Guidance on Property Showings during Shelter in Place Order


Open Houses & Showing/Touring Properties


County Health Orders vary from County to County. Find links to the Public Health Order for each BAREIS primary county under the Federal & County Resources tab.


Please update your listings for occupied properties. Change showing instructions to:

  • Do not Show
  • Contact Listing Agent
  • See Confidential Remarks

Broker Tours Suspended

Broker tours have been suspended until further notice by the local organizations that govern these tours. As an alternative to in-person showings, open houses and broker tours, many agents are utilizing walkthrough videos and virtual tours.


Walkthrough Videos & Virtual Open Houses

If you have a virtual tour or home walk-through video, you may add a link to:

  • Virtual Media field – The first media entered will pass to most public sites
  • Open House - Add a Virtual Open House, will pass to Zillow, Trulia. Does not pass to Realtor.com
  • Confidential Remarks

Virtual Open House and the Virtual Link

BAREIS MLS® syndicates to major sites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. Each site has their own platforms that they support regarding Virtual Open House information. To maintain transparency, BAREIS has investigated each site to understand how this information is posted.

Zillow Group:

  • Zillow and Trulia will not display a link in the Marketing remarks and replaces your remarks with generic text that reiterates only the facts about the core characteristics of the home
  • Zillow will display the link for a Virtual Open House and supports YouTube

Realtor.com:

  • Realtor.com will remove the link from the Marketing Remarks
  • Realtor.com will display MLS Virtual Tour links on the picture, but will not display Open House Virtual Links
  • Realtor.com allows scheduling a live, virtual walk through using:
    • Zoom, Google Meet/Hangouts, Webex, BlueJeans, Join.me, Zoho meeting



C.A.R.’s Best Practices Guidelines


C.A.R.’s Best Practices Guidelines


The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has published Best Practices Guidelines to assist you in the safe practice of real estate. View C.A.R.’s Coronavirus Updates and Guidelines here: https://www.carcovidupdates.org/best-practices-guidelines







CBS Instructions


Are your sellers nervous about placing a lockbox to allow showing? Activate the Call Before Showing (CBS) CODE to control access to your lockbox.

What is a CBS Code?

The CBS code (Call Before Showing) allows the listing agent to control lockbox access by requiring the showing agent to call the listing agent to obtain a code before opening the lockbox. The showing agent will not be allowed access to the key container without entering the CBS code into the lockbox.

I am a listing agent. How do I find the CBS code for my lockbox?

Every SUPRA lockbox is programmed with a CBS code.

Supra eKey users will find the CBS code for each box in their Inventory with the eKey app:

  • Open the Supra eKEY app and select My Keyboxes.
  • Select the box’s serial number.
  • Click Edit at the bottom of the screen.
  • Select Require CBS. (If you don’t want to activate the CBS code, do not click Program at the bottom.)

Xpress Key users will find CBS codes for their lockboxes online at SupraWeb: http://www.supraekey.com/Pages/Home.aspx You will need to enter the serial number of the lockbox and shackle code.

How do I activate (or disable) the CBS code for my lockbox?

Supra eKey users can activate the CBS code in their lockbox with the eKey app if they are in front of the lockbox:

  • Turn on the lockbox.
  • Open the Supra eKEY app and select My Keyboxes.
  • Select the keybox you want to activate the CBS code for.
  • Select Program Keybox.
  • Select Require CBS to enable or disable.
  • Select Program.
  • Enter shackle code.

Supra Xpress key users will not be able to enable or disable the CBS Code for their lockboxes without bringing the lockbox into a BAREIS office or service center for programming (this service is not available while Shelter in Place orders are in effect).

How will showing agents know that my lockbox requires a CBS code to access the property?

Listing agents using the CBS code feature should indicate that a CBS code is required in the listing’s Confidential Showing Instructions field. Be sure to indicate whether you want the showing agent to call you or text you to obtain the CBS code.

