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New Guidelines for Keeping Everyone Safe!

While it is obviously not “business as usual” these days, we at Pemberton Holmes are here to support our clients who have a critical housing need: those who have sold their home and not yet purchased, or those who must sell or buy to meet their personal financial obligations or provide shelter for their families.

Pemberton Holmes is committed to the health and safety of its clients, REALTORS and the communities that we serve. We continue to take action to help keep you safe as we face this unprecedented global crisis together. The safety measures we are taking are being guided by Public Health authorities and the government:

Before scheduling or attending a showing, complete the “Pemberton Holmes Showing Health Disclosure Declaration” provided by your REALTOR, which captures information confirming that no one attending the showing (Buyer REALTOR, buying clients, or any occupant of the property) has:

• Recently travelled anywhere outside of Canada or has been in contact with anyone who has travelled outside of Canada.
• Had any of the following symptoms in the last 14 days: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Refer to the Government of Canada Coronavirus website for an up to date list of symptoms.
• Knowingly come into contact with anyone experiencing the following symptoms in the last 14 days: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
• Come into contact with anyone with a presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the last 14 days. The criteria on the Showing Health Disclosure Declaration form is subject to change should the government and health authorities guidelines change.

• Understand the importance of following current direction from government and health authorities and the risks that come with attending in-person showings.
• Limit viewings only to those who are / will be specifically named on the offer.
• Additional family members, friends or children should not be in attendance. There are no exceptions.
• Meet your REALTOR at the property.
• Practice social distancing measures when travelling to the showing by driving in separate vehicles, or walking.

• Do not share items such as phones, tablets or laptops.
• Immediately prior to entering the home, disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 50% alcohol.
• Do not touch surfaces in the home, and keep your hands in your pockets throughout the visit.
• Do not greet others with handshakes or hugs, and ensure you are at least 2 metres apart at all times.
• Under no circumstances should you use the washroom facilities while viewing the home.
• Ensure social distancing (keeping 2 metres apart) is rigorously maintained throughout the showing. If required, your REALTOR can walk each buyer through the property one at a time.
• Notify your REALTOR if you become ill at any time after a showing.

Once again, Pemberton Holmes is committed to the health and safety of its clients, REALTORS and the communities that we serve. We know these are trying times, but we want you to know that we’re in your corner and will help ensure your safety and comfort throughout your experience with us.

In the words of Dr. Bonnie Henry, “now is our time to be kind, to be calm, and to be safe” – and that’s what Pemberton Holmes is going to do!

Are you considering a real estate transaction? One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you should work with a licensed Real Estate Professional, who will represent you.

Remember, not every real estate agent can call themselves a REALTOR®. REALTOR® is a trademarked term belonging to the Canadian Real Estate Association. It represents a high standard of professionalism and commitment to value for clients.

Professionally, a REALTOR® adheres to a strict set of standards called the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Any violations to the Code, Standards, Rules, or legislation are brought forward for investigation and disciplinary action at both the Board level and at the provincial level, through the Real Estate Council of BC.

Before you disclose confidential information to a Real Estate Professional regarding a real estate transaction, you should understand what type of business relationship you have with that individual. You can work with a real estate professional in one of the following ways:

• AS A CLIENT, your Real Estate Professional works on your behalf, and has special legal duties to you.
• AS A NON-CLIENT, a Real Estate Professional who is not representing you as a client does not owe you any special legal duties

WHAT TO EXPECT

If you are a Non-Client, the Real Estate Professional(s) involved in the transaction may be representing a client with competing interests to yours in a transaction. They must be loyal to THEIR client, not you. When you’re the client of a Real Estate Professional, they will act only in your interests.

If you’re a Non-Client, the other Real Estate Professional(s) involved in the transaction do not have a duty to give you all relevant information regarding the transaction. When you’re the client of a Real Estate Professional, they must tell you everything they know that might influence your decision.

When you’re the Client of a Real Estate Professional, they must avoid any situation that would affect their duty to act in your best interests. When you’re a Non-Client, no Real Estate Professional acting in your interests.

When you’re a Client, the Real Estate Professional must not reveal your private information without your permission, even after your relationship ends. When you’re a Non-Client, the Real Estate Professional(s) involved in the transaction must share any information you tell them, with THEIR client.

When you become a Client, you may be asked to sign a written agreement setting out yours and the Real Estate Professional’s responsibilities. As a Non-Client, a Real Estate Professional may give you only limited services.

Whenever a Real Estate Professional works with you in a real estate transaction, whether you are their client or not, they have a responsibility to act honestly and with reasonable care and skill.

The Real Estate Council of BC

The Real Estate Council of British Columbia is the legislated regulatory agency that works to ensure Real Estate Professional have the skills and knowledge to provide you with a high standard of service. All Real Estate Professionals must follow rules that help protect consumers, like you.

The Real Estate Council of BC helps you understand your rights as a real estate consumer. Visit their website at www.recbc.ca or call them at 1 – 877 – 683 – 9664.