COVID-19 UPDATES
COVID-19 – Public Health measures and open houses January 20, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our communities, with case counts on the rise. Even so, we know that the important and critical work of supporting clients with their real estate transactions continues. As many of you may have heard, as of January 18, 2022, the Public Health measures first introduced in late December have been extended until February 16, 2022. Read more »
COVID-19 – Revisions to COVID-19 form on TouchBase| January 10, 2021
With the constant changing of COVID guidelines and protocols, the COVID form on TouchBase has been updated. The revised form removes reference to specific time frames (“past 14 days”) – items 1 and 3 below – to better reflect the overall circumstances and conditions regarding the virus. Read more »
COVID-19 – Adherence to new COVID-19 measures for a safer holiday season | December 24, 2021
If the month-over-month, and in many cases, year-over-year records being broken since last May are any indication, clients will continue to rely on you for your dedication, commitment, and support during this holiday season. And with our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all that you do, we wanted to encourage you to lead by example on helping ensure your clients, loved ones, family, and friends, do their parts to adhere to the province’s recently released COVID-19 safety measures, to help us all have a safer holiday season. Read more »
COVID-19 – Cancellation of 2022 FVREB Medallion Gala | December 14, 2021
Accordingly, considering member recommendations and in consultation with the FVREB Board of Directors, out of an abundance of caution, we regrettably announce the cancellation of our 2022 FVREB Medallion Gala. Read more »
COVID-19 – Vaccine FAQs | September 10, 2021
CREA encourages all REALTORS® to get vaccinated against COVID-19 unless there are medical or religious reasons that prevent them from doing so. It is incumbent on REALTORS®, as professionals, to follow all public health recommendations, including getting vaccinated, in order to help bring an end to the pandemic and ensure the lives and safety of our fellow Canadians. Read more »
COVID-19 – BC Vaccine Card Program details announced to take effect September 13, 2021 | September 9, 2021
Effective September 13, all individuals over the age of 12 will be required to show proof of vaccination status when dining out (indoor and outdoor locations) or attending indoor organized events with 50 or more people. BC residents and visitors will be required to have received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine by September 13, and the second dose by October 24. Read more »
COVID-19 – Masks Mandatory in Public Places Effective August 25, 2021| August 24, 2021
Effective Wednesday, August 25, 2021, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout the province to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This new order requires people 12 years of age and older to wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. Read more »
COVID-19 – Recommendations for Open Houses and Private Showings | June 30, 2021
The BCREA has updated its recommendations for holding open houses to align with the Step 3 directives easing COVID-19 health restrictions. Reaching this important milestone means that members may now begin holding in-person showings and open houses, once again. With this long-awaited news, however, we must remain diligent about the ongoing importance of health and safety for all. Read more »
COVID-19 – Does BC’s Restart Plan Mean We’re Back to Business as Usual? | June 1, 2021
The announcement of BC’s Restart Plan last week brought with it much excitement for all of us, as we look forward with hope to the gradual lifting of restrictions. But are we back to business as usual? The short answer: We’re not there – yet.
Now, more than ever, is the time to hold steady to COVID-19 safety protocols. With open houses still off the table, members are free to hold showings “by appointment only.” Read more »
COVID-19 – Clarification on the Provincial Restart Plan to Safely Bring People Back Together | May 27, 2021
Clarification on the Provincial Restart Plan to Safely Bring People Back Together announced on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Read more »
New temporary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and its variants | March 30, 2021
On Monday, March 29, the provincial government announced several new measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. They came into effect at 12 am on Tuesday, March 30 and remain in effect until April 19. Here is a list of what the new measures include. Read more »
COVID-19 Protocols: Stay Informed and Ready to Adapt | December 3, 2020
We recognize that the vast majority of Realtors follow the provincial health protocols, however, given this unpredictable environment, we also realize that it can be tough to keep track of the rapidly changing requirements and recommendations. To address any uncertainty, this article summarizes the current rules and guidelines for reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread while continuing to provide real estate services. Read more »
COVID-19 – Clarification on Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Restrictions | November 9, 2020
We received clarification from Service BC on November 9 that private showings are NOT considered “social gatherings”. As a non-health related essential service, we have a duty and obligation to adhere strictly to all safety protocols on COVID-19. Members should refrain from holding in-person open houses, but rather, implement virtual tours/showings as much as possible. Read more »
