You may be aware that we as Realtors can show / view most properties using social distancing measures; but, you may not be aware that Lawyers are also getting creative in an effort to assist with closing transactions in BC.Not only will we ensure our listed properties are viewed in a safe manner, and any potential purchases are safe for buyers to view; our Lawyer-friends have recognized that these are challenging times, and they are enacting special protocols where they will attempt to close on new purchases and sales without having clients visit their offices. This is a case-by-case basis; but, we have been told by our legal partners that they will do what they can to help make the purchase and sale process as ‘risk free’ as possible.
Please check with your lawyer or notary to see if they will allow the use of Video to assist in real estate transactions.
So, if you were set to buy or sell this Spring, we encourage you to consider this time as an opportunity to do so without fear. We will assist in any way possible to ensure proper social distancing is maintained throughout the entire real estate transaction.
NEW – How are the courts handling the commissioning of affidavits?
On March 26, 2020, The Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the Provincial Court expanded the process for commissioning affidavits where it is not possible, or is medically unsafe, for the deponent to attend before a commissioner to apply to affidavits for use in all Court Proceedings. Links to the full Notices may be found below:
- Court of Appeal of British Columbia
- Supreme Court of British Columbia
- Provincial Court of British Columbia
*Where lawyers reasonably determine that circumstances require virtual commissioning of an affidavit and follow the procedure in the Courts notices, the Law Society will consider the requirement that the deponent be physically present before the lawyers, set out in Appendix A 1(a) of the Code of Professional Conduct, to have been met.
Source: Law Society of BC