The real estate industry along with active buyers and sellers know that residential real estate open house events began returning to many California communities in May. While people are warming to the idea of the return to open houses, new buyers and sellers may need assurance from brokers.

 

Let’s look at general legalities versus best-practice responses to any concerns about open houses.

 

 

“What pandemic-related restrictions apply to open houses?”

 

The California economy reopened on June 15 and the color-coded tier system was taken out of use. With certain limited exceptions, real estate industry practices in California returned to normal.

 

The official answer: Unless otherwise posted, at all indoor venues in California, the only legal limitation is that people must wear a mask indoors unless they are fully vaccinated. 

 

The same is true for open houses, according to the California Association of Realtors’ most recent Quick Guide to open houses during COVID-19. 

 

 

Other than face mask use by people who are unvaccinated, there are no legal restrictions for open houses. The state does not require physical distancing for attendees, guests and customers. Cleaning between guests and customers is not required. Posted rules of entry are no longer required.

 

In addition, visitors will not be required to read and sign the Property Entry Advisory and Declaration that the California Association of Realtors originally released in 2020.

 

The best-practice response: Plan in advance; start by asking your clients what they are comfortable with in regard to hosting or attending open houses. 

 

Assure clients that you fully appreciate that homes are private property and that owners can set whatever rules they see fit for people to enter their home. 

 

Incorporate welcoming verbiage into your advertising and social media campaigns prior to the open house that explains any requirements your clients require. Their request may range from mask-wearing or crowd control to periodic cleanings, none of which prevent you from hosting a lovely open house.

 

 

Take note of the different kinds of answers you receive from both your sellers and the buyers you represent. Those responses will be your guide for planning future events and for determining advertising and signage best practices.

 

Some simple staffing and logistics will go a long way toward assuring your clients that you take their requests to heart and will ensure people comply with them. 

 

Some clients may ask that you include the safety protocols when advertising the open house. 

 

Even better is to let them know you plan to do so. See the easy-to-build open-house advertising platform we’ve created for you on LeadHax. The solution combines the value of print and digital exposure, including social media, that’s targeted to people with a demonstrated interest in your market.

 

Specific questions may arise. Below, we’ve suggested ways to manage clients’ needs and expectations long before an open house.

 

 

“Can we post signs to require masks at our home?”

 

While posted rules of entry and PAEDs are no longer required, brokers will be wise to post signage if sellers want to require people to wear masks or maintain 6-foot distances between parties while in their home.

 

 

Post a staff member outside the entry of the property for the duration of the open house. This person can welcome attendees, distribute masks if necessary and answer or refer any questions to you from visitors. They can also keep track of how many people are in the home at a time.

 

 

“Can we keep out the looky-loos?”

 

The infamous looky-loos are back! And they're chomping at the bit to tour other people’s houses after 15 quiet months.

 

Let clients know that it’s never wise to turn away people at the door, even casual lookers. That nosy neighbor from around the corner might be considering an upgrade on your client’s block. They also might have a friend or family member considering moving to the area. Or perhaps they’re planning to list their own home this year.

 

 

One way to give priority to active buyers is to determine, in advance, the maximum number of people who will be welcomed into the house at a time. Genuine buyers won’t mind a short wait. Your welcome-team staff can monitor people’s comings and goings.

 

Watch this blog for the next part in this series: “Clients ask: Why do we need an open house?”