How to prepare your property for viewings during Covid-19?
If you're looking to sell, you might be itching to get your property on the market and conduct viewings. But there are certain precautions you should take to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.
Fortunately, we've listed everything you need to know about how to prepare for a property viewing during Covid-19. So read on, and learn how to get your home viewing ready.
How have viewings changed during Covid-19?
Property viewings can now go ahead, but buyers and sellers are recommended to do the bulk of the process online to reduce the spread of the virus. Open house viewings are no longer allowed; all physical viewings should be by appointment and limited to a single household.
You'll have to be flexible about viewings. Viewings can't go ahead if anyone involved displays symptoms of coronavirus.
What are the new rules for viewing a home during Covid-19?
When it's time for a physical viewing, there are specific health guidelines which must be followed to ensure safety:
Wear gloves and a facemask where possible
Not only will wearing gloves and a facemask protect you and the prospective buyer from the virus, but it shows a level of courtesy toward the person viewing your property.
Supply spare gloves and face masks for viewers
Prospective buyers may bring their own face masks and gloves, but to be on the safe side, it's a good idea to supply them. You may also want to put a bottle of hand sanitizer by the door so that the agent and viewers can clean their hands before entering the property. If possible, allow access to handwashing facilities and offer separate towels or paper towels.
Leave all cupboards and doors open, so people don't need to touch them
Before the viewing, you should take care to open any internal doors or cupboards. Doing this will reduce the number of people touching the handles. Ensure door handles are cleaned before and after the viewing with disinfectant.
Remain two meters apart
You should adhere to social distancing rules as much as possible throughout the house viewing, maintaining a two-metre distance from the prospective buyers and agent. Think about leaving the property or waiting in the garden during the viewing
If possible, it may be worth waiting in the garden or on your street while the viewing takes place. Especially if the property is small enough that distancing is difficult.
Ensure the property is thoroughly cleaned, including any communal areas
For any viewing, you'll want to clean to show your home in its best light, but cleaning is even more important in the age of Covid-19.
Avoid possible contamination on all surfaces by using soapy water, gloves and a disposable mop, before moving onto a normal household disinfectant. Focus on areas that prospective buyers are likely to touch such as door handles, handrails and doorbells. Remember to clean after the viewing, too.
Air the property thoroughly before, after and during the viewing
You should open all the windows and ventilate the property before the viewing begins. Keep these open during and after the viewing to further reduce risk of infection.
Offer video walkthroughs
Offer video viewings over the internet to minimise spreading the virus.
The buyer will need to see the property in person before buying but starting with a virtual viewing before moving to that stage will reduce the number of people entering your home.
Your estate agent should be able to help you set this up.
Ensuring safety for you and viewers
The more people present at the viewing, the higher the risk of infection.
If you sell your house through Emoov, there's no need for an in-person agent, so you won't have to worry about adding another person into the mix when selling your home.
Summary
Now that the country is beginning to open up again, viewings can take place and the housing market is starting to get back to normal. But the Covid-19 threat hasn't disappeared, which is why you need to make sure that all the right protocols are in place to ensure a safe and smooth viewing experience for everyone involved.
