sale.

We recommend preparing a virtual tour of the home on the property’s exclusive website as well as the MLS listing to limit the number of home visits by potential buyers. If the seller is uncomfortable showing their home, buyers are increasingly willing to submit an offer subject to the buyers inspection within a few days  after the offer is accepted. A number of new disclosure forms published by the California Association of Realtors to be used in any purchase of a home.

The California Department of Public Health issued guidelines specific to real estate transactions.  It can be found here. These guidelines apply state-wide and each county/city may have their own, more restrictive guidelines.  Much of the guidelines are already being implemented in LA County as shown below but here are some big items to note.  The below is not a comprehensive list, so if you would like to see all of the guidelines, please see the link above:

  • A Written Prevention Plan is required and must be posted at the entrance of properties for showings.RE/MAX EPLA’s “written prevention plan” is the PEAD, and is mandatory for all people coming to the property. PEAD (Property Entry Advisory and Declaration) form must be displayed at the entrance of the property during showings which can be found here. All visitors to the property must review and comply with these guidelines as well as sign a PEAD prior to entry. The rule states that a link to the plan or the plan itself has to be in the listing. The guidelines set forth a number of things that need to be on this form, but the PEAD (particularly updated versions that will come) will encompass all real estate agents must confirm an understanding of these rules prior to them entering the property, obtain their agreement to follow these rules, and provide a digital copy. Getting the PEAD signed will satisfy this requirement
  • Cleaning & disinfecting protocols for shown properties:
    • Thoroughly clean shown properties and disinfect commonly used surfaces before and after showings (counter, handles, lock boxes, keypads, light switches, guardrails etc).  These surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected before and after each showing (note: they did not make an exception for vacant properties).
    • During showings, keep windows and doors open for ventilation. Equip shown properties with proper sanitation products, including hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. All people entering a property, including agents, brokers, inspectors, and clients, must wash hands with soap and water immediately upon entry and before touring the property OR use hand sanitizer when hand washing facilities are not available.
    • Leave time to do deep cleaning and disinfecting.  If the property is occupied, you must disinfect after the occupants leave (before your showings) and again before they return. Physical Distancing for Shown Properties (remember – LA County restrictions on number of people still applies)
  • No open houses are allowed and no “walk-in basis” showings. Parties interested in selling your home during COVID must show their properties by appointment only. Current occupants must be away from the property, consistent with their legal rights (LA County says they must leave). Doors must be opened prior to showings to minimize touching surfaces.
  • Remind buyers not to touch surfaces if avoidable. Basically, avoid touching anything. Wear face masks! This guideline encourages them, but real estate agents need to insist.  Inspectors must wear them
  • No handouts or other promotional/informational materials – everything must be delivered electronically.

Other requirements for showings published by the LA County Health Department include the following:

  • No open houses;
  • Residential viewings must occur virtually;
  • If a virtual viewing is not feasible, then an in-person viewing of the property may be done by appointment only;
  • Showings should be limited to serious potential buyers who are either pre-approved or have submitted a contingent offer;
  • The in person showing may only include the real estate agent and no more than two visitors, who reside within the same household or living unit, at a time.
  • Sellers and/or tenants should temporarily leave the residence/unit during the in-person showing, in order to maintain social distancing;
  • During the in-person showing of the property, all social distancing protocols must be adhered to, and protective measures, such as the wearing of gloves, cloth face coverings, and not touching of surfaces must be followed.

Selling your home during COVID does not have to be scary or risky. By following the guidelines, buyers, sellers, and real estate agents minimize their risks while making sure a transaction takes place eventually and leaves everyone happy.