12 Things to Know About Open Houses in the time of COVID.

Real estate open houses are back in Colorado thanks to a July 1 amendment of Governor Polis’ Safer-At-Home order. The amended order reads: “All Field Services, including real estate, may resume operations, in accordance with the requirements of this Order including Appendix B. Real estate includes in-person real estate showings and marketing services which must adhere to Social Distancing Requirements with cleaning and disinfection between each showing. Open houses must follow the Indoor Event requirements in Section I.H.4 of this Order.”

Now, before we get back to business as usual and you pop-in to check out your neighbor’s home that just went on the market, here are 12 things you should know:

1. The listing agent must have written consent from the seller, or both the seller and tenant, agreeing to the open house.
2. There are major restrictions on traffic flow. Only one buyer “party” is allowed inside the house at a time.
3. If the house is not vacant, an agent must accompany the buyer party on their tour, opening closet and cabinet doors.
4. All windows should be open and fans on, if available.
5. Agents must wear a mask and gloves at all times.
6. No mask no entry, no exceptions. Parties must also wear gloves if requested by the homeowner.
7. No sitting on the furniture, by anyone.
8. No using the restroom, by anyone.
9. No food or drink allowed inside the house.
10. All guests must sign a log providing their name and either email address or phone number. This is required for contact tracing purposes. No info., no entry, no exceptions.
11. Parties waiting to enter the house should wait for exiting parties to completely vacate the entryway. No crossing paths.
12. After the open house, the agent should disinfect all surfaces and handles in the house.