The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has issued a new series of guidelines to protect the health and safety of homebuyers, sellers and realtors during the process of transacting a home.

Open houses were shut down in March, prompting realtors to use digital tools to conduct virtual open houses, showings and execute real estate transactions. As the province reopens, many consumers are looking to dive back into the market.

“Realtors are here to help make home buyers and sellers feel comfortable and safe while they work to find their dream home,” says Sean Morrison, president of OREA. “OREA’s guidelines have been informed by up-to-date information from public health, best practices from the industry and experiences in jurisdictions across North America.”

OREA’s guidelines cover general advice and information for realtors selling properties and those working with home buyers. For example:

• Realtors should first and foremost continue to use virtual tools, conduct virtual open houses and virtual showings to the greatest extent possible;
• Use phone, email or video for client communications;
• Process documents, forms and acknowledgments electronically;
• Thoroughly disinfect surfaces, leave doors open and keep lights on at all-times during in-person showings; and
• When interacting with clients, maintain physical distancing and use personal protective equipment when distancing is not possible.

To read OREA’s phase one guidelines for real estate transactions click here.