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Editor’s Note: Gov. Charlie Baker updated the state’s list of essential services after this article was published to include both residential and commercial real estate services.
State officials updated their guidance for real estate agents last week, clarifying what is – and isn’t – allowed under Gov. Charlie Baker’s order that all “non-essential” businesses must close their physical doors for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While real estate agents are not considered “essential,” certain of their functions are, and the updated guidance appears to offer broad leeway for agents to do the kinds of work necessary for the kinds of “virtual” open houses seen as a necessity during the pandemic.
MLS PIN, the state’s largest multiple lisings service, has updated their platform to allow agents to more effectively advertise this new form of open house during the coronavirus emergency. The service last week also made a new change that allows its customers to keep a listing as “On-Market” during Massachusetts’ state of emergency as long as the property is on the market and available for sale, even if it is not available for on-site showings.
The guidance allows real estate agents to meet with clients by phone or video, or even in person if social distancing rules are observed and the meeting doesn’t take place at the agent’s brick-and-mortar place of business.
Real estate closings are also allowed to continue, provided social distancing measures are taken.
What’s not allowed during the coronavirus emergency?
If you’re a rental agent in Somerville and Cambridge, you’re not allowed to show occupied units. Boston officials have asked agents and landlords in that city to follow similar restrictions.
While open houses are still permitted under the updated rules, provided the number of people in a house is capped at 10, some agents report sellers being reluctant or unwilling to host an open house out of concern a guest might unknowingly infect them with the coronavirus. Many of the state’s professional real estate associations have either strongly discouraged or recommended against holding open houses for similar reasons.
Overall, MLS PIN Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Lindberg said, open houses are available for less than 1 percent of listings on the service.
