TORONTO: Real estate services are on the provincial government’s list of ‘essential services,’ but some industry professional still seem to be wondering which real estate services are permissible and which ones are not.
As reports surface of condominium buildings refusing to permit real estate showings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) is clarifying for REALTORS®, building managers, home buyers and sellers the current rules around in-person showings.“We have heard from some Realtors and home sellers that some condo managers are refusing to allow in-person showings during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tim Hudak, OREA CEO.
“There are thousands of families who urgently need to buy or sell homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those that have unfortunately lost their jobs.
“Real estate showings are an essential part of almost every transaction. They are permitted as long as real estate professionals follow provincial and local public health guidelines on social distancing and other safety measures set out by provincial health authorities.”
During the COVID-19 state of emergency, real estate professionals are permitted to offer services to Ontarians to buy, sell or rent property – including showings of condominium properties. The only explicit restriction placed on real estate professional services is a general ban on in-person open houses.
“OREA has urged its Members to follow provincial guidelines around physical distancing and strongly recommended that no face-to-face business is conducted,” said Hudak. “We have recommended that Realtors work with their clients to find technological alternatives through virtual showings, conference calls and digital signings.
“However, for a buyer or seller in a dire financial circumstance who needs to buy or sell a home, we are urging condominium managers to permit showings in their buildings to continue to allow those properties to transact.”
The ability of Realtors to do in-person showings during the State of Emergency is supported by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (“RECO”) the delegated administrative authority in the Province for the regulation of real estate.
RECO’s recommendation is “that brokers and salespeople follow the direction of health officials by limiting showings to situations where they are absolutely necessary.”