** Do not put the actual CBS code in the confidential remarks.

I am a showing agent. How will I know whether a lockbox requires a CBS code?

The listing agent using a lockbox with the CBS code feature enabled should indicate that a CBS code is required in the Confidential Showing Instructions of the listing.

How will I obtain the CBS code if I want to view a listed property?

Please contact the listing agent for a CBS code. Only the listing agent will be able to provide you with the CBS code to access their box. Neither BAREIS nor SUPRA will be able to provide this information to you.

I am a showing agent at the property and I know the CBS code. How do I enter a CBS code into my Supra key?

  • Start the Obtain Key operation in the key.
  • Enter the CBS code when prompted.
  • Follow the standard procedure to release the key container.

XpressKEY users

  • Turn the XpressKEY on.
  • Tap the arrow for more options.
  • Tap Next.
  • Tap CBS.
  • Type in the CBS code and tap Enter.
  • Tap Done to exit
  • Follow the standard procedure to release the key container.

You can reach Supra directly by calling 877-699-6787.




We are here for you!


While all BAREIS MLS offices are now closed in accordance with the shelter in place orders, rest assured that we are still here to assist you. Our employees are working from home with full phone and email capabilities. You can reach us at 707-575-8000 during regular business hours or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Managing Listings during the Shelter in Place Order


DOM/CDOM


Many members have had questions about how they can manage Days on Market (DOM) and Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) counts for their listings in BAREIS. The Board of Directors recently considered a request to pause DOM across every status in BAREIS. After careful consideration, the decision was made to not pause the DOM count for Active or Contingent listing status, as the MLS is tasked with preserving the historic records of listings in our system. Click here to read more about DOM/CDOM. BAREIS wants to keep you fully informed as the trusted, knowledgeable advisor on your marketplace.

Agents wanting to pause DOM/CDOM count and utilize the MLS to expose their listings to other real estate professionals continue to have the ability to utilize the Coming Soon or Temp Off Market statuses.

Here’s additional information that will help you manage your listings throughout this emergency period:

Coming Soon Status:

  • DOM & CDOM do not count
  • Maximum Coming Soon status time increased from 30 days to 100 days
  • Listing agent will need to change On Market Date to increase Coming Soon period
  • Viewable by all BAREIS members & their clients
  • Does not pass to Internet

Temp Off Market Status:

  • Temp Off Market Status indicates there is a binding agreement between the listing broker and the seller and the listing may not be solicited by other brokers/agents
  • DOM & CDOM counts are paused and will resume when the listing is returned to Active or Contingent status
  • You may indicate in the Confidential/Showing Instructions whether the seller will consider offers or allow showings while Temp Off Market
  • No exclusion is required
  • There is no time limit on how long a listing remains in this status

Withdrawn/Cancelled Status:

  • Withdrawn/Cancelled status indicates the property is no longer under a valid listing contract
  • If the property remains under a listing contract after being withdrawn from the MLS, an MLS exclusion form is required
  • Must remain out of the MLS over 10 days before a new listing can be created in BAREIS
  • DOM will reset if listing is off the MLS for over 10 days
  • DOM & CDOM will both reset if listing is off the MLS for over 30 days

Here is a link to a flyer that explains the differences between Temp Off Market status and Withdrawn/Cancelled status in greater detail.

Active Status:

  • DOM & CDOM continues counting until changed to Temp Off Market, Pending, Sold or Withdrawn/Cancelled status
  • Passes to internet sites if you enter Pass to Internet = Yes





DOM/CDOM


Why Isn’t BAREIS Pausing DOM/CDOM on Active Status Listings During the Shelter in Place Order?

