As an essential business, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is committed to the safety of our agents, clients, and staff. Our legal team, managers, and agents are meticulously reviewing any updated rules or changes as they are released. Each week, panels, emails, and webinars are employed companywide to address changes, share best practices, and offer support.

Even during these uncertain times we all have one common goal: to safely help our clients with their home buying and selling needs. 

If you’re ready to buy a home, but are concerned about your health and safety, here are tips from our in-house pros.

Before touring a property, take simple steps to determine if the home is a right fit for your needs first:

• View all property photos and watch any videos.
• Drive by the home and take a tour of the surrounding neighborhood/area. Pro tip: Do it during different times of the day (at night, during typical commute hours, etc.)
• Ask the agent for a private video tour of the home via FaceTime, Zoom, etc.
• Ask questions! Make sure you and your agent are on the same page with your expectations about the home, its features, and the area.
• Find out what safety precautions are being taken and suggest any additional steps that you would like to implement before your showing.

On our company-wide panels, hosted every Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook, our agents have been sharing tips and strategies that help make their clients feel safe while touring a home.

Some safety precautions our agents are taking include:

• Having each individual sign a Property Entry Advisory Declaration (PEAD) before entering the property.
• Turning on all lights and opening all doors so visitors won’t have to touch any surfaces in the property.
• Providing gloves and booties when possible.
• Sanitizing surfaces in high traffic areas before and after a showing.
• Taking separate cars to showings than their clients.
• Providing as many photos, videos, and private video tours as possible.
• Listening to and prioritizing client needs or concerns.
• Offering complete virtual experiences to help buyers and sellers keep track of each step of the process.
• Asking sellers to vacate their home during showings, as long as they have somewhere safe to be.

Before entering a property, all individuals are required to sign a Property Entry Advisory Document, or PEAD form. As of May 8, 2020, all properties will have signs with required directives posted on the home that all individuals must adhere to before stepping inside.

If you’re ready to begin your home search and know you will be touring homes, review the current guidelines:*

Wear personal protective equipment

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) includes mask with optional gloves and shoe booties. You may not enter without PPE.

Wash hands upon entry

Immediately upon entry and before touring, all visitors, agents, and inspectors must wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Maintain social distance

You should be at least 6 feet away from anyone you do not share a residence with at all times. This includes the real estate agent.

Refrain from touching surfaces

Avoid touching door handles, counter tops, light switches, etc. as you move throughout the property. If you would like to see something that requires touching/moving, ask the real estate agent for assistance.

Clean all surfaces thoroughly

If you must touch something, alert the real estate agent so they can ensure it is wiped down and sanitized before you leave the property. This includes sink faucets if you wash your hands.

Limit exposure

To limit COVID-19 exposure, it is highly recommended that only the showing agent is present in the property with visitors. See local ordinance.

We are prepared to assist you with your real estate needs.

Contact any one of our agents to find out how we can help you to achieve your real estate goals.

*New rules and guidelines are being released at a rapid rate. This information is considered current as of May 13, 2020. For the most up-to-date information, get in touch with a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties real estate agent.