As you are no doubt aware, all Australians are currently facing the recent challenge presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. While we do not yet have all the answers, it is important to understand how these changes might affect you and your property.
Please rest assured that it is business as usual and we will dedicate the same level of care, expertise and professionalism that you have come to know. To help you work through this situation and remain informed and able to make the right decisions with property, we have created a number of frequently asked questions for you to refer to:
What should l do if I want to buy a property during this time?
If you are considering buying, we are very well prepared to assist you throughout this period and will continue to focus on matching you with the right property. Virtual and controlled safe physical inspections are still available.
What are you doing to mitigate the risk of exposure to Coronavirus during inspections?
- All of our offices and their teams are showing the utmost care when it comes to hygiene, social distancing practices and Government regulations when hosting private inspections.
- We have put the following procedures in place:
- Maintaining healthy social distancing (at least 1.5m)
- Keeping attendees at the appointment to a minimum
- Advising attendees to refrain from touching surfaces within the property where possible.
We also request buyers refrain from attending an inspection appointment if they have:
- Tested positive to, or have symptoms associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Recently been overseas or agreed to any self-isolation condition.
Can I still inspect a property?
Yes. We are still able to show you properties privately and we welcome you to contact us to arrange an appointment. However, we request that you limit the number of people attending the inspection where possible. We are exercising the utmost care when it comes to hygiene and social distancing practices when hosting private inspections.
Are there other ways to view a property other than physically attending an inspection?
If you would like to know more about a property without having to physically attend an inspection, you will find more content online to further showcase property features including, additional photography, property videos and 3D Virtual tours.
How is paperwork signed remotely?
We already use digital contracts to facilitate sales in a seamless manner and will continue to do so throughout this time.
How do the current circumstances affect buying property?
We have implemented a number of measures to ensure buyers and sellers can still transact throughout this period.
All auctions have been adapted in line with the current situation, you will find that some listings will utilise an online auction platform, while others have been converted to an Expression of Interest sale or Private Treaty sale campaign.
Further, all sale contracts can be produced digitally which means you can purchase the property without needing to come into close contact with others.
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Disclaimer: The opinions posted within this blog are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, others employed by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or the organisations with which the network is affiliated. The author takes full responsibility for his opinions and does not hold Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or any third party responsible for anything in the posted content. The author freely admits that his views may not be the same as those of his colleagues, or third parties associated with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate network.