Cautionary measures are discretionary however please take serious.

I share this with my readers because the challenges facing all of us and how we conduct business is essential in so many ways, it’s important the public understands our positions and you as buyers and sellers positions.

In response to the growing concerns about COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, NAR is providing this guidance to help REALTORS® respond to the coronavirus’s potential impact on the real estate industry. As of March 4, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Level 3 Travel Warnings for all of China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran, and a Level 2 Travel Warning for Japan. However, the situation is rapidly evolving.  Be sure to refer to the CDC’s website for up-to-date information about travel warnings (link is external), as well as information about the coronavirus’ current impact in the United States (link is external). Daily updates about the coronavirus are also available from the World Health Organization (link is external). 

What is Coronavirus?

The CDC is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus outbreak. While the outbreak started in Wuhan, China, a growing number of cases have been identified in several other countries, including the United States. 

What is the risk of exposure to coronavirus?

The CDC reports that most people in the United States do not have an immediate risk of exposure to the virus. However, the situation is rapidly evolving, and the CDC will update its risk assessment as needed. Visit the CDC’s website (link is external) for latest updates.

What preventative measures may be taken to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus?

The same preventative measures recommended to prevent influenza are also effective in reducing the risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus.  These measures include:

• Staying home if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other cold or flu-like symptom.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve. 

What unique issues does coronavirus present to the real estate industry?

When an infectious disease, such as coronavirus, is associated with a specific population or nationality, fear and anxiety may lead to social stigma and potential discrimination. REALTORS® must be mindful of their obligations under the Fair Housing Act, and be sure not to discriminate against any particular segment of the population. While the coronavirus outbreak began in Wuhan, China, that does not provide a basis for treating Chinese persons or persons of Asian descent differently.

May we ask clients or others we interact with in our daily real estate business if they have traveled recently, or have any signs of respiratory illness? 

Yes, you may ask clients or others about their recent travel, particularly to areas identified as having an increased risk of coronavirus. To avoid potential fair housing issues, be sure to ask all clients the same screening questions based on current, factual information from public health authorities.

We typically drive clients to showings. May we refuse to drive potential clients to see homes?

Yes. However, be sure that any change to your business practices is applied equally to all clients. You may refuse to drive clients who show signs of illness or reveal recent travel to areas of increased risk of coronavirus, or you may instead decide to stop driving clients in your car altogether, and simply arrange to meet clients at a property. If you do continue to drive clients in your car, it is a good idea to frequently clean and disinfect surfaces like door handles and seat belt latches, and to ask clients to use hand sanitizer when getting in and out of the car.

Should we still conduct open houses for our listed properties?

Speak openly and honestly with your seller about the pros and cons of holding an open house. Assess the risk based on your specific location, and direct your clients to local and state health authorities for specific information about the severity of the risk in your area. We suggest for propose alternative marketing opportunities for your seller’s consideration, such as video tours “These are standard in my marketing materials, and other methods to virtually tour a property.” If its strongly suggested by our sellers to hold an open house, consider requiring all visitors to disinfect their hands upon entering the home, and provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers at the entryway, as well as soap and disposable towels in bathrooms. If you decide to do any cleaning at the home, be sure to check with your client in advance about any products you plan to use. After the open house, recommend that your client clean and disinfect their home, especially commonly touched areas like doorknobs and faucet handles.

As a long time experienced Realtor, and held in high recognition for my professional performance and sales abilities, I felt this is at the very least challenges we must share with our buyers and sellers so they understand the potential risks we all are obligated to perform and share with each other.

My prayers are with all of us! May a meaningful and successful end to this Pandemic virus come quickly and successfully for the entire world sooner than later.