Governor Inslee announced changes to the “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” on March 11th.  We are now transitioning from a regional approach to a county-by-county evaluation process. 

Effective Monday, March 22nd, the entire state will enter a new third phase of the Roadmap.  In Phase 3, the following changes will apply to the real estate industry:

• Capacity for real estate offices, including guests, is limited to 50% or lower.  Appointments are not required for clients to visit real estate offices.  Remote meetings with clients are encouraged.
• This is a change from 25% capacity and required appointments for clients to visit real estate offices.
• In-person brokerage activities at the property (showings, inspections, etc.) are permitted by appointment with no more than ten (10) people on-site, in addition to the broker, with face coverings, strict social distancing and proper sanitation measures. 
• This is a change from five people on site, in addition to the broker.

 *Phase 2 protocols remain in place until March 22nd.*

Tips for selling a property during Phase 3: 

Important note- real estate is still selling!

We may be in the middle of a pandemic but selling real estate does not have to be a daunting task. Here are some tips if you’re in this boat.

• For owner-occupied homes, discuss the pros and cons of limiting showings, especially if there are young, elderly, or immunocompromised people living in the home.
• Make sure your listing has a 3D virtual tour so buyers can easily view it.
• If the property is occupied, disinfect all surfaces after each show.
• Have hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and a note to the person entering requesting that they use the provided materials while viewing.

Tips for buying a home during Phase 3: 

Home Buying can be a daunting task, especially for beginners but the Washington State Eviction Moratorium will help a lot of first-time homeowners that are transitioning from renters to owners.

• Consider viewing houses via “virtual showings.”
• Wear face coverings.
• When showing homes, touch as few surfaces as possible while in the home, and use sanitizer and wash your hands. Keep your hands in your pocket whenever possible.
• Asking for a walk-through video or conference before you go and see it in person will help cut down on properties you may not want to see. 

In-person activities during Phase 3:

• In-person activities must be by appointment only;
• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times by real estate brokers, their clients, and industry partners (e.g. appraisers, inspectors, photographers, stagers, etc.). Brokers may not provide services to any client who does not wear a face-covering; and
• No more than three (10) people including the broker may be at the property at any one time. Brokers may only bring two other people at a time into a property.
• Those people must strictly follow social distancing guidelines by remaining at least six feet apart at all times. 

Please visit the CDC’s website and the Washington State Department of Health’s website for the latest updates about the pandemic.