Posted on by Jessie Gabor

Five Things to Know When Listing and Selling During Covid-19

by Val Patterson

With a limit of three people at a showing, taking a seat outside on a patio like this one at the recently listed 26 Risler Street in Stockton, N.J., is a way to experience the property while others tour inside. This historical gem is represented by Stefan Dahlmark and Tom Hora in Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty’s New Hope office.

Whether you are a buyer or seller, you can expect to sign some new paperwork due to changes in business practices brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors issued guidelines last week that are designed to protect the health of sellers, buyers, agents and vendors (photographers, appraisers, inspectors and others) during the home-sales process. Here are some of the biggest changes consumers will experience:

  1. There may not be more than three people present at a property at one time, so if it’s a showing, up to two buyers and one agent may be present. All must wear masks. Gloves and booties are not required by the state guidelines.
  2. You will be asked to read and sign two new forms, COVID-19 Heath Screening Acknowledgment (HSA) and COVID-19 Property Access Notice (PAN), before anyone may enter a property. The PAN form is used so all potential visitors will be made aware of the risks that come along with performing in-person activities and inform visitors of the Owner’s requirements for getting access to the property.
  3. Property appointments shall be spaced out to allow at least 30 minutes between appointments. Agents shall provide clients and homeowners with up-to-date cleaning and sanitizing protocols.
  4. Agents must keep records of all persons who have visited a property along with contact information for those visitors. 
  5. Activities related to real-estate transactions, including inspections, appraisals and closings, must be done with social-distancing measures in place and with minimal in-person contact. 

 

For more information about these guidelines and updates as they are available, please visit https://www.kurfiss.com/for-client or call the Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty New Hope office: 215.794.3227.

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