The Board of Directors considered the idea of pausing days on market counts across all statuses, recognizing that MLS is an important marketing tool during this period when marketing properties is extremely difficult. Their decision to not pause DOM/CDOM counts for Active and Contingent status listings was based on the following considerations:

  • There is no meaningful competitive advantage to reducing the DOM/CDOM count since the pandemic is impacting everyone equally in that marketplace. All listings in that area will experience the same showing restrictions and agents and buyers will understand that a DOM/CDOM count is a reflection of the SIP order at the time the property was Active in the MLS, not of the desirability of the property.
  • Pausing DOM/CDOM in the MLS will not pause the numbers the consumer sees on the internet. Public websites create their own “Days on Site” count—they do not receive DOM/CDOM from BAREIS. DOM/CDOM counts in BAREIS are viewed only by BAREIS users and their clients.
  • Losing accurate DOM/CDOM count would erode consumer confidence in the real estate professional. If DOM count is paused for Active statuses in the MLS, yet the consumer sees Days on Site continue to count on the internet, the consumer will have more knowledge about the property than their agents. Accurate MLS data helps ensure the agent remains the most informed, trusted advisor.
  • Pausing DOM/CDOM creates an inaccurate record of the data in the system. It is critical to protect the ability of the real estate professional to accurately track what is happening in their marketplace. As this crisis subsides, the DOM/CDOM counts will be valuable information for agents to use to identify and understand the impact the pandemic had on listings in their area.
  • Pausing DOM/CDOM count across statuses that normally count DOM/CDOM is a major technological challenge. The MLS system was not designed to be able to turn this count off, and to do so would likely skew the number to the point of making it meaningless when the counter is turned back on.

You may have heard that other MLSs are pausing DOM/CDOM counts for Active listings. This is not the industry standard or considered an industry best practice. In fact, we are aware of only 2 MLSs in the United States that are freezing DOM for Active listings and SFAR is not one of them.


We are continuing to explore other solutions and we continue to discuss best practices with other MLSs across the country. In the meantime, our system allows you to market the property to other real estate professionals without accumulating DOM/CDOM by choosing Coming Soon or Temp Off Market statuses.


The BAREIS Board of Directors and staff understand the extremely challenging circumstances that you are facing under the COVID-19 pandemic and Shelter in Place orders and it is our goal to address your needs and concerns in a timely and meaningful manner while maintaining the database of property information that members rely on to make the market work.





We are here for you!


While all BAREIS MLS offices are now closed in accordance with the shelter in place orders, rest assured that we are still here to assist you. Our employees are working from home with full phone and email capabilities. You can reach us at 707-575-8000 during regular business hours or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Editorial


Appraisers need photos for Coming Soon and Sold Off MLS listings


As you are probably aware appraisals will be performed as an exterior only or desk top valuation to comply with the shelter in place orders and promote the best practices of breaking the chain of transmission of coronavirus.

Both FNMA and FMLC have issued guidance to lenders allowing these valuation products. Lenders are requesting exteriors and desktop appraisals for their purchases and refinances. No one is forced to do an interior inspection and its is widely discouraged. Appraisers will be referencing images for both subject and comparables when they are available in MLS to complete these assignments. Generally, most listings have ample images and as a working appraiser, I am grateful for the photographic detail.

I am making the suggestion for off-market sales that exterior images and a few representative interior images be added to the listings. In particular - kitchens, baths and a view image. This will become increasingly important in the months to come as the sold comparables of both on and off-market transactions will become important comparables for future use.

Respectfully -

Mark Lindsay

Appraiser




Editorial


Showings, Counting DOM/CDOM and Off Market Listings During Pandemic

by BAREIS Marin County Directors Yoko Kasai, Jenn Pfeiffer & Barry Crotty


We don’t have a manual that says “Do THIS in the case of a pandemic” so we are all doing the best we can; adjusting as news and directives come to us, trying to serve our clients and protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our businesses in the best way possible. As BAREIS board members, we can honestly say that all positions, challenges, questions and alternatives are being reviewed by our CEO, KB Walter and the Directors with great thoughtfulness. We just can’t please everyone.

