The Monsoon and COVID-19: precautions to take while visiting a property site

A real estate salesperson would be lucky to have prospective purchasers come to them for purchases during the Coronavirus epidemic. As a result, real estate consultants should make the extra effort to ensure that the clients that approach them are treated with care and that all parties involved in the transaction follow the pepper etiquette.

Although the monsoon season is one of the most exhilarating times of the year, it can cause floods, increase traffic and cause property damage. The monsoon will also bring with it a wave of common cold and fever; all the sneezing and coughing is likely to increase the spread of COVID, so it’s best to keep your distance in public and only go out if needed. 

Here is a list of precautions you should take during this monsoon season :

● Always be ready with an umbrella or, better yet, a raincoat.

● Change your masks regularly as wet ones are useless, keep a few extras in the car and workplace.

● A pack of tissue papers will also come in handy from time to time. 

● Finally, iron your clothes before wearing them; it will get rid of the dampness and humidity.

Greeting

When it comes to extending a warm greeting to a client, a handshake is an obvious choice. But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a simple ‘hi,’ ‘hello,’ or ‘namaskar’ could suffice. If you are transporting the client in your personal vehicle, then wiped it down after the visit and used a sanitizer before getting back in the car. 

Don’t run your hand through everything.

Checking the outlets and appliances to ensure they work is a standard part of a house inspection procedure. The buyer will likely test the lights and air conditioning; they may use the faucets and flush toilets in the kitchen and bathroom, so it’s best to wear gloves before entering. Furthermore, after your visit, the vendor may be required to sanitize all touched surfaces, which takes more time. It is necessary to make conscious attempts and resist the urge to feel the materials. Also, don’t forget to throw away the gloves after use; buy a pack of disposable gloves.

Attire

With the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and monsoon arriving in India, brokers and buyers must dress appropriately for property inspections. Wear masks and gloves at all times, and make sure your clothes cover the majority of your body; wearing a raincoat would be the best. In addition, everyone should both be dressed appropriately throughout the visit and remember to wear good boots, so your feet don’t get wet.

Financial security

Under the current circumstances, a buyer would not choose a property visit unless they are serious about purchasing a home. Nonetheless, the buyer’s financial situation will influence the property acquisition. As a result, the broker should ensure that the buyer will acquire the house fast if they like it and be ready to move quickly.

This is undeniably a buyer’s market. Due to the epidemic, demand is at an all-time low, and those willing to invest in real estate buy in bulk. Banks have lowered interest rates to make home loans more affordable. States are offering lower stamp duty rates to make registration more affordable. To encourage sales, builders are providing price reductions.

In these difficult circumstances, it is obligatory on the buyer and the broker to follow specific standards when it comes to site visits:

• Do not wait until the last minute to inform the vendor about the site visit. Instead, allow at least two days for them to prepare the home for a buyer’s visit.
• Avoid touching anything that will need to be sanitized after you depart.
• Arrange a video conversation between the buyer and the seller so that the more delicate elements of the purchase can be discussed in advance. This would make it easier for each party to make a choice. Also, if there are any issues between the buyer and the seller, they will surface at this point, obviating the need for a physical visit.
• Download the Aarogya Setu app on your smartphone and ask the seller to do the same to guarantee the seller of your Coronavirus exposure status.
• Keep the number of guests from both parties to a minimum in the best interests of everyone. More than one person should not accompany the buyer. The vendor is in the same boat.

Sellers must also be aware that the buyer is taking a risk by seeing the property. As a result, limit the number of potential buyers who view the property in a single day — this is not the time for an open house. In addition, for safety reasons, the property must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each visit, the door handles, and such.

Follow the precautions and keep a sanitizer in your pocket when visiting public places. Make a list of questions you want to ask beforehand, and don’t stay longer than you need to be. And finally, keep an eye on the weather; if it gets worse, you will get stranded somewhere.  

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. PropertyPistol does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.