Ontario announced a province-wide shutdown starting December 26, 2020, and real estate remains an essential service recognized by the province. Here is what the new rules meant for home buyers and sellers in Mississauga, Toronto and across the province.
This post was first published on December 21, 2020. The rules below applied at that time and have long since ended.
When the province-wide shutdown began
With the second wave of COVID-19 and a recent spike in cases, the Ontario government made the move many expected. The shutdown begins on Saturday, December 26, 2020.
This time, the rules cover not only Toronto, Peel, York and Ottawa but the whole province. They last until at least January 9, 2021. Because case counts are high in the GTA and nearby areas, the shutdown will last until January 23, 2021, in southern Ontario.
Showings under the province-wide shutdown
Under the new rules, the province does not allow in-person open houses. However, showings can go on by appointment only. Just two members of a family can visit the home with their real estate agent.
Even though you can still visit in person, please use technology first. Visit the virtual tours and narrow down your choices before you plan a visit. This saves time, and it also keeps everyone safer.
If you are a buyer
Buying during a province-wide shutdown takes a little more planning. While going on property visits, follow all the COVID-19 protocols strictly:
- Remember that only two people can attend each visit
- Wear masks at all times during the visit
- Wear gloves
- Preferably wear booties on top of your shoes
- Sanitize your hands before entering and leaving the premises
- Do not touch anything on the property
- On your return, wash your hands thoroughly with soap
It also helps to prepare your questions before the showing. Ask your agent for the floor plan and the key facts ahead of time. That way, a short visit can answer the questions that matter most.
If you are a seller
Selling during the province-wide shutdown is still possible with the right plan. Discuss it thoroughly with your real estate agent, and have a plan in place for showings to prospective buyers. Your agent will walk you through the entire process.
Your agent will also keep in touch. You will get updates on each visit, and your agent will ask about the health of your family. Tell your agent immediately if the health of any family member changes. Please follow all the COVID-19 protocols strictly yourself.
Your real estate agent will arrange to have:
- Hand sanitizer on a table next to the entrance
- COVID-19 protocols printed and displayed
- A reminder to wear masks at all times during the visit
- An instruction not to use the washrooms
- Displayed instructions to sign the registration sheet or leave the agent’s business card
Other rules to know
The new rules are more restrictive than we are used to under the province-wide shutdown, so be aware of them. Here are some of them:
- Social gatherings, personal visits and indoor public events are all restricted.
- Only people who live together can gather. People who live alone can choose one other household as their only contact.
- Most retail stores will offer curbside pickup and delivery.
- Big box stores and grocery stores will limit how many people can be inside at a time.
For more detailed information on the new rules, please see the Province of Ontario shutdown document. To see how the rules changed later, read my posts on the stricter stay-at-home order of April 2021 and Ontario’s three-phased reopening plan.
Take care of yourselves and follow the safety precautions from health care professionals.
Talk to a Mississauga real estate agent
Do you have questions about buying or selling a home? I am happy to help you plan your next step. Please send me a note through my contact page or call me at 416 908 5600. A. Q. Mufti, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage. If you found this helpful, I would appreciate a Google Review.
