1. We have the privilege of continuing a limited amount of real estate practice. With privilege comes responsibility. It is your responsibility to follow these guidelines. If you do not, we risk all being shut down completely.
2. YOUR OFFICE IS CLOSED. You can work from home. DO NOT ALLOW PUBLIC ACCESS TO YOUR OFFICE. Managers, bookkeeping, administrative, and maintenance staff might need to be in the office occasionally. Call center employees may need to be in the office to handle the current volume of calls for cancellations and the occasional new rental. However, if there are others in the office, practice physical distancing and CDC guidelines. Follow your broker’s rules about limiting office access.
3. Do everything you can to keep yourself healthy and teach others how to stay healthy. Follow CDC guidelines.
4. Complete paperwork electronically except when necessary to have a “wet” signature.
5. It is recognized that the field of short-term rentals has very little physical contact with the public. However, for the rare occasion when a prospective renter wants to physically see a property, prescreen to make sure they have a need to look at the property now rather than waiting.
6. Encourage the use of virtual tools such as high-quality photographs of rentals, virtual tours, and interactive floor plans so that virtual showings can minimize the number of properties that must be viewed in person.
7. While showing a rental, wash your hands, wear gloves if available, do not use the bathroom facilities, and only spend enough time for the renters to view what they need to in the property. Go outside or in an open garage and stand apart to have conversations about the property.
8. You may continue your property management functions such as accepting deposits, arranging for maintenance, cleaning, etc. and allowing those contractors access to properties. However, arrange to provide keys without contractors coming into your office space.
9. Don’t socialize face to face with your clients and others in the transaction. Keep your time together to a minimum. Be social by phone and other electronic means.
10. Use social media responsibly and not to entice people to leave their homes. Remember they are subject to an order to “shelter in place of residence”.
11. For owners who want to rent their homes, you can take new rental listings or property management agreements. If that process involves meeting with the owner at the property, follow CDC guidelines.
12. For renters who want to rent, you can negotiate new lodging/rental agreements.
13. Display a positive attitude to help people through this. Do not panic, stay informed, and use your best judgment and common sense. (APT 3.24.2020)
14. .............................................................................................................................VA