Alberta Real Estate Association lifts ban on open houses

A key component of the residential real estate industry is slowly returning as the Alberta Real Estate Association lifts its ban on open houses.

Brad Mitchell, CEO of AREA, said the lifting of the ban will take place in a phased approach, aligned with the Government of Alberta’s staged relaunch strategy.

“We worked with the Alberta government to do this. We’ve opened up a certain amount of open houses based on the government’s relaunch plan. So open houses will open in phases that coincide with how the Chief Medical Officer wants to reopen the province,” said Mitchell. 

“That’s why we’re doing it now. Business has been stopped long enough and we need to get back to work.”

AREA banned open houses during the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic as an important step in protecting its members and the general public, while ensuring realtors could continue to serve their clients using social distancing-friendly practices like virtual open houses and modified showings.

AREA says aligning with Government of Alberta stages allows realtors to apply conditions that are in keeping with Alberta Health recommendations. 

At each of these stages, AREA tells realtors it is wise to continue making use of online meeting tools, e-signatures and other technology to limit face-to-face contact and Alberta Health’s social distancing guidelines still apply. 

“When people buy houses they generally want to see them and the real estate industry didn’t stop during COVID but it gives consumers more access to what they’re buying,” said Mitchell.

Despite the use of video and online virtual showings, consumers still prefer the aspect of seeing a home personally when they are on the hunt.

“They like to go and see the property for themselves. A lot of realtors have done virtual open houses but a lot of people like to physically go to the property and see it,” added Mitchell.

To facilitate the safe implementation of each stage, AREA has provided safety protocol directions, an editable poster for the resident’s doorway, and it is also encouraging realtors to post the Government of Alberta’s COVID-19 “Do Not Enter” poster.

Here are AREA’s stages for reopening open houses in line with the government’s strategy:

Stage 1: Limited Open Houses (now)

  • Poster – Stage 1 COVID-19 Open House Protocol Notice [Blue / White]
  • Open houses are permitted in vacant properties.
  • Open houses viewings should be limited to one or two members within the same family group in the property at one time.

Stage 2: Conditional Open Houses (TBD, likely June 19)

Stage 3: Open Houses Resume (TBD)

AREA also recommends the following steps should be taken to protect clients and realtors.

Outside the Home:

  1. Post a notice of instruction on the door advising open house attendees of what protocols will be in place using the editable posters provided by AREA. It also encourages realtors post the Government of Alberta’s COVID-19 “Do Not Enter” poster.

Before the Open House:

  1. Disinfect common spaces, including door handles, closet and cupboard knobs, sink handles, surfaces, light switches and counters with antibacterial/germ killing cleaners.
  2. Turn on all lights, open all closet doors, all bathroom/bedroom and other doors to minimize the necessity for any potential buyers to touch any surfaces.
  3. Provide hand-sanitizers or sanitizing wipes at the door.

After the Open House:

  1. Disinfect common spaces, including door handles, closet and cupboard knobs, sink handles, surfaces, light switches and counters with antibacterial/germ killing cleaners.