March 23rd, 2020Real estate marches on
AS COVID-19 continues an infectious journey around the globe, the Victorian real estate sector surges on.
Any loud cough or sneeze in public is enough to put people on edge, as surgical masks are becoming more and more popular.
Real Estate Institute of Victoria CEO Gil King said the Victorian real estate industry was not immune to this global crisis and is strictly following the recommended guidelines to ensure that open house inspections and auctions can continue safely.
“Hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial wipes, rubber gloves and spray disinfectants will be on hand at all upcoming home inspections and auctions across the state.
“Being able to see a home in person is an exciting and vital process in purchasing a property, you need to be able to look through all the cupboards freely, go through all the rooms, and be doubly sure that a property is the right one for you.
“Each agency is running under their own set of guidelines, with some having elected to enforce a no handshake policy while others are limiting inspections to one family at a time.”
Mr King said the Victorian real estate sector is a flexible, innovative, and resourceful industry capable of dealing with any problem.
“We have had a solid year for auctions in Victoria, and they continue to go ahead with high interest.
“Anybody interested in an auction that’s feeling unwell should contact the selling agent and make arrangements to stay home and bid over the phone.
“With many international buyers grounded overseas, thousands of business and real estate transactions have taken place over the phone, email or by video call.”
Mr King said the Victorian auction market had demonstrated its resilience with auction clearance rates holding firm at 72 per cent.
“869 auctions were held over the weekend, with 625 selling and 244 being passed in, 112 of those on a vendor bid.
“With interest in Victorian property remaining high, real estate agents will be doing their best to meet the needs of their customers’ safely.”
