EFFECTIVE JUNE 1st, OPEN HOUSES WILL BE RE-ENABLED IN Flexmls®

Next Monday, June 1st, the ability to schedule in-person open houses will be re-enabled in our Flexmls® system. As restrictions loosen relating to the spread of Covid-19, Metro MLS is following through on our commitment to make this function available again.

Metro MLS and our Board of Directors STRONGLY encourage you to use discretion and understand the comfort level of your Seller(s) and Buyer(s) as you proceed. We also stress to follow the best practices as outlined by the Wisconsin REALTORS Association and/or follow the guidance and council of your brokerage when holding an in-person Open House.

Please review the Best Practices for In-Person Open Houses from the Wisconsin REALTORS Association released on May 21st.
A MESSAGE FROM THE WRA
The Wisconsin REALTORS ® Association (WRA) continues to recommend sellers and their agents avoid having in-person open houses even after the state’s safer-at-home order has been lifted and communities begin to relax restrictions. Instead, the WRA encourages agents to show properties virtually to buyers or offer individual showings to interested buyers.
 
However, if sellers, real estate firms, and agents are willing to have in-person open houses after checking for any applicable local safer-at-home orders, the WRA offers the following best practices. Note, these best practices are not legal advice but instead general guidance for sellers, real estate firms, and agents to take into consideration if open houses are going to be conducted: 

COVID-19 Best Practices for In-Person Open Houses

Use WRA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19):
This Commitment relates to the entry into a property by a buyer and their real estate agents for showings, including open houses.

The seller may ask each open house attendee and their agents to sign a copy of this Commitment.
In addition to the guidance and considerations in WRA’s CVSI, listing agents should discuss with the seller:

  • Precautions that will be taken during open houses, including an agent will not conduct an open house if the agent does not feel well and will not knowingly let others in the property who have elevated temperatures or do not feel well.

  • The seller’s concerns or required precautions.

  • Whether the agent will be wiping down common surfaces between each open house attendee permitted into the property.

  • Limiting the number of people in the property at one time to key decision makers.

  • Set up a staging area outside of the property and maintain six feet separation between parties arriving for the open house.

  • Whether open house attendees should be spread out to 15 to 30-minute sessions.

  • Whether there will be a signup sheet with contact information.

  • Offer one way into the property and another way out.

  • That RISK CANNOT BE COMPLETELY ELIMINATED and that measures provided are to help prioritize safety.
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Please contact your respective MLS with any questions. 
 Metro MLS members can call the Help Desk at 414-778-5450 or email  support@metromls.com .