With the whole world being forced to adjust to COVID-19, the property market is no different. Amidst the current pandemic, changes to social guidelines are restricting the way we buy property as we know it. But that doesn’t mean we need to halt our house hunting – just that we need to adapt our approach.
We’ve put together 3 tips to help you continue the search for your dream home during isolation!
1. Go virtual!
Do you usually spend your Saturday hopping between one open home to another? Whether you enjoyed it or were being dragged along, the introduced ban on group inspections and in-person auctions mean that weekend abode searching can no longer be physically accomplished.
In the wake of this prohibition, Realestate.com have unveiled a digital inspections feature, allowing you to explore the characteristics of the property from the safety of isolation. If enough interest is generated livestream and genuine time bidding is a possibility.
Andy Reid, Gavl auctioneer and Sold By Auctions director, said, “In many ways, this is nothing new in the respect that telephone bidding has been available forever and a day, remote bidding has been available for hell of a long time.” Though many are expected to opt for private sales, online platforms keep auctions as an option for sellers who wish to sell under the hammer.
2. Maintain relationships!
While coffee catchups and champagne–catered meetings are sadly no longer permitted, maintaining relationships with your real estate agent has never been more important. The agent is the connection between you and the seller, though with the changing environment, having regular contact is particularly necessary.
Utilising a buyer’s agent could also be extremely helpful in the current market – someone who is experienced and can communicate for you. When conversations are forced to be had over the phone, communication is key to ensure no material is misinterpreted and, you as the buyer, are fully informed.
3. Do your research!
We know, we know; everyone under the sun has told you that! Just hear us out…
Unlike the others who merely lecture you on doing your research and leave it up to you, we are actually going to help you! With a quick search of your desired property on the Develo website, you can download a property report comprising a whole range of data including (but not limited to) easements, flooding, bushfire, biodiversity and heritage.
Unlike the others who merely lecture you on doing your research and leave it up to you, we are actually going to help you! With a quick search of your desired property on the Develo website, you can download a property report comprising a whole range of data including (but not limited to) easements, flooding, bushfire, biodiversity and heritage – within a matter of minutes, with a few clicks of a button.
This resource is great for efficiently obtaining property data on multiple houses before involving agents or entering negotiation stages. Further research or professional involvement may be needed if anything significant is flagged in the report. These reports are perfect to assist with house hunting from isolation which saves time, money and prevents stress by avoiding hidden surprises further down the track!