Even as restrictions around isolation ease, if you’re looking to sell your home, you’ll need to modify your approach with some common-sense steps that take COVID-19 into account.
As your agents, we’re happy to discuss the best marketing options for your home in these times.
We’re seeing increasing use of 3D or virtual tours, video and advertising on social media and portals. The closure of many local newspapers has meant print advertising is probably out of the question.
The goal is to get as many people to see your property as possible.
The economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19 has prompted many homeowners to pull their properties off the market. That also means buyers have fewer properties to choose from, which plays to your advantage.
The scarcity factor can bolster the likelihood of reaching your desired price.
An essential change to selling property has been the restrictions placed on open-house inspections. These are possible again but with no more than 10 in a home at the same time, all applying social distancing rules. Private inspections with a limited number of people present are also possible now. We’d be happy to talk to you about how we conduct inspections of your home, as well as the pre- and post-cleaning regime we deploy.
As your agent, we also instruct prospective buyers not to touch anything in the home, including door handles, because of how contagious the virus has proven to be. If anything is touched, we will ensure you’re told about it.
Organising blocks of inspections will allow you to disinfect areas that might have been touched accidentally.
Top tips for sellers:
- Invest in quality stills photography, videos and virtual tours so prospective buyers can see your home online.
- Work with your agent to ensure under-bidders are given the opportunity to make a more competitive offer.
- Consider using online negotiation or virtual auction platforms.
- Make available a floorplan and any building or pest inspections you have taken independently to minimise the need for an inspection.
- Be prepared to negotiate. Economic uncertainty can swing momentum to the buyer. But extending the settlement period can be highly attractive to a buyer in uncertain times such as these.
