In an effort to keep members informed of RAHB’s office operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing regular updates.

Please note, that our office operational status has changed:

RAHB Status Update:

• Due to the progression of COVID-19 throughout Ontario, and based on guidance from government and public health authorities, we have changed our operational status.
• As of Thursday, March 19, the physical RAHB office is closed, with all staff working remotely during our regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• A virtual emergency meeting of the RAHB Board of Directors is taking place early next week to discuss financial measures RAHB can take to support members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please know that your Board of Directors is committed to assisting members and doing everything it can to help members get through these unprecedented times.

What Does This Mean for RAHB Members?

• The MLS® Help Desk is open during regular business hours. You can reach us at 905-667-4650 or support@rahb.ca.
• We are accepting general calls through our regular business number at 905.529.8101.  If you have any questions, please call during regular business hours or leave a message; we will assist you in any way we can.
• All in-person member meetings, events and education of any kind are postponed or will be conducted via teleconference.
• The Realty Shoppe is closed for in-person shopping and in-person account payments; however, we are taking orders via phone and e-mail, which will be fulfilled once the office reopens.  You can reach us at 905-529-5979 or realtyshoppe@rahb.ca.
• Online payments are highly encouraged; cheque payments may be dropped off in the RAHB mailbox, however processing of these payments may be delayed; cash payments are not permitted.
• RealTrack service is not accessible.
• OREA testing at the RAHB office has been cancelled until further notice.

For Information/Updates on RAHB’s business operations:
For updated information on COVID-19 as it relates to RAHB, please visit our blog page at  https://blog.rahb.ca/coronoavirus-covid-19-information/. We will keep members informed as further decisions about RAHB business operations are made.

Sincerely,

Carol Ann Burrell, CEO
REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington

Video Message From RAHB President Kathy Della-Nebbia

Public Health Recommendations:
For information on COVID-19 – including current state, vulnerable populations, additional resources, etc. – please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html.

Please be diligent in keeping up-to-date and following the recommendations and guidance of our health officials and governments.

Recommendations for RAHB REALTORS®:
REALTORS® can be particularly vulnerable to sickness, as you are in constant contact with a variety of different clients and potential clients. A single open house can equal hundreds of interactions. While it is within the purview of your brokerage to make any final decisions, it is strongly recommended that you consider the following advice:

• Cancel, reschedule and/or limit showings and open houses, especially if the occupants of the home are ill.
• If showings and open houses proceed:
  • Limit the use of washrooms in the home.
  • Have cautionary signage and messages at the entrance of each property.
  • Ask potential open house attendees to not attend if they are sick.
  • Have hand sanitizer available for attendees of open houses for their and your protection.
  • Limit touching physical items throughout a home during open houses and showings.
  • Encourage homeowners to thoroughly clean their homes with disinfectant after showings and open houses.
  • Ask attendees to e-mail you their contact information, as opposed to writing it down at the open house to limit sharing of pens, etc.
  • Ask attendees of showings or open houses to notify you if they become ill within two weeks of the open house or showing.
  • If an attendee becomes sick or is diagnosed with COVID-19, be sure to communicate this with the homeowner, other open house or showing attendees, their REALTORS® and RAHB.
• Refrain from greeting others with handshakes or hugs.
• Encourage fellow REALTORS® to provide information digitally.
• Be sure to regularly sanitize your phone, tablet, or any other digital devices you use.
• Avoid sharing items such as pens, paper, phones, tablets, etc.
• If you are over the age of 65, severely limit your interactions with others, and stay home.