Understanding the Showing Process During COVID
What safeguards are in place?
Is it safe to sell your home during a pandemic? While no one can answer that question for sure, the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) has put many safety measures in place to limit possible exposure for sellers.
Any persons entering the home must sign a Property Entry Advisory and Declaration (PEAD). This includes REALTORS®, potential buyers, stagers, photographers, cleaners, and more.
All persons entering must agree to the posted rules (below). These state that protective face coverings must be worn, hands must be washed or sanitized, social distancing between clients and agents must be maintained while visiting the property, and it asks potential buyers and their agents to avoid touching surfaces in the home.
Open houses are currently not allowed by California State Guidelines. Showings must be scheduled in advance and a PEAD form must be received by the listing agent prior to the scheduled showing time. This ensures no more than two visitors from the same household and no more than one agent enter the property at one time. It also allows you to know exactly who is entering the property and when.
Many agents are requiring a CBS (Call Before Showing) code on their lockbox to ensure a PEAD is received. Once the PEAD is received, the buyer’s agent will be given the CBS code and show the home.
A 3D virtual tour, such as Matterport, can be created when the property is being photographed. Potential buyers can “walk through” your home without ever setting foot on property. This often limits the number of showings and can minimize buyers that are not serious about purchasing your property.