COVID-19 – Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Restrictions issued by Gov. of BC | November 7, 2020
In response to escalating COVID-19 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions, earlier this afternoon, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix issued an order banning all social gatherings, indoor group physical activities, and restricting non-essential travel in and out of both these regions. Read more »
Temporarily restricting in-person Open House Functionality on Paragon® as COVID cases continue to rise | November 6, 2020
Yesterday, BCREA issued a joint news release with RECBC asking that REALTORS® temporarily not hold in-person open houses until case numbers come down to manageable levels. FVREB fully supports and endorses this decision. We need to do what we can to keep our clients, our communities, our colleagues, peers, and ourselves as safe as we possibly can. Read more »
Provincial Health Office Order limits gatherings within a place | October 30, 2020
As most of the recent cases of COVID-19 (almost 75% of the cases), are in the Fraser Health Region, we must all continue to be vigilant in containing the spread. To that end, we advise and encourage you to choose virtual rather in-person showings, as a first option. Read more »
Caring for others starts with self-care – A COVID Best-Practices Refresher | October 15, 2020
Here in BC we’ve been exemplary in our ability to keep COVID-19 numbers down, and Realtors in particular have acted with the necessary agility to successfully adapt. But, the need for vigilance and caution couldn’t be greater; our ability to work together for the collective good is critical if we are to keep the pandemic contained and suppressed. Read more »
Be kind, be calm, be safe – remember to adhere to pandemic safety protocols | September 24, 2020
No doubt you must be getting a little tired of the daily news about COVID-19 from so many sources, including self-declared experts and more credible sources such as health professionals and government officials. However, we wanted to reach out to remind you of a couple of things. Read more »
Investing during a pandemic – is this a good time? | August 13, 2020
On behalf of Fraser Valley members, Charles fielded numerous questions ranging from the state of the market currently to how Realtors are keeping their clients safe during this pandemic to will the government finally change the rules on re-investing capital gains?
The webinar is chockful of timely, valuable information about Fraser Valley and Chilliwack real estate and the value that Realtors bring their clients. Read more »
COVID-19: We’re not out of the woods yet | August 6, 2020
As we move into the final stretch of the summer, we’d like to remind all members the risks of COVID-19 and the strict health and safety protocols regarding work are still with us and will likely be with us for some time. WorkSafeBC says different health and safety protocols offer different levels of protection. Read more »
BC organized real estate & regulators reach agreement re: Open Houses | July 7, 2020
The BC Real Estate Association, Real Estate Council of BC, and Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate, reached an agreement on recommended safety guidelines for Open Houses during Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan. The guidelines were prepared in coordination with WorkSafeBC. Read more »
Serious risks of non-compliance to COVID-19 safety protocols | June 23, 2020
It has come to the Board’s attention that some members and brokerages are not complying with WorkSafeBC’s required protocols for the real estate industry for the safe return to business during COVID-19. Read more »
Must read for all REALTORS®: Showing homes in a COVID-19 world | June 22, 2020
Whether you believe it is necessary at this time or not, all Realtors need to be vigilant in demonstrating care and concern for the health of others. Without a doubt, COVID-19 is impacting “every step a Realtor takes.” It’s too early to relax! Read more »
COVID-19 isn’t deterring homebuying intentions | June 13, 2020
FVREB is seeing a surge in new listings and sales in June compared to May. And that interest in homebuying is also reflected in the latest national research from Altus Group. Read more »
VIDEO: Running your business during COVID-19 | June 9, 2020
FVREB President Chris Shields shares his thoughts on how REALTORS® can continue to operate and enhance their business during the pandemic. Read more »
Open Houses – To do or not to do? | June 3, 2020
Since Premier Horgan’s announcement about BC’s reopening of Phase 2, which includes us in real estate, the Board is receiving a lot of calls about agents resuming open houses. Here are some answers. Read more »
Embrace technology and it shall set you free… | June 1, 2020
As much as we might want to, we can’t go back to doing things the way we used to. Fortunately, or otherwise, our world has changed, and we need to find ways to continue working and operating, especially since we are with COVID-19 for some time to come. Read more »
VIDEO: Embracing the new normal | May 27, 2020
This week, President Chris Shields discusses how the path forward for REALTORS® has changed and how we must adapt to, and embrace this change. Watch him dive into and talk about what Realtors should do to successfully pivot to the new normal. Read more »
Tours and Open Houses: ‘How-to’ Guide for Live Streaming | May 27, 2020
Live videos are not something new, but we saw their popularity skyrocket in recent months when most parts of the world went on lockdown due to the pandemic. With that in mind, we’ve created a handy ‘how-to’ guide to help you embrace new innovations and make sure that your client’s first (virtual) impression of a home is spectacular. Read more »
