Advertorial blog for David Phillip Estate Agents
The Countrywide Lockdown announced by Boris Johnson will last until December 2nd and include further restrictions, including closing non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure facilities as well as stricter social distancing guidelines. People should also avoid unnecessary travel, and work from home where possible.
Back in March, the first lockdown resulted in a temporary halt to much of the housing market activity, Estate Agents, Removal companies, solicitors and building sites ceased trading for a short while.
The sector was on lockdown until nearly the end of May, at which point agents were allowed back to offices, but working in a different way fortunately aided by technology which only improved the customer experience.
At this point, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced the Stamp Duty holiday which has resulted in a very buoyant property market since then.
So what is different with the second lockdown?
There are some differences this time and even though the measures are just as strict there are some changes
– Housebuilders and construction sites are able to remain open
– The mortgage holiday has been extended
– Removal companies and surveyors and conveyancers are allowed to remain open
– Mortgage lenders can continue to operate
– Estate Agents can operate as normal following the new Covid-19 Government Guidelines.
So what is the new normal for Estate Agents? At David Phillip, we are following Government Guidelines strictly with new protocols in place.
From launching the business, we used 3D virtual tours from the outset and not just out of Covid-19 necessity, we think these enhance the Customer Experience enabling potential viewers to view from the comfort of their sofa, 24/7. For the vendor it reduces the number of people in their home, the property is always show-home ready and physical viewings can be arranged as a second viewing for serious buyers.
You can still visit our office, but we ask by appointment only, we are following full PPE protocol with masks, protective screens and hand sanitiser, plus signing in to ensure social distancing.
We follow full guidelines relating to viewings and valuations. These should take no longer than 15 minutes and PPE should take the form of a mask and hand sanitiser. Vendors should be out of the property and leave doors open to provide access to all areas. Our Covid-19 protocol is now sent to all parties when viewing properties.
At David Phillip Estate Agents we like to use site maps as well as photos, particularly useful during lockdown when people want to see the size of the garden and land as well as photos of the property.
People buy an area as well as a home, Wharfedale & North Leeds are beautiful parts of Yorkshire to live in – take a look at our website, we are not just about static photos and literature, but more about offering buyers an immersive experience when buying a home.
David Phillip commented “we welcome the news that the housing market remains open throughout this second lockdown, as an industry we have adapted to the new normal and it is vital that we continue to play our part in reducing the spread of the virus by following the relevant guidance, safety is a priority. At David Phillip Estate Agents, this is the new normal – we like to think we do ‘normal’ a little differently too!”
If you have any questions or concerns about selling your home during Covid-19, then please call us on 01134 676 400 – we can offer you straightforward advice to keep you safe at this time.
A: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds
