Advice for Selling Your Home During COVID-19
2020 has made it difficult (and sometimes) almost impossible to do anything normal, necessary or engrossing for us all. This pandemic that has gripped the world (and all of the trouble, tantrums and tediousness it brings) has put a long pause on many elements of our day-to-day lives. Major changes have happened to the way we work and travel, and these have been decorated with lots of other changes, like the way we shop or exercise.
The process of selling a property is one of these normal elements of life that has had to change massively as a result of COVID-19. People looking to buy a house may be encouraged by some of the recent changes in the property market, such as the extension of stamp duty exemption. On the other hand, those who are selling a house may find the necessary changes to the process much more challenging and frustrating.
For example, how are you meant to conduct a house viewing if your area is in local lockdown? What if you live with a vulnerable member of society and cannot afford to have other people in your home? These are just some of the questions you will face if you are selling a property in 2020.
Carry on reading for some helpful property market advice and guidance on how to sell a property during the pandemic.
How to Sell Your Home During COVID-19
Follow Government Advice
The gov.uk website offers plenty of advice and guidance for both the public and industry. It covers the expected areas of advice, like washing hands and cleaning your property thoroughly. This is general and national advice though; local lockdown guidance should be followed if different restrictions or enforcements apply in your local area.
Conduct Online Viewings
Where possible, viewings should be arranged and conducted online. You can take photos, videos or even arrange virtual viewings via a video call or virtual reality headset. Professional estate agents can assist you with this and take care of arranging viewing times too. If you seriously must conduct a physical viewing with the potential buyer there in person, this should be done by appointment only. Strictly no open houses!
Wear and Enforce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When you are dealing or meeting with an estate agent or a prospective buyer in person, you should have appropriate protective equipment available and on you at all times. This may include gloves and protective clothing for feet, as well as the standard masks or face coverings. Once visitors to your home have left, you should ensure all surfaces and door handles are cleaned and sanitised.
Be Patient and Flexible
After the viewing process and finding a buyer, the sales and contract-swapping process is one aspect of the sales process that has remained much the same. The sale can be completed and the necessary paperwork can be signed digitally or via mail, so this is fine. However, the actual process of moving house and all your belongings may be more difficult.
Removals are more challenging these days and may slow or complicate the moving process a little. All parties involved need to be as flexible as possible and be prepared to delay if necessary. For instance, if someone begins to show symptoms of coronavirus and has to self-isolate, this will put a pause on proceedings.
Be Communicative
Potentially buyers may agree to conduct virtual viewings only, or they may be forced into doing so due to COVID-19 related fears. Naturally, as a consequence of this, they will have more questions to ask and may request more in-depth imagery. Communication is key here and making sure you are cooperating with your potential buyers will make it a lot easier for both parties.
Sell Your Home with Jordan and Halstead
Here at Jordan and Halstead, we have offices in Chester, Wilmslow and Flintshire. In each of these areas, and indeed anywhere else we operate, the health and safety of our customers is our utmost priority. We also endeavour to protect our team members and ensure they remain safe.
You can still get in touch with us over the phone or we can exchange messages via email, whichever works for you. Don’t let the pandemic stop you from selling your home and putting your plans on hold. Keep on track with your property selling plans and book a free valuation today.
