Designated as essential service does not mean “business-as-usual”
OREA advocated with the Province to keep real estate as an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government has agreed – but that does not mean business as usual for REALTORS®.
The essential service designation was put in place to allow the thousands of real estate transactions which are in the process of closing. The designation is also in place to allow urgent transactions to go forward – in particular for those Ontarians who may have lost their job due to COVID-19.
A complete shut-down of real estate would have led to many unintended consequences for our Members, consumers, and the provincial economy. OREA President, Sean Morrison, has asked members to:
- Immediately STOP all face-to-face business interactions; and,
- STOP open houses and in-person showings.
REALTORS® have many tools and technologies available to close transactions with clients including virtual showings, video conferencing, and e-signatures.