by Baldev S. Gill, Chief Executive Officer

Today’s eMemo contains the following update:

  • Provincial Health Office Order limits gatherings within a place
  • Use leading edge alternatives to replicate open houses

Provincial Health Office Order limits gatherings within a place

Earlier this week, the Province’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, issued a news release limiting the number of gatherings within a “place” (that being inside or outside of a home) to six individuals, in addition to the members of the household. Significant fines for violation of this order are also being contemplated and may be enforced.

In response, the real estate profession must continue to do its part to act in a responsible manner. To this end, we wanted to reach out and communicate this information to you, to allow you to make arrangements to leverage the power of new technologies available, to pivot and conduct open houses virtually.

Out of respect and concern for public safety, as well as the safety of you our members and your families, we strongly advise and encourage you all to think and act responsibly in adherence to the order issued by Dr. Henry’s office. In addition to the significant financial penalties you may incur, there is the reputational risk and impact you could face.

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.

Use leading edge alternatives to replicate open houses

If you are thinking of holding an open house or have one scheduled, please educate your clients on Dr. Henry’s order and guide them to consider instead industry leading-edge alternatives to effectively showcase their properties:

  • Virtual tours (remember you have the ability to post three URLs on Paragon under these fields: Virtual Tour, Alt Feature Sheet and Property Brochure)
  • Live stream a virtual Open House
  • Post up to 40 property photos on Paragon

Also, whenever possible, please use e-transaction and digital technologies to review and complete real estate forms and contracts.

If you choose to offer in-person showings, please be careful and ensure you follow safe showing protocols and communicate with your clients/prospects about this.

As I said in our September statistics release, our industry is a leading example of how business transactions can be conducted efficiently and effectively while following stringent safety requirements.

We all need to remain vigilant to stay safe and do our part to keep the public safe.