Home Staging Now Allowed in Santa Clara County

On May 7th the SCCAOR Advocacy team was able to establish that in Santa Clara County, property staging is now allowed to enable a real estate transaction. Staging companies have been deemed a “service provider that enable real estate transactions.” The same guidelines previously released for photographers, inspectors, and appraisers applies for staging companies as well. Service professionals are allowed to enter the residence alone, when the residents and listing agent are not present.

This new classification for staging companies has been confirmed with the County of Santa Clara Legal Department.

The official language of the new Shelter in Place Ordinance is included below.

“Commercial as well as residential real estate transactions are allowed to fully resume, but with continued restrictions on in-person viewings and appointments.

Service providers that enable real estate transactions (including rentals, leases, and home sales), including, but not limited to, real estate agents, escrow agents, notaries, and title companies, provided that appointments and other residential viewings must only occur virtually or, 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 (except that in person visits are not allowed when the occupant is present in the residence)”

Open houses are still not permitted under any circumstances. Private showings need to be scheduled by appointment and are permitted if a virtual tour is not feasible.

You can read the full updated Shelter in Place Order on the County’s website.