Public health advice is continuing to evolve. As of March 17, 2020, Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered recomendations to slow the spread of Covid-19 including delaying all “non-essential” public meetings and took further unprecedented actions on March 19, 2020 to protect and support Hoosiers during the COVID-19 outbreak by signing executive orders that extend the closure of schools, provide economic relief and protections for individuals and businesses, and expand unemployment insurance benefits for those impacted by job loss.

“Every day we learn more about how to tackle this monster. We are being thoughtful about how to approach every action we are taking in this national public health emergency and putting Hoosiers’ health and safety first,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Further guidance for professional service providers states:

“Other businesses, including but not limited to legal services, business and management consulting, professional services and insurance services are encouraged to have employees work remotely or telecommute. If that is not possible, they should employ social distancing best practices and be aware of the Trump Administration’s guidance to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.”

Best practice would be to offer sellers other marketing opportunities and to offer buyers other means to view properties if available:

  • A series of Instagram Stories to show the interior of a property you’re selling (remember these expire after 24 hours unless pinned to an Instagram profile).
  • A Facebook Live video by the homeowner or agent.
  • A Snapchat Story which encourages your followers to take part in a property Q&A.
  • A YouTube video which explains the step-by-step process of buying a house.
  • A 360 post to give your audience a full, 360-view of the property.

With this in mind, RACI suggests encouraging social distancing by offering sellers and buyers alternate means to market and view properties if they are reasonably available. Remember that many sellers may prefer to not have strangers in their home at the moment, and many buyers may be uncomfortable walking through properties – especially in an open house environment where others are present. Should you decide to offer any of these in-person services be sure to consult with your client, your managing broker, your county’s directives, and take all appropriate health and safety measures to reduce any liability risks to them and to you.