News Release: Top ten tips for safely buying or selling a home during COVID-19 | May 27, 2020
If you are currently considering buying or selling a home, here are the top ten actions REALTORS® are taking to meet WorkSafeBC’s new guidelines to serve the public. Read more »
Reminder: COVID-19 safety protocols still required in reopening phase | May 22, 2020
As outlined in WorkSafeBC’s detailed reopening guidelines for the real estate sector, it is not business as usual for real estate. Read more »
BCREA and FVREB have answers to many of your COVID-19 questions | May 14, 2020
You’re probably finding it as challenging as we are to keep on top of all the COVID-19 related news and resources available to you as a BC Realtor. We thought it might be helpful to highlight a few of BCREA’s key resources as well as FVREB’s in case you haven’t had the time to check them out. Read more »
Sharing your videos on how you have been coping with COVID-19 | May 13, 2020
At the Board, we are always looking to hear from our members. With that in mind, we are reaching out to request a short video from you on how you’ve been coping with living under quarantine during COVID-19. Read more »
Using drones to elevate your business | May 12, 2020
In the face of COVID-19, are you seeking a competitive advantage in the marketplace? Unmanned aerial vehicles, more commonly known as drones, might be the key. Read more »
FVREB Workplace COVID-19 Safety Plan | May 20, 2020
The FVREB has transitioned staff from a remote working environment back to regular office operations following a work interruption caused by COVID-
19. As required by WorkSafeBC, the board has developed a safety plan to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission for returning staff. The following plan adheres to a six-step process. Read more »
REALTORS® and your reputation during COVID-19 | April 29, 2020
Pivot and adapt are words we’re seeing a lot now and it’s the advice the Board has been giving you. However, since you are your brand – and remember, your brand is you – you also need to think strategically during this crisis about what you should and should not be doing, to not only protect your reputation, but to enhance it as well. Read more »
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program to provide rent relief to qualifying small businesses | April 24, 2020
The new Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program announced by the federal government aims to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19 reduce their cost of rent by 75 per cent. Read more »
Protecting clients from pandemic potholes | April 22, 2020
The pandemic has put a stranglehold on more than business and social, it’s also opened up some legal and procedural potholes and pushed some of the normal processes in real estate into some tight corners. Read more »
COVID-19’s impact on the Fraser Valley market | April 22, 2020
What do the most recent numbers tell us about what’s in store for the real estate market? No one is watching MLS® data more closely than Brendon Ogmundson, BCREA’s Chief Economist. Read more »
COVID-19: Rental subsidy application & CEBA updates | April 16, 2020
We shared updates on the BC Temporary Rental Supplement program for tenants and landlords, as well as the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA). Read more »
Tenant evictions and your clients | April 9, 2020
by Paul Cowhig, Professional Standards Advisor
What happens if a home buying client purchased a home, gave an Order of Possession in mid-March, and plans to take possession at the end of May? Does the new suspension of evictions apply to this situation? Read more »
Private showings during public health orders | April 9, 2020
by Paul Cowhig, Professional Standards Advisor
We are in a remarkable moment in time – one of those rare times where everything changes… we don’t yet know how long this situation will last, and we won’t know until we get there but, in the meantime, I want to say, be careful! Read more »
Video message from Chris Shields for members | March 30, 2020
Please click here to see a video message from our incoming Board President, Chris Shields, on what REALTORS® can do to support home buyers and sellers during COVID-19
Video message from Chris Shields for the public | March 30, 2020
Please click here to see a video message from our incoming Board President, Chris Shields, on the role and importance of REALTORS® during COVID-19.
REALTORS® of the Fraser Valley are still open for business | March 25, 2020
In light of the corona viral pandemic, COVID-19, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board has joined other real estate boards in temporarily closing its office in Surrey. At the urging of public health officials here and around the world, our REALTORS® are continuing to do what they can to provide service to their real estate clientele, without compromising the health and safety of both our members and our staff.
In order to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus further, there are necessary constraints that our Realtor members are following. This includes physical distancing, which is unusual for our Realtors, who normally meet with clients in homes, in cars, and at brokerage offices.
Maintaining a distance of two metres, dispensing with handshakes, using disinfectant wipes, etc., are now the norm. The adjustment is not easy for anyone, but a necessary caution.
In spite of this, whether you are looking to buy or sell real estate, we hope that you know the Realtors of the Fraser Valley are still working and ready to assist you, and thank you for continuing to have confidence in their skill and expertise during this challenging period.