First of all, as of this writing, the Governor has deemed Real Estate as non-essential and as such, we are not supposed to be showing homes, holding open houses, and conducting inspections. If that’s the case, why are there still Active listings? Well, one of those reasons might be that the Seller simply HAS to sell. Otherwise, why would we not shelve the property into a Temporarily Off Market, Coming Soon, or Withdrawn status? If, as a profession, we are not allowed to operate, then those who choose to be out there not heeding advice and endangering those who they’re in contact with. We say that without judgement, however all indications are that this is the sobering truth and we should be complying by sheltering in place.

As it pertains to freezing DOM, KB along with 6 other MLSs have discussed the issue at great length. All except for 1 MLS (MLS Listings) has decided not to freeze DOM. She has put together a list of reasons which led to the decision which you can access at www.bareis.com/Information#DOM and share with your colleagues or clients. It is our job as agents to look at these longer DOM during this time and educate our clients about the reality of this period of time. Most likely the pandemic is to blame; not because something is “wrong” with the property. If your clients choose to be on the market as an Active listing at this time, then so be it but they can’t have it both ways. In a few years, we will look back at this time and have a clear picture of the market as it actually was.

We have also heard several concerns expressed over coronavirus and off-market listing ability. Be clear, that one does NOT have to do with the other. Using COVID-19 as a reason to sell off-market just isn’t valid. We’re not supposed to be engaging in real estate related sales activities during this time. Simply explain to your clients their options and perhaps encourage trying the Coming Soon status if they want exposure to the agent community. You now have up to 100 days in that status where you can set the showing parameters, accept offers and not have the listing populate to the public facing portals.

BAREIS understands that there are circumstances where it makes sense for a seller to sell their home without exposing it onto the MLS. BAREIS has NOT taken that ability away from anyone at this juncture. The new Clear Cooperation Policy from NAR does not apply to BAREIS and we are taking a wait and see position at this time. When enforcement of Clear Cooperation kicks into play in May, we have the luxury of evaluating the interpretation and the practicalities of such rules against reality. And by the way, the current BAREIS platform allows you and your seller to set parameters on showings and open houses along with how the property is exposed to the public facing portals. It treads on dangerous ground of Fair Housing laws if you and your clients choose to only market to those who you deem “luxury” agents or buyers.

Please know that these decisions don’t come lightly. As BAREIS Board members, we are encouraged by the ongoing dialogue that helps us shape our next steps. We do it to preserve data integrity and we also want to be mindful of how to best serve you, our members. Like we said before, we can’t please everyone, but we do take each comment seriously. As always, further communication is welcome but please be kind and don’t necessarily shoot the messengers.


Your BAREIS Marin County Directors,

Yoko Kasai, Front Porch Realty Group
Jenn Pfeiffer, Corcoran Global Living
Barry Crotty, Coldwell Banker




We are here for you!


While all BAREIS MLS offices are now closed in accordance with the shelter in place orders, rest assured that we are still here to assist you. Our employees are working from home with full phone and email capabilities. You can reach us at 707-575-8000 during regular business hours or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Federal and County Resources


Federal & State Resources:


The federal government has deemed Real Estate an essential business: View Advisory Memorandum


You can keep up to date with California Department of Public Health at their website.


Please refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention for information on the COVID-19 at their website.


County Resources:

Marin County: View Order

Marin County’s Shelter-In-Place Order identifies real estate agents enabling residential transactions (including rentals, leases, and home sales) as essential businesses and places the following restrictions on residential real estate activity:

  • Appointments and other residential viewings must only occur virtually.
  • If a virtual viewing is not feasible, by appointment with no more than two visitors at a time residing within the same household or living unit and one individual showing the unit.
  • In-person visits are not allowed when the occupant is present in the residence.

While working, real estate professionals are required to prepare and post a “Social Distancing Protocol” and comply with the Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements identified in the Order.


No in-person open houses or broker tours may occur during the Shelter-In-Place Order.

