The short answer is…VERY CAREFULLY!!!!

The longer answer… is much more detailed. See below.

We should now be heading towards a peak in the Canadian housing market; instead we are in the midst of an unprecedented public health and economic crisis. However, home buying and selling continues and while we can’t know what impact COVID-19 will have on the market overall, we are working to make the best of a bad situation. We hope these guidelines will help as you consider buying or selling a home during this very unusual time.

General Showing Guidelines for everyone:

1. Ensure social distancing (keeping 2 metres apart) is rigorously maintained throughout the showing. If required, your REALTOR® can walk each buyer through the property one at a time. 

2. Everyone entering the home should be wearing a mask, if none available, we will provide.

3. Do not greet others with handshakes or hugs.

4. We will be promoting the use of electronic/digital resources such as digital signatures, video and virtual tours walk-throughs of homes.

5. Notify your REALTOR® if you become ill at any time after a showing. 

Buyers, Sellers, Agents and other industry professionals will be expected to sign waivers indicating:

1. They have not travelled outside Nova Scotia in the last 14 days.

2. They have not knowingly been in contact with anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia in the last 14 days.

3. They are not currently experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms.

4. They have not knowingly been in contact with anyone who has had cold or flu-like symptoms in the last 14 days.

GUIDELINES for SELLERS during a showing:

1. Open all interior doors (including closets) and leave all lights on to minimize the need for viewers to touch surfaces in your home. 

2. Have all occupants of the home be absent during the showing (take a walk or drive for at least 30 minutes to avoid any physical contact with buyer or buyer’s REALTOR®. If an occupant must be present, insist they practice social distancing measures and wear a mask, if one is available.

3. Disinfect all exterior door handles and lockbox with an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol prior to the showing. 

4. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the lockbox, all door knobs, surfaces, light switches and counters with antibacterial/germ killing cleaners after the showing. 

5. Notify your REALTOR® if you become ill at any time after a showing.

GUIDELINES for BUYERS when viewing a home:

1. Limit viewing only to those who are/will be specifically named on the offer: 

   • Additional family members, friends or children should not be in attendance. There are no exceptions. If required, your REALTOR® can walk each buyer through the property one at a time.

   • Meet your REALTOR® at the property; DO NOT travel with your REALTOR®.

   • Practice social distancing measures at all times.

   • Do not share items such as phones, tablets or laptops. 

2. Wear a face mask.

3. Immediately prior to entering the home, disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer containing of at least 60% alcohol or wear protective gloves if available.

4. Do not touch surfaces in the home and keep your hands in your pockets throughout the visit. 

5. Do not greet others with handshakes or hugs, and ensure you are at least 2 metres apart at all times. 

6. Under no circumstances should you use the washroom facilities while viewing the home. 

7. Ensure social distancing (keeping 2 metres apart) is rigorously maintained throughout
   the showing. If required, your REALTOR® can walk each buyer through the property one
   at a time. 

8. Notify your REALTOR® if you become ill at any time after a showing. 

As always, we are committed to delivering excellent customer service for our clients. We will continue to monitor this situation over the upcoming days and weeks and will make changes as needed. We value you and your health. Although it appears that some restrictions are staring to be lifted, it is likely that the above guidelines will remain for some time to come.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns you wish to discuss. Call, text or email.