How to view a property SAFELY - Vendors & Landlords
If you have felt frustrated that you can't view or move house, you will be pleased to hear that the housing market in Wales is starting to re-open. For us and many, viewing someone's house is a real concern. We have put together a guide on what you can do before, during and after the viewing to minimise the risks and keep everyone safe.
Although this is great news the property market is re-opening. Coronavirus is still very much around.
Your health and safety remains our top concern at this time which is why we have created a set of simple guidelines based on the new government guidance, this is to reassure you when going on a property viewing or allowing others into your home.
If you’re a vendor or landlord letting people into your home for viewings
Over the coming weeks, we will be busier than ever booking in prospective buyers who’ve asked to view your property.
Follow our simple guidance to ensure each viewing goes as smoothly as possible.
Always remember to follow this simple government guidance:
- Maintain a 2m distance
- Maintain a 2m distance from anyone you aren’t living with wherever possible.
- Wash your hands regularly
- Wash your hands regularly (and thoroughly) and avoid touching your face – this remains one of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
- Clean surfaces regularly
- Clean surfaces regularly – and minimise contact with those outside of your home, such as door handles.
Video Tours before Physical Viewings
While anyone serious about your property will still need to view it in person, the government has advised that, wherever possible, online viewings should happen before physical viewings.
Many of us in Aberystwyth are now successfully using ‘online viewings’ as an initial gauge of buyer and tenant interest, helping to ensure that physical viewings only go ahead with those truly serious about your property.
If you are not a vendor or landlord of ours then check-in with your agent to make sure they have everything they need to conduct an online viewing of your property. If they require anything else from you, such as a video tour of your home, they’ll be able to guide you through this.
Before the viewing
In line with government guidance, anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms should be staying at home, to help prevent further spread of the disease. Viewings should not go ahead if any party is experiencing symptoms or has recently tested positive for coronavirus.
To give confidence to all parties present at the viewing that this guidance is being followed, and to help us manage the viewing in the most efficient way possible, you should be asked to complete a handful of questions before any viewings your agent has organised which should include:
- Has anyone in your household had COVID-19?
- Has anyone in your household displayed COVID-19 symptoms or not yet completed a required period of household self-isolation?
- Is anyone in your household in the high-risk category?
Ahead of each viewing, each prospective buyer will have also been asked to complete these questions, as will the agent if they’ll be present on the viewing.
Preparing for the viewing
Most of us will give our homes a good deep clean before opening the doors to prospective buyers, as part of wanting it to look its best and attract a buyer. Whether your property is empty or occupied, now is no different, so use it as an opportunity to give everything a good clean before viewings start.
As much as you’ll not want the strangers in your home touching door handles etc, they will feel the same. We shall be getting to the properties before the slotted time and shall deep clean everything to our standard before allowing our applicants inside.
We would recommend discussing your thoughts with us before any viewings so that, together, we can work out a sensible plan that works for everyone.
When preparing for a viewing, follow our checklist to help it go smoothly.
When we conduct viewings this is our checklist that we shall be following to make sure everyone is safe.
- Clean items and/or areas that are likely to be touched (i.e door handles, doorbells) with an antibacterial cleaner both before and after the viewing has taken place.
- Open windows to boost ventilation prior to the viewing taking place
- Open internal doors, loft hatches, and anything else you think may be of interest, ahead of the viewing to minimise any unnecessary contact
- If possible, provide hand sanitiser by your front door so that the agent and viewers can clean their hands when they enter and leave your home.
- Have a plan of where you can go while the viewing is taking place if you need to.
After the viewing
Once the viewing has finished, we shall minimise physical meetings and book a follow-up video call with you to give you feedback.
We may have just found you a buyer, but don’t be tempted to shake our hands!
Once the viewer has left, we shall wipe down any door handles, cupboard doors etc that were touched on the viewing, with an antibacterial wipe or spray.
To see what we are advising your buyers and tenants to do before viewing properties please follow the link here.
Although this is great news the property market is re-opening. Coronavirus is still very much around.
Your health and safety remains our top concern at this time which is why we have created a set of simple guidelines based on the new government guidance, this is to reassure you that we can get you moving again.
We are very much looking forward to get back to doing what we love, we are excited to meet you and we CAN get you safely moving again.
Best wishes,
The Alexanders Team.