The Executive Committee of the National Council of Housing Market Analysts developed a memo on COVID-19’s Impact on Field Work for Market Studies, given the challenges of completing real estate analysis including site inspections during the current environment with office closures and travel restrictions.
NCHMA’s Executive Committee advises limiting field work as much as possible including the cessation of all in-person data collection including interviews and interior building inspections. All field work completed should comply with all local, state and federal law; NCHMA strongly advises that all field work be restricted to a “windshield analysis” while social distancing and stay-at-place orders are in effect.
When possible and necessary, market analysts should employ alternative options for data collection including relying on recent data/photos, internet research and/or other third-party data providers, which may include site visits by proxy. Each market study should prominently feature a detailed Scope of Work for all market studies completed under this environment clearly detailing the methodologies employed as it relates to field work, data collection and other affected portions of the study.
