As COVID restrictions ease in regional Victoria, I am working with colleagues in my agency to ensure we have the appropriate cleaning protocols for all homes open for private inspections.
Hopefully, a further easing of restrictions are just a few weeks away, and that means it’s time for homeowners wishing to sell their property before Christmas to begin serious preparations.
While the pandemic has caused us to miss some of the spring selling season, buyer activity will get into top gear by the time November rolls around – as the pent-up demand for property in our corner of Victoria is unleashed.
My assessment of the market’s strength is based on the following observations: interest rates are at record lows, the State Government is giving $20,000 to first-home buyers in regional Victoria, and the Federal Government continues to run a successful “super saver” scheme using the low-tax savings principles of superannuation.
On top of that, our dollar is still low compared with historical levels and foreign buyers continue to scope our market, in part convinced Australia remains a haven from the various troubles confronting our planet.
As an experienced agent in our area, I believe that if you put your property on the market soon, you’ll do very well, especially if you prepare your home thoroughly to give buyers a five-star experience.
A similar level of diligence will be applied by my agency to ensure the safety of both yourself and prospective buyers who inspect your property.
We will implement strict social distancing protocols, record visitors for track and trace purposes, and clean surfaces afterwards.
For your peace of mind, I’ve listed the principles that my agency will adopt for future inspections. These have been formed based on advice from the Health Department of the Federal Government.
- Cleaning is an essential part of disinfection as organic matter can inactivate many disinfectants.
- Removal of germs such as COVID requires thorough cleaning followed by disinfection.
- The length of time that COVID survives on surfaces will vary depending on the amount of contaminated body fluid – such as respiratory droplets – and temperature and humidity.
- Owners should clean frequently touched surfaces with a solution of detergent ahead of inspection and immediately after.
- Social contact etiquette includes cough and respiratory hygiene and social distancing of a minimum of 1.5 metres.
- Soap and water should be used for hand hygiene. Alcohol-based hand rub can be used at other times. (My agency will provide hand sanitiser for each inspection). Cleaning hands helps to reduce environmental contamination.
- For our staff, we promote the following expert medical advice:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the bathroom.
- Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, and
- If unwell, get tested. Stay at home. Avoid contact with others (touching, kissing, hugging, and other intimate contacts).
If you have any concerns or questions about how my agency and I will work with you during the sales campaign for your home, please contact me. The continued safety of clients, their families and prospective buyers remains our agency’s priority.