Many sellers asked me the same question in the summer of 2021. How would an open house work once the rules eased? Ontario announced that the province would enter Step 3 of its reopening at 12:01 am on July 16, 2021. With the new protocols, real estate agents could finally hold open houses again, after a long wait.
This post was first written in July 2021, when Ontario entered Step 3. The rules below are the ones that applied at that time.
What Step 3 Meant for Your Open House
For your peace of mind, you should know every step I take during an open house. You also deserve to know how you, your family and potential buyers stay protected while people visit your property. After months of closed doors, this was a big change for sellers. However, a return to open houses did not mean a return to old habits.
Our office, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre, always looks to protect our clients’ interests first. So before I planned any open house, I reviewed the provincial rules with care. You can read the official reopening updates on the Government of Ontario website. For background on the earlier stages, see my post on Ontario’s three-phased opening plan.
The Open House Safety Rules I Followed
Here is a summary of the protocols I followed when I welcomed visitors to your property:
- The number of people allowed inside a property depended on the ability of individuals to keep 2-metre social distancing during the visit.
- Mandatory masking rules were still in effect. Potential buyers and REALTORS® had to wear proper face coverings inside the house.
- All surfaces had to be properly sanitized and cleaned before, during and after the visit.
- I would keep the doors locked and only allow one set of visitors in at a time.
- I would have COVID-19 screening forms attached to the front door.
Each rule had a clear purpose. Distancing and masks cut the risk of spread. Meanwhile, cleaning protected your family once the last visitor left. Because only one group entered at a time, buyers also had a calmer and more private look at each room. That often led to better questions and more serious interest.
Screening Visitors and Keeping a Log
Screening was a key part of every open house. I monitored who attended. In addition, I denied entry to anyone who had been in contact with a person with an active case of COVID-19. The same applied to anyone who showed symptoms, or who was waiting for results from a COVID-19 test.
I also kept a visitor’s log. It recorded the names and contact information of every person who entered your home. If an exposure to COVID-19 happened, I would contact all of them. As a result, you had a clear record of who came through your door and when.
House Rules for Children and Washrooms
Some rules at an open house are the same in any year. For example, if I had to allow children into the home, they could not roam freely or touch anything, just like in normal times. Likewise, I did not allow anyone to use the washrooms, again just like in normal times.
These small rules matter more than they seem. First, they keep your home clean between visits. Second, they protect your belongings. Finally, they help buyers focus on the home itself. If you are getting ready to list, my post with tips to sell your home in a buyer’s market covers more ways to prepare.
Your Comfort Before Any Open House
Above all, I made sure you were comfortable before I held an open house. I discussed every safety protocol with you ahead of time. Then you could decide what felt right for your family. Some sellers welcomed visitors right away. Others preferred private showings first, and that choice was always theirs.
I am always available to find a good solution for your needs. That is true whether you plan to buy, sell or do both. For instance, you may want to move to a bigger house, or you may be downsizing. A professional can often suggest options you had not thought about. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves and follow the safety advice of healthcare professionals.
Talk to a Mississauga real estate agent
Do you have questions about your own plans? Please send me a message or call 416 908 5600. I am A. Q. Mufti, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage, and I am always glad to help.
