Should I host an open house? COVID-19 Implications

Should I host an open house with the COVID-19 virus? Traditionally open houses are a great way of advertising a home to prospective homebuyers. But, with coronavirus rearing its ugly head, the safety of hosting an open house is called into question. If you host an open house ask people to wash their hands.

Is hosting an open-house too risky?

As soon as coronavirus appeared in some U.S. states, there was an immediate effect on attendance at open houses. For example, in New York, there was a sudden reduction in viewings and open houses reported by agents. This made sense. Sellers and buyers alike were nervous about contact with each other, and with their homes and possessions. Sellers had to ask: Do you want to risk a potential buyer bringing germs into your house? Is anyone in your home over 60 years old and more susceptible? And if your children’s schools are closed, do you want to have viewings whilst children are there?

Now that coronavirus cases have exploded, states like New York and California have stay-at-home orders, with people mandated to stay in their homes. Some MLS’s (such as the Northwest Multiple Listing Service serving Washington counties) have disabled open house searches to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

With the increase of cases in Florida, the Miami MLS also cancelled all broker and public open houses as of March 20. On March 21, the Florida Surgeon General required that any open house adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for safe social distancing. The Beaches MLS has notified all users that Florida Realtors have been requested to “institute controls to ensure no more than 10 people, including yourself, gather at one time, and keep to the required 6-feet distance between individuals.”

At Richr, we advise against hosting an open house or in-person viewings right now if you can avoid doing so. We want you to stay safe.

During an open house consider conducting a face-time tour of your property for individual buyers rather than having groups of people physically enter your home. Your property won’t be for everyone, so why open your home to strangers who aren’t serious about it? Utilizing virtual tour software is a great option. This can maintain interest in your home and keep you and your family safe.

If you are going to go ahead and not self isolate, then there are some steps you may want to consider to reduce risk whilst still getting your property seen.

1. When hosting an open house ask questions

• If you host an open house don’t be shy about asking a prospective buyer if they or their family have had any cold or flu like symptoms etc. or know anyone with coronavirus. Everyone expects and appreciates vigilance. Symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath are of particular concern, but also ask about fatigue, body aches, sore throat and a runny nose. Deny access if you’re not comfortable with the answers. Say no to anyone with even a hint of a sniffle.

2. Clean, Clean, Clean after hosting an open house

• If you are letting buyers into your home for a viewing, you can ask viewers to touch as little as possible (they’re probably just as nervous as you are). Be vigilant and disinfect commonly touched areas like door handles and bannisters after they leave.

3. Forget traditional welcome greetings with open houses

• Forget welcoming people with kisses and hand shakes, those pleasantries are off the table for now. Although it’s awkward to meet someone without making body contact, that is the new normal for now.

4. Stagger Viewings with open houses

• If your are going to conduct individual viewings rather than hosting an open house, stagger the viewings with a good time interval in-between to reduce contact between multiple people. This will also let you keep better track of your guests and time to sanitize in between visits.

5. Keep your Distance and Numbers Low

• Comply with CDC recommendations for safe social distancing and stay 6 feet apart from your viewers. Ensure to limit entrance to no more than 10 people into your home at one time.

6. Weigh up the Risk

• If you are over 60 years old, or have underlying health issues, re-consider breaking CDC advice. Cancel your viewings or open houses until it is safe to resume contact with others. Hopefully normality will return soon.

Take-Away

Whatever you decide to do, at Richr we ask you to weigh up the risks to you and your family and above all else, stay safe.