OMDREB Gives Guidelines To Protect The Health And Safety Of Our Clients, Colleagues, and Communities During Step 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap To Reopen

Oakville, ON, July 16, 2021 – With Ontario entering Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen today which allows for real estate open houses, it remains the number one priority of The Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board (OMDREB) to protect the health and safety of our REALTORS and their clients, as well as our colleagues and communities. OMDREB is happy to provide both REALTORS and the general public with recommendations and guidance on how an open house should be conducted during Step 3.

The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) is providing additional guidance to Members on the government’s framework to protect the health and safety of our clients and colleagues. OREA is also recommending some considerations for safely hosting an open house. These comprehensive guidelines can be found here.

As we move into Step 3 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, we trust that our Members, as well as REALTORS across Ontario, will continue to put health and safety first while doing what you have always done best – helping others achieve the dream of a great place to call home.

Although in-person business can resume, OMDREB continues to advocate for virtual open houses whenever possible. Digital tools and virtual home tours have proven extremely effective over the last year, and many REALTORS should continue to rely on these tools to help their clients buy and sell homes.

We encourage OMDREB Members and REALTORS across Ontario to conduct services remotely whenever possible until the pandemic is over. OMDREB also agrees with OREA that open houses should be used as a last resort to market a home and only employed at a seller’s request and with the seller’s approval.

Here’s a summary of what you need to know as we mark a return to in-person business:

The number of people allowed inside a property during an open house is relative to the ability of individuals to maintain 2-metre social distancing during the open house.
• Mandatory masking rules are still in effect. Potential buyers and REALTORS must wear the proper face coverings while inside the building.
• All surfaces must be properly sanitized and cleaned before, during, and after the open house.
• REALTORS are required to monitor who attends the open house and should deny entry to anyone who has been in contact with a person who has an active case of COVID-19, if they display any symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting results from a COVID-19 test.
• REALTORS should keep a “visitor’s log” (included in link below) to record the names and contact information of all individuals who enter a property in the case of an exposure to COVID-19. All individuals should be contacted if there is an exposure.

The health of our REALTORS and our community is a top priority. Best practices and protocol related to COVID-19 safety must be adhered to.

For any questions or concerns please email:

John Rich, Communications Manager

communications@omdreb.ca