ASH MCGINTY is ready to support you through the COVID-19 crisis.
We see and admire how you, our clients, are helping in this difficult time – and we want you to know that we are here, working to support you.
Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. We are closely monitoring the spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19 and its impact on our community.
We’re still working for you. Expect…
→ Masks & gloves for all agents and clients
→ Reminders for social distancing
We are adhering to guidelines that limit personal interactions to the greatest extent possible. However, we will engage in-person only when necessary, and will follow these strict protocols:
- In-person activities must be by appointment only.
- No more than three (3) people, including the agent, may be at a property at any one time.
- Those three (3) persons must strictly follow physical distancing guidelines established by the CDC by remaining at least six (6) feet apart at all times.
While strictly following the above protocols, we are permitted to engage in the following in-person activities related to the purchase and sale of residential and commercial properties:
- Conduct listing presentations, take property photos and create virtual tours for new listings
- Facilitate the signing of contract documents
- Preview and show listings by appointment only
- Facilitate photography/videography, staging, inspections, appraisals, buyer “walk-throughs,” and key delivery
Although residential and commercial real estate services have been deemed an essential service, we are not taking any action that makes our clients uncomfortable or which may jeopardize health or safety.
SHOWINGS
If the sellers agrees to allow an in- person showing, we limit showings to no more than three (3) people (including the agent) at a property at any one time.
Showings are limited to buyers or potential buyers, no children, extended family, or friends.
Buyers must wear a mask or face covering and gloves or use hand sanitizer.
We recommend that sellers open all interior doors before all showings and sanitize all doorknobs afterward.The seller may want to leave cabinet doors open, to reduce the likelihood that the buyer will touch the handles or pulls. All lights or lamps could be left on, again, to minimize the need for anyone to touch light switches or lamps.Also, weather and allergy permitting, the seller may also want to keep the windows open to allow fresh air to circulate through the home during the showing.
COVID-19 ADDENDUM TO PURCHASE AND SALE CONTRACT
We are now using a COVID-19 Addendum to Purchase and Sale Contract. This is used as a contact addendum should there be delay as a result of COVID-19. (i) The parties to each deal are not required to use the addendum or alter their contracts; and (ii) if they do use it, they need to negotiate the addendum and consult their own attorneys.
SETTLEMENT
A seller in a real estate transaction has the option to sign the necessary closing documents in front of any available notary. The title company can email the documents to the seller, and the seller would be able to print those documents for signature. The seller could then scan or ship overnight the documents back to the title company. Furthermore, effective March 30, 2020, Maryland Governor Hogan issued an Executive Order, which authorizes remote notarization.This new Order allows for a notary to confirm the identity of the signor over a digital platform, thus respecting physical distancing and Stay-at-Home provisions. The Maryland Office of the Secretary of State has issued temporary guidelines regarding remote notarizations.
These guidelines include, among other things, a requirement that the notary:
Must identify the communications technology vendor you will use and confirm that the vendor allows you to, in real time, (1) view the remotely located individual and (2) compare for consistency the information and photos presented as identification credentials.
Although the majority of the courthouses are closed, real estate documents are still being submitted electronically for review and recording.
QUESTIONS?
We’re here to help. Contact us.