Real Estate Sales & The Stay at Home Order

The Minnetonka Real Estate market is alive and well, in fact it’s booming! I am working with buyers and sellers through Governor Walz Stay at Home Order as Realtors are deemed an essential service. There have, however been a number of changes to the way we buy and sell real estate during this pandemic.

Following are few guidelines that I am following to keep my clients safe: 

Buyers 

1. No overlapping showings.
2. Do not set up a showing if you are feeling ill.
3. Only 1-2 decision makers are allowed per showing. Children are not allowed during the initial showing.
4. I will meet buyers at the property and will be wearing a mask. Please also wear a mask.
5. Buyers please wait in your vehicle until I arrive for the showing.
6. If the property is being shown when we arrive, we will wait until that agent is done showing before we enter.
7. Please use hand sanitizer prior to and after each showing.
8. We will practice social distancing during our time together at the property.
9. No paperwork will exchange hands as purchase agreements will be digitally signed online.
10. Get pre-approved for a mortgage not just pre-qualified.
11. Physical closings will continue but will be limited to only those that are required to sign documents.

Sellers

1. No Open Houses.
2. Property showings by appointment only with no overlapping showings allowed.
3. Virtual Tours and Professional Photography will be used on all of my Listings.
4. Showing agents will be given specific Covid-19 instruction prior to all showings.
5. I will provide a sanitizer station in your foyer for all showings.  
6. Sellers please turn on all lights and open doors prior to the showings. 
7. No paper work will exchange hands as purchase agreements will be digitally signed online.
8. Physical closings will continue but will be limited to only those that are required to sign documents.

Following is an article from the Minnesota Association of Realtors discussing the implications of the Stay at Home order.

MNR Discusses the Implications of Gov. Walz’s Stay-at-Home Order for Realtors®

Minnesota Governor Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-20 directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home.

Realtors® and their clients may still conduct the activities necessary to facilitate real estate transactions in Minnesota during the time period covered by the order as long as they comply, to the maximum extent possible, with COVID-19 Guidelines including social distancing and hygiene and other requirements in the order. 

OPEN HOUSES Refrain from conducting open houses during this period. It is counter-intuitive to be conducting an open house activity during the “Stay at Home” directive.

SHOWINGS Please consult with your seller clients regarding their wishes for showings. If you will be conducting showings, limit your showings until the consumer expresses interest, and prioritize virtual showings and other non-person-to-person activities. Utilize the virtual tours and photos available to pre-screen homes you personally visit. 

UNDERSTAND The Governor can pull this essential services tag at any time. If we don’t act within the spirit of the Order, we will be in jeopardy of not being able to service our Minnesota real estate clients and customers. 

PLEASE NOTE You must conduct business within the COVID-19 MDH social distancing guidelines. Minnesotans may leave their homes or residences to engage in the following activities, provided that all persons follow the guidelines set forth and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health (“MDH Guidelines”), including but not limited to social distancing, to the maximum extent possible. This list of Activities may be clarified, as deemed necessary by the Governor, to ensure the health, safety, and security of all Minnesotans. Clarifications are available here.