The Shelter-In-Place Order will continue to be in effect until it is rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer. The full text of the order is available online: https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/marin-public-health-order-may-15-2020

If a real estate agent must enter a home, it is important to follow the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA's COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Real Estate Transactions: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-real-estate.pdf

Please note: The SIP Order currently in effect in this market may impose additional restrictions or obligations on real estate professionals that have not been identified by BAREIS in this communication. You are encouraged to consult with your broker or an attorney to ensure you are conducting business in accordance with the SIP order currently in effect in this market.


Mendocino County: View Order

Mendocino County’s Shelter in Place Order identifies real estate agents & brokers enabling real estate transactions (including rentals, leases, and sales) as essential businesses and places the following restrictions on residential real estate activity:

  • Residential viewings must only occur virtually, if feasible.
  • In person viewing must be made by appointment and include no more than two visitors at a time residing within the same household or living unit and one individual showing the unit.
  • The viewing must not involve travel with overnight accommodations.
  • The residence being shown has been unoccupied for a period of five (5) days or more.
  • The person showing the property must ensure that every surface touched during a viewing is disinfected, that everyone present for the viewing wears a facial covering at all times, and that social distancing requirements are adhered to at all times.

While working, real estate professionals are required to prepare and post a “Social Distancing Protocol” and comply with the Social Distancing and Hygiene Requirements identified in the Order.


No in-person open houses or broker tours may occur during the Shelter-In-Place Order.

The Shelter-In-Place Order will continue to be in effect until it is rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer: The full text of the order is available online: https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showdocument?id=35758

If a real estate agent must enter a home, it is important to follow the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA's COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Real Estate Transactions: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-real-estate.pdf

Please note: The SIP Order currently in effect in this market may impose additional restrictions or obligations on real estate professionals that have not been identified by BAREIS in this communication. You are encouraged to consult with your broker or an attorney to ensure you are conducting business in accordance with the SIP order currently in effect in this market.


Napa County: View Order

Napa County’s Shelter-In-Place Order identifies real estate agents enabling residential transactions (including rentals, leases, and home sales) as essential businesses and places the following restrictions on residential real estate activity:

  • Residential viewings should occur virtually as much as possible.
  • In-person real estate viewings should be by appointment only with no more than two visitors at a time residing within the same household or living unit and one individual showing the unit.
  • In-person visits are not allowed when the occupant is still residing in the residence unless gloves, masks and shoe coverings are worn during the visit, there is no contact with staging items or personal property during the showing, and the seller or landlord cleans the property after the visit, with products on the Environmental Protection Agency’s approved list of disinfectants, paying close attention to the areas that may be commonly touched such as door knobs, handles, counter tops, and staging items.

The Shelter-In-Place Order remain in effect until it is rescinded or amended. The full text of the order is available online: https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/17112/Shelter-at-Home-Order-6-19-2020--?bidId=

Napa County Guidance to the Real Estate Industry: https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/17248/Guidance-to-the-real-estate-industry-PDF

No in-person open houses or broker tours may occur during the Shelter-In-Place Order.

If a real estate agent must enter a home, it is important to follow the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA's COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Real Estate Transactions: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-real-estate.pdf

Please note: The SIP Order currently in effect in your market may impose additional restrictions or obligations on real estate professionals that have not been identified by BAREIS in this communication. You are encouraged to consult with your broker or an attorney to ensure you are conducting business in accordance with the SIP order currently in effect in your market.


Solano County: View Order

Solano County’s Public Health Order establishes that real estate businesses must follow the guidelines established by the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA for the real estate industry: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-real-estate.pdf


The Shelter-In-Place Order is expected to remain in effect until the California State of Emergency is lifted and the California Stay at Home Order is rescinded. The full text of the order is available online: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=32443

No in-person open houses or broker tours may occur during the Shelter-In-Place Order.

