Updated Shelter-in-Place Eases Restrictions on Real Estate
May 1, 2020
EFFECTIVE TODAY (MONDAY MAY 4TH):
The revised 6-county shelter-in-place order officially took effect today (Monday, May 4th), and will be valid through May 31st, or until another extension is issued. As a part of this revised order, certain activities which had previously been put on pause are now permitted to resume in a limited capacity, including construction, moving residences, and showings of occupied property by real estate agents.
From the San Mateo County Website on Construction:
Under the new orders, all construction projects will be allowed to resume as long as the project complies with safety protocols included with the order. All real estate transactions will also now be able to resume, but with continued restrictions on open houses and limitations on in-person viewings.
Further clarification on moving residences and showings from SAMCAR:
The revised Order relaxes restrictions on real estate transactions, including allowing people “to move residences” and viewings of occupied homes—only if a virtual tour is not “feasible”—as long as the resident is not present and the home is only viewed by one or two people at a time from the same household with the real estate agent present. All social distancing protocol must be followed—face covering must be worn and six feet must separate people at all times.
Other businesses that operate primarily outdoors, as well as some outdoors activities are able to resume as well, with specific conditions.
This is certainly exciting news, as not being able to move or show property were really the only two things holding up real estate transactions. Still, it is important that we all continue to exercise caution, and respect the safety of other parties involved in a transaction. Just because a private showing is technically permissible, that does not mean everyone will be comfortable with the idea just yet. Real estate activities should still continue virtually where possible.
If you have any questions about what the revised shelter-in-place order means for you and your real estate goals, feel free to reach out.