At the end of April 2020 Estate Agent Today reported that property Industry supplier ‘epropservices’ had created a new virtual valuation platform to help the industry operate during the lock-down and social distancing periods.

Jon Cooke, chief executive of ‘epropservices’ – the parent company of The Guild of Property Professionals and Fine & Country – says that the service was born out of the need to continue providing sellers with a professional valuation without agents having to physically visit the property.

All the vendor needs to do is complete a questionnaire and upload a short video and/or some photos of their property, as well as choose the best date and time for them to take a video call.

“Based on the video, photos and information provided, agents will be able to fully research the property and then conduct the face-to-face virtual meeting, choosing the system of their choice to provide an accurate valuation, giving a realistic sales or rental price for the property” explains Cooke.

There was also news regarding some new guidance for removals companies which could mean the housing market getting back in action.

Until now, house moving in an era of social distancing has proven a problem for the wider house sales industry but the government on the Channel island of Guernsey claims it has cracked it.

Guernsey estate agents were allowed to resume viewings and open their offices last weekend.

The authority’s new guidance says removals can take place but only in a property where there has been no cases, or suspected cases, of Coronavirus for the previous 14 days.

All internal doors at the property should remain open to avoid contact with door handles, owners should not be present to avoid congestion, and items should already be packed prior to removal day.

No vulnerable removers – such as those with heart problems or asthma – should work.

The island’s government says only one member of the team should be in any removal truck; others should travel separately.

A maximum of five people can be on site and they should use hand sanitiser and wear disposable gloves and overalls. Staff should not use the toilet at the property.

It’s fair to say that the property sales industry has definitely taken the ‘bull by the horns’ by developing new ways for the market to continue to flourish, so what better time could there be to consider investing in a Countrywide Signs franchise?

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