Q: Do you have to use elusive language? If so, should you go back and add this language to brokerage agreements you have already entered into? A: First of all, we believe that the potential for you to be held accountable in such a circumstance is very low. However, to be sure, we have designed the following “no damage” language, which you can include in the Additional Conditions section of your brokerage agreements. Paragraph 10, point b) of Form 101 is titled “Marketing Authorization.” In this paragraph, there is a styling box for open houses. If this option is verified, this section authorizes the advertiser: “Manage the open homes of the property at times when the seller and the company can give their consent later.” This formulation clearly shows that before an open house, the announcement company`s agreement is required. A majority of REALTORS® across the country have stopped keeping homes open during this period, concerned about health and safety. This activity is particularly sensitive to the spread of viruses. QUESTION: Should I consider a COVID-19 deal harmless to sellers who show their homes, but buyers may later get sick with the virus, or vice versa? Should this language be used safely in standard non-VAR forms? It seems that you have done a good job of making it work for each personal service contract, but I want to check it out. A: No, this language is not necessary. The risk of your liability in this case is very low, even without this extra language, but you can add it if it makes you safer.
Therefore, you don`t need to go back and incorporate this language into pre-ratified brokerage or lease agreements. QUESTION: What if my sales client wants me to keep a house open, but I worry about the risks? Can I refuse to do so? QUESTION: If open houses are allowed on my territory and we agree on an open house, what precautions should be taken? ANSWER: Yes. When NC REALTORS® adopted its exclusive sales rating right (standard form 101), it considered whether the agreement should require REALTORS® to keep homes open. It was decided that open houses should not be mandatory. We have received questions from REALTORS® about possible liability for them, your agents and/or your business, if you do something in a house (if you come to a rented apartment with a contractor or your clients buyers by a house for sale) and a resident who will then do covid-19. While we believe your liability in these situations is very low, we have designed a “flawless” language that you can add to the Additional Conditions section of your brokerage and/or lease agreements. ANSWER: Before using COVID-19, you maintain harmless agreements, REALTORS® consult with their brokers and legal advisors to assess the risk and effectiveness of these agreements. As a general rule, a capital prohibition agreement protects a party from liability in the event of a violation of another party on its property or a violation of an inherently dangerous activity.