Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic I have been incredibly proud of the leadership shown by Ontario REALTORS® and Member Boards in protecting the health and safety of our communities and clients. As cases in Ontario continue to rise, it is time for us once again to lead by example and protect those who matter most.
With that in mind, tomorrow, I will be sending a communication to all 80,000 REALTORS® in the Province of Ontario asking them to stop in-person open houses immediately.
You will recall that, back in April, OREA called on the Province to stop open houses during the first wave of the pandemic. I am proud that our Association was the first to recommend a stop to all in-person business, including open houses – advice that the Province later put into law as part of the state of emergency. As we enter this second wave, we are once again asking the Government to take the necessary step to ban all open houses Province-wide until the pandemic becomes more manageable.
As trusted advisors, REALTORS® should be using virtual tools first and to the greatest extent possible. When clients want to view a property, Members should recommend scheduled showings but not in person open houses. For more information on how to safely conduct in-person showings during the pandemic, please consult OREA’s guidance document here.
Sincerely,
Sean Morrison
OREA President
Brampton Real Estate Board 