Good afternoon Solutions!
As you know, in light of the recent and continuing coronavirus outbreak we have taken measures to protect our Staff and Agents the best we can from contracting the virus. As I mentioned in Friday’s video address remember this is temporary. We will get through this together. There will be hurdles however be sure that your Leadership team is here to guide you and help navigate the fluid situation.
First and Foremost, we ask that if you feel unwell at all, do not come to the office, work with clients, etc.
We are making every effort to provide hand sanitizer when we can get it. In the meantime, good old soap and water is best.
We are asking our outstanding front desk staff people to offer all Agents and visitors entering the office hand sanitizer if available and / or directing them to the restrooms where they can wash their hands.
New Seller Protocol
As the outbreak continues and is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, we are implementing new protocols to reassure current and future Sellers that now is the time to sell and we’ve got your back.
This new protocol should be presented to every Solutions Seller as soon as possible. We have put together a package to make it easier for you to present this protocol and the Sellers can decide if they want this implemented or not. We are asking that it is presented to each and every seller so that they can determine whether or not they want it followed.
While the last thing we want to do as a company is cause Buyers and Sellers to pause their real estate move, we also have a responsibility and opportunity to show how truly professional we are. The protocols outlined below are proactive yet do little to interrupt the flow of a transaction. How we communicate this new protocol to Sellers is Key. To communicate this new protocol to your Sellers we are providing you with several tools:
An Information Letter from Lindsay on behalf of the company
A Seller’s Instruction form for you to have your seller sign
These tools reinforce that it is an excellent time to sell with low inventory levels, and even lower interest rates. This is the time to sell and we are here to help every step of the way, including their safety. We are the heroes!
These protocols are effective with every Solutions residential listing, whether occupied or vacant. The protocols start with property showings and end at possession by the new owner.
Prior to property showings of a Solutions listing by any Agent, the Agent must complete a form (Broker Confirmation Form) confirming they have reviewed a short, 4-question Health Questionnaire with their Buyer(s) and/or Buyer guest(s) and the Agent themselves. The Agent must also send a copy, photo etc. of the signed Broker Confirmation Form to the RE/MAX Solutions or Solutions Property Management Listing Agent within 2 hours of the home being shown.
The Health Questionnaire includes 4 quick questions assessing the Agent and Buyer(s)’ current health state and is being used in several senior residential communities throughout the state already.
This procedure applies to you or any other Agent from any company showing a RE/MAX Solutions or Solutions Property Management listing.
This procedure applies to any other transaction-related visitors to the property, including an appraiser, home inspector, contractor etc. The person who arranges for access to the property is responsible for reviewing the 4-question Health Questionnaire with the party who will be entering.
The same precautions should be taken with visitors at open houses.
Once the Health Questionnaire has been reviewed with the parties, they may enter the property unless any of their answers are “Yes”; in that case the party may not enter — it states that clearly on the questionnaire.
What you Need to Do
Reach out to each of your listings ASAP to inform them of the new protocol (use Lindsay’s letter as a fantastic introduction).
Have the Seller(s) sign the Sellers Instructions form provided and upload to paperless pipeline office listing file ASAP.
If the Seller elects to move forward with our recommended protocol:
Add to the MLS listing’s private/agent remarks “Per Seller’s instructions, anyone entering this property must have responded to the short Health Questionnaire located in the documents section of the listing”.
Upload the attached pdf copy of the Health Questionnaire and Broker Confirmation Form to the documents section of every residential listing.
If feasible, provide copies of the Health Questionnaire at the property in a waterproof container like a flyer box or envelope in a covered area.
Post the “Thanks for doing your part” flyer, attached, on the door or in a conspicuous place at the exterior entry.
Upload all Broker Confirmation Forms to the listing file in Paperless Pipeline.
Your tools from Solutions
Information and Consent Form for Sellers
Health Questionnaire and Agent Confirmation for you to have signed by visitors and uploaded
Health Questionnaire& Agent Confirmation that Buyer Reviewed Health Questionnaire
This also should be used with anyone that you are showing property to
Thanks for Doing your Part Flyer
Keep in Touch
This situation is fluid and we are watching and taking advice from leadership at Florida REALTORS , the National Association of REALTORS and of course RE/MAX. Stay tuned for updates as we move forward.
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Q&A
Q Isn’t this policy just stirring the pot and freaking people out?
A. A week ago I would have said yes. The reality with schools being closed, sporting events cancelled etc., is that people are freaked out. By Solutions proactively leading on this issue I feel it not only is the right thing to do, but the responsible thing to do. It’s a chance to show our clients that we are industry leaders! By implementing a proactive policy where Sellers feel protected, we are showing Sellers they can list their house and are taken care of.
Q. Have any Sellers brought this concern up or are we overreacting?
A. We have had both Sellers and Tenants asking how we know that visitors aren’t carrying the virus. With this plan we still don’t know, but we are taking steps to try to know.
Q. Aren’t their privacy concerns asking people about their health?
A. Yes and we have weighed those concerns and sought legal counsel. We feel those concerns are outweighed by the benefit of trying to protect our clients.
Q. Is it mandatory that the Agent and visitor(s) respond to the health questionnaire?
A. Yes — unless the Seller agrees in writing to let them enter, which deviates from their written instructions to us on the Information and Sellers Consent form signed by them. While this may put some people off, it’s hard to argue trying to protect everyone’s health is not a good idea. With that said, we are aware this is a self-reporting system and therefore not perfect or foolproof.
Q. Does the Seller have to require this new protocol?
A. No. While not recommended, on the Sellers Instructions they can select the box to opt out and not require this protocol.
Q. How does responding to the form ensure the person doesn’t carry the virus?
A. It does not and unfortunately, it’s largely the honor system. While not perfect, it is an attempt an protect our clients.
Q. How long will this protocol be in place? A. Until further notice. We are monitoring the situation daily.
A. I would anticipate at least 30-60 days, maybe longer.
Please reach out to your Lindsay or Laura if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.
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