State of Emergency in Ontario
On Tuesday, January 12, the Province of Ontario announced a new COVID-19 State of Emergency that goes into effect Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
The State of Emergency impacts real estate in two ways:
- Short-term rentals for recreational purposes are effectively closed as of January 12, 2021. If a booking was made prior to January 12 it is permitted to go forward
- Renovations started before January 12 will be permitted to continue but those that have not started are not permitted to start. The government has not indicated when the new measures will be lifted
RAHB members need to remember that while real estate continues to be an essential service, open houses remain prohibited. As such, RAHB urges members to use virtual tools to the greatest extent possible to conduct all business. Urgently needed in-person showings are permitted but MUST be scheduled in advance. Members should follow the recommended practices from OREA:
- Limit the number of people in the home to one group of two people (plus the buyer’s sales representative) to allow for physical distancing.
- PPE should be worn at all times, surfaces & hands should be cleaned and sanitized before and after the showing.
- Members should take steps to space out appointments and manage the flow of people inside and outside the home. No overlapping appointments are permitted.
To read more about OREA’s safe showing practices, please click the button below:
For instructions how advertise a virtual showing or live stream through Matrix and REALTOR.ca. please click the button below. If you have any questions, please contact the MLS® Help Desk at 905.667.4650 or support@rahb.ca.
NB: RAHB is waiting on further information from OREA regarding the impact of the new measures on services such as staging and photography.
RAHB members should also comply with the following guidelines from the Province:
- Wearing a mask or face covering is now recommended outdoors when you can’t physically distance more than two metres.
- As an essential service, real estate offices and Brokerages may remain open however the Government has stated that all employees who can work from home should do so immediately. RAHB strongly supports OREA’s recommendation that encourages Board and Brokerage offices to close unless it is absolutely necessary to be open. COVID-19 screening guidance for workplaces including Brokerages and Real Estate Board offices can be found by clicking the button below:
To read the full press release issued by the Province, please click the button below.
To read OREA President Sean Morrison’s full statement on the State of Emergency, please click the button below.
Curb-Side Pick-up Only Available for RAHB Realty Shoppe
As of Monday, December 21, the Realty Shoppe switched to curbside pick-up only. There are no further changes to RAHB’s Realty Shoppe’s services based on today’s provincial State of Emergency notice.
The Realty Shoppe is closed to all in-person shopping until further notice. Pre-arranged, curbside pick-up will be available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
To learn more about how to shop the Realty Shoppe, please click the button below.
RAHB Office Update
The RAHB office continues to operate virtually and is closed to members and the public. Operations are running smoothly and staff is fully accessible by phone and e-mail during regular office hours, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.