Brokerage firms are cancelling open houses and promoting virtual tours of homes as buyers and sellers alike become concerned about contracting the novel coronavirus through the real-estate process.

National real estate brokerage Redfin RDFN, -24.54% is cancelling future open houses, the company announced Monday. The company is also limiting in-person tours of its homes to two customers per tour.

Re/Max RMAX, -43.15% is also advising its agents not to hold open houses at this time. “To support government and health agency efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19, we encourage every member of the organization — including agents, brokers, managers and staff — to adhere to conditions set forth in your communities,” Re/Max CEO Adam Contos told employees. “We also recommend you consider not holding open houses for the time being. This is a global emergency, and everyone must take it seriously.”

Home buyers and sellers have grown wary of open houses out of fear of catching or spreading the novel coronavirus, and several cities are under orders from authorities
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