Female realtor standing socially distanced from middle-aged couple clients outside a house, all wearing masks

There is no business or industry in Canada that has not been forced to adapt their operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news about the real estate services industry is that outside of home showings, other activities can easily be done virtually. Real estate technology was already at the forefront of innovative business solutions well before the pandemic.

While in-person open houses have been put on hold, a private showing to a buyer who is close to transacting is reasonable, when done in compliance with government and public health guidelines. REALTORS®1 keep themselves up to date on best practices and industry guidelines. You should only proceed with a showing if no one in your household and no one attending the showing has had COVID-19 symptoms within the last 14 days. To learn more about symptoms, click here. 

The following measures outline some tips to show a home as safely as possible during the pandemic: 

  1. Help limit the amount of time prospective buyers need to spend in your home by providing plenty of detailed information ahead of time, including floorplans, photos and a virtual tour; 
  2. Leave your home well before any potential buyers enter the property to avoid coming in contact with people outside your household, and do not return until you confirm they have left;
  3. Have a station with hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, gloves and masks at the entrance of your home;
  4. Have a sign posted reminding visitors to please sanitize their hands upon entrance and/or wear gloves throughout the visit, and wear a mask at all times;
  5. Leave all room and closet doors open and the lights on inside your home, to limit the surfaces visitors will have to touch. Your agent can remind buying agents to leave the doors open and the lights on when visiting with clients;
  6. Leave windows open to allow for air circulation;
  7. Schedule ample time in between showings to allow for a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces in between visits; and
  8. Upon returning home, thoroughly disinfect all surfaces, including door knobs, light switches, fridge and freezer handles.

Do not proceed with in-person showings if anyone in your household has experienced symptoms of COVID-19 or come into contact with someone who has in the last 14 days; has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days; has recently travelled outside of Canada or come into contact with someone who has. 

Confirm with your realtor that every person attending a showing has not experienced symptoms of COVID-19 or come into contact with someone who has in the last 14 days; has not been diagnosed with COVID-19 or come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days; has not recently travelled outside of Canada or come into contact with someone who has. 

Royal LePage professionals are dedicated to serving our clients’ homeownership needs. In today’s environment that commitment extends to helping protect your health and welfare.  If you are thinking of selling your home, contact a Royal LePage agent to learn more. 

1The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.