Welcome to 2020 (….TAKE 2)

After being on the road to glory in early 2020, it’s fair to say that Covid-19 put the handbrake on the property market this quarter.  But with today’s announcements and the lifting of some restrictions, we are able to move into the next phase of 2020.

In breaking news, the real estate industry has just received the go-ahead to conduct open homes and auctions, although large groups inspecting would unlikely continue while the coronavirus risk remains. Still, this is welcome news for buyers and sellers.

The Health Minister & NSW Treasurer said they would work with the industry to find responsible solutions amid COVID-19 to create “better ways of doing it, not the old ways”.

“One of the things we’ve decided is we’ll work with the industry, particularly around auctions and open houses, to see what we can do to provide greater capacity for more people to come in and see properties, but to do it in a way that is responsible and careful, particularly around the basic messages of social distancing.”

Real Estate Institute of NSW President Leanne Pilkington said the industry welcomed the announcement and would remain vigilant with responsible measures.

“We have to be aware that this is a privilege and can be taken away as quickly as it’s been given to us,” Pilkington said. “We have to manage it very well. Asking people if they’re feeling well, using hand sanitiser… all the things that have now become our normal. And when an agent is expecting a property to be popular, it may still be appropriate to have bookings to manage numbers.”

At The Property Sellers, we adapted quickly to the “new normal”, embracing all technology available to us, allowing buyers to conduct “virtual inspections” first, and working around the clock to get people through our homes individually and in small groups of two.  Our first online auctions conducted on Saturday resulted in great success, with both properties selling under the hammer via the “Zoom” online auction method.  My auction at 33 Roseby Street Marrickville was covered by Channel 7’s “The Latest” program on Saturday night, if you didn’t catch it you can tune in here (11min 30sec).

https://7plus.com.au/the-latest-seven-news

To speak to me about the sale of your property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on my mobile, 0431 701 216.