If you were thinking of selling your home before you’d ever heard of Covid-19, then now is a great time to get those plans back on track.
As New Zealand relaxes a little under Level 2 restrictions, real estate agents are being asked to conduct value appraisals of properties as sellers gear up for a return to some form of normality.
If you are still nervous of people walking through your property, virtual appraisals conducted by a qualified agent will give you the best insight into the value of your property, as well as its most compelling selling points.
In normal times, an agent must physically attend a property to do an appraisal, but as we all know, these aren’t normal times. The Real Estate Authority allows in its Code of Conduct for an agent to conduct a virtual assessment in “exceptional circumstances”.
This dispensation is especially important for those who find themselves in a position where they must sell.
The process couldn’t be more straightforward. Your agent will ask you to take part in a video call and then walk through the property so they can see your home and ask questions. Many technology platforms, such as Apple’s FaceTime, Facebook’s Messenger and WhatsApp, or Zoom, will help you do this quickly and efficiently.
As you walk around your home, your agent will be at the other end of the video call, filling in an appraisal form, just as they would if they’d been able to visit the property.
While Level 2 now allows open houses, private inspections and even moving house under strict social distancing conditions, a virtual appraisal is an excellent way for you to take your first proactive step to sell your property and move on with your life as soon as restrictions are eased.
