Lockdown 3.0 - Q and A for Letting Agents
As a result of Boris Johnson's address to the nation yesterday, many questions have been raised about what can and cannot be done in relation to Lettings, Property Management and Housing in general.
Here are a few answers to questions you may have in relation to navigating the day to day running of your agency.
Are Lettings Agents, Property Management Companies and Estate Agents permitted to open during the next Lockdown?
Yes, Estate and Letting Agents can continue to trade
Can offices open?
If members of your team can work from home, then they should do so. If an office remains open, restrict access and make sure that a “By Appointment Only” policy is in place.
Follow strict Covid Protocols and continue to implement Track and Trace
Can Viewings and Valuations take place?
Yes, however, the first option should always be Virtual Valuations or Virtual Viewings
Face-to-face appointments should only take place where it is absolutely necessary
Covid Protocols MUST be in place at ALL times and any person that is due to come into contact with members of your team MUST be advised how these protocols have been put in place to protect everyone.
Can existing deals go ahead?
Yes – Moving home is permitted and any agreed deals pre-Lockdown can go ahead. New deals can be agreed and continue to take place.
Can Inventories, Check-Ins, Property Inspections and Check Outs still take place?
Yes, but ALL Covid Protocols MUST be in place. Please note that video - Zoom - FaceTime can be used to conduct Property Inspections
Agencies adapt to a Future with PropTech
Necessity is the mother of invention. And what constitutes a safe working space or an adequate customer service experience in the world of e-commerce has been completely upturned in the time of COVID-19.
Over the seven months, the PropTech industry has stepped in to provide solutions to problems that developers, office managers, and those working in the lettings industry did not have, or perhaps did not think about in. the way that they are doing now. In short, Proptech allowed connectivity and the removal of onerous tasks, which could be supplemented with a more focused customer service and customer care approach to work.
It’s safe to say that the Covid-19 pandemic has greatly altered life and business as we know it. In our current reality, the only constant now is change, and regardless of your industry, successfully navigating an increasingly volatile environment cannot be accomplished with an eye for old practices.