This is a very fast moving situation and we have been busy speaking with fellow estate agents, surveyors, solicitors and other property professionals over the past few days to keep abreast of best practice and what is happening in the property market. We wanted to share the following with you.
So far it has been BUSINESS AS USUAL as far as transactions are concerned, our offices in Bolton and Bury have negotiated sales on a number of properties this week including a flat in Prestwich which was only brought onto the market on Monday and as I write this we are arranging a 2nd viewing for a property we brought onto the market on Tuesday. Our lettings team are moving tenants into properties over the weekend and our viewing slots are all taken.
We are currently filming properties to allow for “virtual viewings” so that people can still look round properties regardless of whether they are in self isolation or social distancing.
Furthermore, with the use of whatsapp and other “facetime” style apps we are able to provide remote valuations and with the aid of electronically signed documents, we can effectively place your property onto the market, arrange and conduct viewings with the least possible physical contact if required.
One potentially problematic consequence of the current situation that is that solicitors do not now feel able to have their clients legally tied into exchanging contracts on one day with a completion set for a few days later and are instead looking to exchange and complete on the same day. If you are unsure of what implications a simultaneous exchange and completion might have on you, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to give you our opinion.
Communication is key at the moment and we will keep you updated with the latest happenings within the property industry as often as we can.
Again, we wish you and yours continued good health and believe that together we will get through this.
Andrew and Richard Cardwell
