Covid19 - WA State Phase 2 Real Estate Changes Announced
Since Washington State Governor, Jay Inslee, first announced the “Stay Home, Stay Safe Act” mid-March, there have been a few updates and changes. The most recent of which, on May 19th, the governor announced the changes for Phase 2 of the Washington "Safe Start" plan which only appears to have one change…
Once each county approves Phase 2 we will be able to have 3 people, instead of just 2 people, at the property!
Real estate was added to the essential business list March 25th with some strict Covid19 guidelines. Those guidelines continue (see specifics below). Once Phase 2 begins we will be able have 3 people at the property at a time, instead of just 2 people. Phase 2 is activated by each individual county. As of May 18, there are only a few counties in Eastern WA that have started phase 2. Here is a link with updates for each county.
I have been showing lots of homes since the Governor opened real estate back up March 25th and here are some of the the biggest reasons this is an important change:
Couples will be able to tour a home together instead of one a a time. This is great so they can talk together about things they like and dislike in a home as we are walking through, instead of back at their car after the other person has gone through. This is also going to save a lot of time. It has been taking twice as long to show a home having to show one person, and then the other separately.
One Buyer will be able to attend the home inspection! This is huge so the home inspector can show the Buyer any concerns, explain how systems and appliances work, and so the Buyer has that time to spend in the home they are about to purchase. Prior to Phase 2, only 2 people are allowed and it’s always mandatory the real estate broker is one of the people, so Buyers have only been shown photos and reports or had a follow up walk-through with the real estate broker (not the home inspector) after the home inspection.
Here is a quick summary of these strict Covid19 Real Estate protocols. Once Phase 2 is activated we can have 3 people at the property:
In-person activities must be by appointment only;
No more than 2 people, including the broker, may be at the property at any one time; and
Those 2 persons must strictly follow social distancing guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) by remaining at least six feet apart at all times.
Real estate brokers, who strictly follow the above protocols are permitted to engage in the following in-person activities related to the purchase and sale of homes:
Conduct listing presentations, take property photos, and create virtual tours for new listings;
Facilitate signing of contract documents;
Preview and show listings by appointment only; and
Facilitate inspections, appraisals, buyer “walk-throughs,” and key delivery.
Another real estate industry update was the introduction of the Virtual Open House! On April 27th, the NWMLS added the ability to list virtual open houses on the listings. Buyers and Sellers who have a MLS Search Portal set up by their real estate professional can see the open house times and click the “world” icon which takes you to the link to join the virtual open house. I have added a place on my website (look for the virtual open house flyer) with a link to my virtual open houses. I will also be publicizing times on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media places, as well as posting on my YouTube channel.
Click on the Virtual House Flyer
on my website at www.JensRealty.com at the scheduled time to attend a Virtual Open House!
As a Buyer, you never need to wait for an open house to tour a home virtually or in person. I would like to work for you as your Buyer’s Agent! As your Buyer’s Agent, I have the keys to every home for sale and work for you! In fact, even if you are a Seller and you are just wanting to look at a home because it’s comparable to your home… As your Listing Agent, I can also show homes and provide the information you need. Curious about the Duties of a Buyer’s Agent, Listing Agent & Dual Agent? See the Law of Agency Pamphlet and let me know if you have any questions. I have a variety of virtual technology options and am always willing to try any format! Several formats I have used already include: FaceTime, Zoom, Facebook Messenger Video, and today I am adding Microsoft Teams to the list! Virtual touring and virtual open houses are working well and are expected to continue after Covid19 is over. Many people are enjoying technology options and are enjoying saving time by touring virtually. I have always shown homes virtually to people who were out of state or unable to attend. Do not hesitate to ask me if there are any homes you would like to see virtually or in person!
Contact me anytime for more information, share your thoughts with me, and together let’s plan ahead for your next move. I am always happy to provide information. Helping people brings me joy and fills my soul! Let me know how I can help you. Thanks! Jen
Jennifer Suemnicht - Jen’s Realty - RE/MAX Metro Realty, Inc.
Call/Text 206-550-1676 / jen@jensrealty.com / www.JensRealty.com
