If you’ve noticed an absence of “open house” signs where you normally see them, that’s because real estate officials in B.C. have advised realtors not to have any open houses for the time being. In respecting that advice, any Nexus Realty open-house showings are conducted by appointment only, and all visitors must adhere to the pandemic protocols practised by Nexus realtors.
As the coronavirus heads into the “respiratory season” the B.C. Government mandated in-household gatherings in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal health regions, essentially the Lower Mainland for a period of two weeks. While this doesn't include real estate, which is considered an essential service, it does have an impact on open houses, and by extension enhances the importance and effectiveness of Matterport, the virtual process that allows you to see pretty much everything you’d see at an open house.
Matterport?
Check out this Matterport view for a Nexus listing — as well as the traditional video and photos — in West Vancouver’s sought-after townhome complex in Caulfeild Cove at 4957 Marine Drive. In addition to giving you a tour of this three-bedroom, 2,305-square-foot, it allows you to explore every room in 3-D.
Right now, it’s the best way to preview a property that’s on the market. before coming to see the home in person
The Real Estate Council of B.C. endorses virtual processes like this:
“Real estate professionals in B.C. have been very successful in using virtual tools to limit in-person interactions with clients, and we encourage them to continue those innovative practices to keep themselves, their clients, and community members safe...realtors can continue to show leadership in their communities by reducing in-person interactions, wearing masks and adapting to new public health guidelines and orders.”
As Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry would say:
“It’s not forever, but it is for now.”