Current advice for buyers and sellers – COVID-19

There appears to be some confusion about how buyers and sellers should interact given the current pa...

There appears to be some confusion about how buyers and sellers should interact given the current pandemic crisis and so I thought I would share my thoughts and outline how we are operating as an agent.

The clear message from government currently is that contact should be minimised where ever possible and that the social distance of 2m should be observed. So based on this, virtual viewings and valuations will continue for sometime yet.

What does that mean for those wishing to view properties?

If you are viewing a property, most agents will require you to have your own property under offer or have nothing to sell/first time buyer in order for a viewing booking to be made. We are carrying out first viewings virtually which is very popular with many as it reduces wasted time and journeys, viewing unsuitable properties.

The second thing is that you will need to have gloves and a face covering for the viewing. So far, the majority of people we have had dealings with have been very aware of this.

As agents, we have a very strict code of conduct and relevant COVID-19 policy in place which requires buyers to complete a health assessment and agree to the terms of our policy. This is there to help protect us all, including our staff when they are carrying out their required jobs.

What does it mean for sellers?

There is no reason why this should prevent the sale of your home. Yes viewings will take a little longer but overall, there really is nothing to worry about.

The Marketing Consultation:

When we visit your home, we will be with face mask and gloves and we will set out prior to arrival how the meeting will take place. Once we have seen your property, we can either provide all the relevant details whilst there, keeping our social distance, or offer you the opportunity of having a Zoom meeting, which is very popular with many. This will reduce the amount of time we spend in your home and therefore may be your preferred option?

How do viewings take place?

We undertake viewings for clients and as described above, will be following a strict policy with our applicants and even have door stops to prevent the need to keep touching door handles! We ask our clients to open doors and cupboards and turn lights on and vacate whilst we undertake the viewing.

Once the viewings have been completed we will wipe any surfaces which have been touched but advise that clients also wipe surfaces just to be extra safe. We will also ask staff and applicants not to touch anything unless absolutely necessary.

Summary

Our first and main priority is to protect the health of our staff, clients and the people we come into contact with and follow the guide lines issued by the Guild of Professional Property Professionals and the NAEA. Please download full guidance below.

If you have any concerns or comments, please do get in touch on 020 8763 8060 or email me hadley@parkandbailey.co.uk. Please feel free to share this with anyone looking to buy or sell currently as I know many are unsure about what happens through the process