One major obstacle to resuming San Francisco Bay Area home sales has been the ability to view occupied properties. Starting May 4th, rules are changing! Homes that today may only be seen in pictures and videos will soon be open for on-site visits.

Under current restrictions, occupied homes could not be shown to prospective buyers in-person, even if the occupants are currently away from the home for an extended period of time. This could include a home for sale whose owner might be sheltering in place in a vacation home or other location far away.

Viewing of occupied homes staring May 4th will have the same restrictions that apply to vacant homes today, including adherence to local social distancing rules, limits on the number of people who may enter the home at one time (typically the buyer’s agent and up to two family members), and signing of an advisory form that describes the risks of viewing properties under current virus crisis conditions. Also, the sellers may not be present during the showing and open houses are not allowed. Other restrictions may apply based on the location of the property and practices of the listing and selling brokers.

The restriction on viewing commercial properties – whether vacant or occupied – is being lifted at the same time.

If you have questions regarding current real estate rules and restrictions or buying and selling Bay Area properties, please use Contact Us.