Back in business….
Adhering to strict safety procedures
Although we are now permitted to conduct our business in the sale of residential property, we must continue to stay alert in containing the Coronavirus and adhere to the Government’s recommended safety procedures.
For the time being therefore, our front door will remain locked, although we will be pleased to meet customers in the office, or at their property, by appointment and in accordance with the social distancing requirements.
What we as estate agents should do
Estate agents can open for business but should consider how and when to reopen their premises given government guidance on safer working. Estate agents should inform customers and their own staff about their procedures, so that they are safe throughout the sales process.
- Agents should ask whether any party is showing symptoms or has been asked to self-isolate before going ahead with any viewing, or visits to offices.
- Agents should operate using an appointment system for visits to their offices and when conducting viewings.
- Agents should not carry out any open house viewings.
- Agents should strongly encourage clients to view properties virtually in the first instance and then only physically inspect properties which they have a strong interest in.
- Agents can accompany physical viewings and seek to maintain a minimum of 2 metres distance from others wherever possible. Where social distancing is not possible and the visit is within an enclosed space, they should consider wearing a face covering in line with government guidance.
- Where they do not accompany the visit, they should make sure that both buyers and sellers clearly understand how the viewing should be conducted safely.
- Agents should not drive clients to appointments.
- All parties viewing a property should wash their hands with soap and water (or hand sanitiser if not available) immediately after entering the properties, with internal doors opened and surfaces having been wiped down before they enter. Separate towels or paper towels should be used if possible and washed or disposed of safely after use.
- Agents should do what they can to promote flexibility when arranging move dates, for example advising clients to ensure contracts have explicit terms to manage the timing risks presented by coronavirus.
- Agents should work with their clients and other agents to broker a new date to move where sales are due to complete and one of the parties falls ill with coronavirus or has to self-isolate.
- Agents should ensure that any keys are appropriately cleaned before handover.
For the comprehensive government guidance advice on home moving during the crisis we strongly advise anyone with an interest of any nature to refer to:
www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
To arrange an appointment with us and/or to discuss your needs, please telephone our office 01823 324324 or our Director Daniel Batchelor 07738 000028 and we will be delighted to advise and assist in every way.
Thank you for your patience at this difficult time, by communicating with you closely and measuring our steps carefully, we are confident we can successfully resume our services to all our highly valued customers
