MASK UP! NEW COVID REAL ESTATE GUIDANCE FOR BROKERS AND FIRMS

Effective Monday, August 23rd, Washington State will reinstate the mask requirement for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor settings. This means that brokers, clients, and industry partners (e.g. appraisers, inspectors, photographers, etc.) must wear masks for listing appointments, showings, inspections, walk-throughs, open houses, and other indoor interactions. Real estate firms must require masks at their offices for all individuals, consumers and brokers, regardless of vaccination status. As always, brokers should be respectful of others and continue to follow all recommended health guidelines.     

In addition, brokers and their clients must adhere to any additional requirements or restrictions imposed by the seller of a property, including required appointments, capacity limitations, or other instructions. Listing brokers should detail any requirements in the listing and post signs at the property regarding any specific instructions.

Real estate firms may continue to open their offices at 100% capacity, provided that firms comply with the mask requirement and all other recommended health guidelines.

Governor Inslee’s recent announcement is available here. Information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available here. The latest information about the Washington State coronavirus response is available here.