Following the Australian Government’s shutdown of non-essential activity across Victoria to combat COVID-19, it is a relief to confirm that real estate businesses can continue to operate. Many agencies – including Think Property & Co – have switched to working remotely, vigilantly evaluating ways to translate our process to the digital world and maintain a strong line of communication with clients.
Today’s Think Property & Co blog explains the ways our agency, and the wider real estate industry, have been called to rapidly adapt to this new world, with a particular focus on the new way of leasing.
In response to recent health warnings surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19), the team at Think Property & Co wish to ensure our community that we are taking necessary precautions to stay safe, healthy and productive. As of March 25th, our team has been working remotely in an effort to safeguard our friends, family and wider community. We are fortunate to work with a paperless administrative system and will remain available via mobile and email should our clients need to contact us during this period.
These unprecedented events have called industry professionals to evaluate how our processes can translate to the digital world.
Following Government regulations and advice from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), TP&Co have indefinitely changed all public opens to private inspections, where strict health standards and social distancing are practiced. Routine inspections are only conducted when tenants are not home, under strict guidelines.
After 26 years in the industry, we recognise the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and evolving our processes to meet the new needs of this unique time. We have been thoroughly re-thinking our appointment processes – primarily switching to digital communication and video conferencing platforms – and our method of leasing properties.
Accordingly, we have began trailing virtual property leasing. This will involve a member of the TP&Co team filming a video tour of the property, uploading it online and sending the link to prospective tenants. When tenants show interest, we pre-qualify them and approve their application, before proceeding to a one-on-one property viewing.
Whilst we cannot predict how this pandemic will play out, ThinkProperty&Co remain dedicated to fulfilling the needs of our owners and tenants, processing applications and claims as rapidly as possible, and working hard to safeguard our community.
We understand that whilst these are challenging times, the fact that people need a safe roof over their heads remains unchanged. We are doing our best to ensure our client’s living arrangements remain optimal and any plans to move will not be impacted.
Rest assured, we will keep you updated if plans and circumstances change. In the meantime we advise you to remain kind, calm, and vigilant during this time – looking after yourselves and each other.
If you have any questions or require further information regarding your property, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Think Property & Co today.