In May, the UK government started the process of easing lockdown restrictions. Along with allowing people to exercise outdoors for longer and sunbathe in parks, they also reopened the housing market, which is excellent news for those who have been waiting to move home, and especially those who are keen to sell their property.
If you’re planning on selling your home in Northwich and surrounding areas post-lockdown, you may have no idea what to expect. The good news? The Good Estate Agent, Northwich can help guide you through the process to ensure everything is done safely. While the process will be slightly different, there’s no reason why your property sale should be held up if you follow government advice. Here’s what to expect:
You can officially put your house on the market
It’s now possible to put your property on the market. This means that we can also visit your home to take any photos and videos of the properties. However, if you or any member of your household are displaying any Covid-19 symptoms or are self-isolating, please let us know as we should not be visiting the property until everyone is symptom-free.
Have you sold your house? If any of the parties involved in the transaction start to show any symptoms of coronavirus, the safest and smartest thing to do would be to delay the move. Speak to your legal adviser if needed to ensure that your contract is flexible and accommodates for this risk.
Prepare for virtual viewings
Virtual viewings will maximise the number of people you can show your property to without risking anyone’s health. Don’t worry if you have no idea where to get started or are worried you don’t have the right equipment to make this happen! We can help you organise this.
You can hire removal firms to help you move house
Once your house is sold and you’re ready to move, seek out a good removal company to help. Removal firms are back in operation and they can help ensure that your move is carried out as safely as possible following government guidelines.
Before you vacate your property, clean it all thoroughly. This includes all your belongings that will be handled by movers as well as all surfaces within your home.
Property surveys can be done via appointment
If you didn’t get a chance to get your property surveyed pre-lockdown, it’s now possible to get this done. Arrange an inspection with a surveyor so you can ensure only one person is visiting at a time. All surveyors will be following government guidance and social distancing from all those living in your home. Again, inspections will not be possible in households where someone is showing coronavirus symptoms.
Not quite sure where to find a surveyor? Get in touch with us and we will be able to help you arrange an inspection.
Spruce up your online listing
Although we’re currently in a time of economic uncertainty, demand for housing will slowly but surely increase as things get back to normal. If you’re worried about your property staying on the market for too long, consult us to see what can be done to promote your listing. You may need to do a little home staging to make your listing stand out.
Take the necessary safety measures to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus
All house moves and property sales must follow the necessary social distancing and safety rules. From viewings to removals, you can find official government guidance for every step of the process. This includes the following advice:
First viewings should be conducted virtually where possible. We can help you arrange this
Don’t hold any open house viewings – limit real-life viewings to members of the same household
Sanitise all surfaces before any physical viewings. Open all internal doors so door handles don’t need to be touched
Provide access to hand sanitiser that viewers can use before they go around the house
Vacate your property when viewings are taking place to minimise contact with members of another household
If you’re worried about spreading the virus during the process of your house sale, speak to our expert and friendly team at The Good Estate Agent, Northwich to discuss what extra measures you can put in place.
We can be contacted on 01606 278543 or debbieboardman@thegoodea.co.uk.