All real estate professionals operating in Solano County are required to follow the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA's COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Real Estate Transactions: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-real-estate.pdf

Please note: The SIP Order currently in effect in this market may impose additional restrictions or obligations on real estate professionals that have not been identified by BAREIS in this communication. You are encouraged to consult with your broker or an attorney to ensure you are conducting business in accordance with the SIP order currently in effect in this market.


Sonoma County: View Order

Sonoma County’s Shelter-In-Place Order establishes that real estate businesses must follow the guidelines established by the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA for the real estate industry: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-real-estate.pdf


The Shelter-In-Place Order is expected to remain in effect until the California State of Emergency is lifted and the California Stay at Home Order is rescinded. The full text of the order is available online: https://socoemergency.org/order-of-the-health-officer-c19-15-stay-well-sonoma-county/

No in-person open houses or broker tours may occur during the Shelter-In-Place Order.

All real estate professionals operating in Sonoma County are required to follow the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA's COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Real Estate Transactions: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-real-estate.pdf

Please note: The SIP Order currently in effect in your market may impose additional restrictions or obligations on real estate professionals that have not been identified by BAREIS in this communication. You are encouraged to consult with your broker or an attorney to ensure you are conducting business in accordance with the SIP order currently in effect in your market.





We are here for you!


While all BAREIS MLS offices are now closed in accordance with the shelter in place orders, rest assured that we are still here to assist you. Our employees are working from home with full phone and email capabilities. You can reach us at 707-575-8000 during regular business hours or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

How-To Create a Scheduled HotSheet

HotSheet Search

This video will teach you how to set up a Scheduled-HotSheet search in BAREIS MLS®.

You can receive regular e-mails on the current Market Activity to stay on top.

 

How-To use Aergo for Stats

Aergo Search

This video will teach you how to use Aergo software licensed by BAREIS MLS®.

Aergo is a map-driven tool for statistics.

 

How-To input Virtual Media on your listing

Virtual Media Input

This video will teach you how to input a Virtual Media link into your listing.

Virtual Media is hosted on a 3rd-party site and linked through BAREIS MLS®.

 

How-to make a Virtual Open House & Broker Tour

Virtual Tour Link

This video will teach you how to input an Open House or Broker Tour Virtual Media link onto your listing.

Virtual Media is hosted on a 3rd-party site and linked through BAREIS MLS®.

 

Overview of Virtual Tour and 3rd-party options

Virtual Media Overview

This video will teach you how to input a Virtual Media link into your listing.

We will also discuss how to create your own virtual walk-through, and options for Virtual Media on 3rd-party products.

 

How-to Upload videos to YouTube & Vimeo

Upload Overview

This video will teach you how to upload a Video to YouTube & Vimeo.

 

How-to share video links from YouTube & Vimeo

Copying and Sharing Links

This video will teach you how to take a link from a 3rd-party site to upload to your listing..

 



We are here for you!


While all BAREIS MLS offices are now closed in accordance with the shelter in place orders, rest assured that we are still here to assist you. Our employees are working from home with full phone and email capabilities. You can reach us at 707-575-8000 during regular business hours or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BAREIS Statistics Snapshot


Key Market Indicators 1st Quarter (2019 vs. 2020), by County

These statistics were generated using the Aergo platform. This tool is available to all members. Aergo is map-driven and can target a city, neighborhood, or custom area.

Marin County – DocLink

Mendocino County – DocLink

Napa County – DocLink

Solano County – DocLink

Sonoma County – DocLink

MLS Status 1st Quarter (2019 vs. 2020), by County

These statistics were generated by county and by status

Marin County – DocLink

Mendocino County – DocLink

Napa County – DocLink

Solano County – DocLink

Sonoma County – DocLink





We are here for you!


While all BAREIS MLS offices are now closed in accordance with the shelter in place orders, rest assured that we are still here to assist you. Our employees are working from home with full phone and email capabilities. You can reach us at 707-575-8000 during regular business hours or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..