Category: News

New Open House Rules and Resources:

The Quick Guide from C.A.R. answers many questions about the new Open House rules. Here is the latest information available about Open Houses and property showings:

  • Alameda and Contra Costa counties do not have their own rules about open houses – they are both following the state rules, for now.
  • The Open House and Broker Tour functions in the Paragon System have been reactivated. You can enter this information into the MLS system.
  • If you’re an agent, please check with your Broker and/or Office Manager about your firm’s showing policies.
  • Check the California State Industry Guidance to Reduce Risk for updates to the rules regarding Real Estate Transactions.
  • All in-person showings of properties, like open houses, must follow the indoor gatherings capacity limits in the CDPH gatherings guidance. The Attendance section of the gatherings guidance shows how many people may be in a property based on the County COVID-19  tier.  FYI – Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are currently in the “Orange” tier.  You can find the tier status for other counties here in the “California Blueprint Data Chart.”

We are proud to have our incredible members representing us in Leadership at the California Association of REALTORS®!  We are thrilled to share Otto Catrina has officially been elected as the C.A.R. 2022 President and Jennifer Branchini has officially been elected as the C.A.R. 2022 President-Elect.  Both Otto and Jennifer, long-time Bay East members and Past Presidents, are dedicated professionals and we are fortunate they volunteer time for the advancement of the real estate industry.  Congratulations Otto and Jennifer!!

Bay East appointed C.A.R. Directors attend the California Association of REALTORS® Business Meetings three times a year. This report brings you updates from the Spring Business Meetings. Hear from President Tina Hand for the top updates and check the written reports for additional information. Please contact Bay East staff 925.730.4060 if you have any questions.

Information Tina references in C.A.R. Meeting Recap:

New rules for showing properties in Alameda County will allow for more visitors while still following State safety protocols.

According to the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, real estate professionals now only have to follow the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Industry Guidance for real estate transactions.  There will not be any Alameda County rules at this time related to showing properties. The Cal/OSHA rules allow more than two people from the same household to view a property while being guided by their real estate agent. Homebuyers must still make an appointment to view properties, wear face masks, and follow social distancing practices while in the property.

Traditional open houses are still not permitted.

County officials said that while they will not be issuing any additional property showing restrictions or procedures beyond the Cal/OSHA rules, they recommend that all property showing activities be kept as small as possible, and that, if possible, windows and doors be kept open and any visitors who are ill, or have any symptoms that they may be ill, not visit properties for sale.

Bay East was made aware that Glide, a Bay East and C.A.R. member benefit vendor, has agreed to join Compass. Glide assures us your data will remain private and secure, stating “Glide user and transaction data from Glide.com and the Glide app will not be accessible by Compass’ brokerage.” Bay East Board of Directors will review our agreement with Glide.

For more information, view the Glide FAQ.

Open houses are still prohibited, however Contra Costa County is now permitting larger attendance for property showings.  Both agents, along with sellers and clients can be together as long as they comply with social distancing, ventilation, and face mask requirements. Bay East will notify members when there are updates for Alameda County and the City of Berkeley.  View the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Guidelines here.

Bay East launches our very own podcasts: “Fueling your Success” and the “Insider Podcast”.

Fueling your Success begins today with its first episode in honor of NAR Fair Housing Month.  Podcast host David Stark, Bay East Public Affairs Director speaks candidly with Farrah Wilder about fair housing and racial equity issues.

Farrah Wilder, a former civil rights attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area, and a former REALTOR®, is the Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the California Association of REALTORS®.

 

 

The Insider Podcast is for those who prefer their news in an audio format. This weekly podcast hosted by Bay East Communications Specialist, Sarah Minton features information provided in our Insider email newsletter to keep you up-to-date on current Bay East announcements, marketing meetings, events, and more.

Visit the podcast page, subscribe and start listening today!

Bay East has confirmed with the County Health Department that although Alameda County has moved to the COVID-19 orange tier, there are no changes to the Cal/OSHA rules for real estate transactions at this time.

Buyer interest letters or “buyer love letters” are personal letters written by buyers, often photos attached, in the hopes that a buyer’s offer will stand out among many offers a seller may receive.

However, letters often reveal information about a buyer (such as protected class or characteristic) that may not be considered by the seller. According to the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.), Sellers and Agents should discourage the letters to avoid the appearance of impropriety and avoid potential liability associated with unlawful discrimination.

The Seller may provide written instruction not to present buyer letters or offers that are accompanied by buyer letters and may include within MLS remarks. Agents should also check with their broker on their policy in dealing with the letters. Additional resources can be found on C.A.R.’s website (login required).

Bay East has confirmed with the County Health Department that although Alameda County has moved to the COVID-19 red tier, there are no changes to the Cal/OSHA rules for real estate transactions at this time.