Covid 19 update


 

We are delighted that Maxwell Hodgson Estate Agents have been given the green light by the Housing Minister to recommence market appraisals and viewings, however, we realise that we also have a social responsibility beyond that of being your local estate agent and recognise that as a buyer or seller, you will have concerns given the current situation with COVID-19.

We want to reassure you that the team at Maxwell Hodgson Estate Agents will be following the Government’s health and safety guidelines thoroughly and ultimately will always ensure the wellbeing of our clients, our team, and our community comes first.

At the time of writing, it has been announced that restrictions around property viewings and transactions have been lifted with effect from today, 13th May. However, COVID-19 has not gone away and as yet there is no vaccine, so we have put strict policies into place to allow us to carry out our business in an extremely safe and highly-managed way to ensure our clients and staff are protected at all times.

  

Viewings

We have today received an update on viewing guidelines from the Housing Minister, and we will ensure these guidelines are followed to the letter. Some of the measures include:

Social distancing (2 metres) will be observed at all times. Handwashing at the beginning and end of all appointments Our staff may remain outside the property whilst the viewing takes place.

We would prefer clients to view a property virtually first – physical viewings will be a second option and only take place if the buyer in a position to proceed. Viewers must be members of the same household.

Time Limits: The time viewers spend inside a property will be limited to an absolute maximum of 15 minutes.

Viewing Numbers: We will allow a maximum of two people inside a property along with the owner or member of our team.

Contactless Viewings: Vendors will be asked to leave cupboards and doors open so that viewers to the property do not need to touch them. Viewers will be asked not to touch surfaces unnecessarily.

Health Declaration: Vendors and viewers will be required to sign a declaration, stating that they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
 

Market Appraisals

The guidelines are similar to viewings. We have a firm policy in place to safeguard our customers and staff which includes asking clients to sign a health declaration before the appointment. We will of course be able to reassure our clients that any member of staff entering their home is symptom-free. 

As with viewings, social distance is maintained and where this is not possible ppe is used. Hand washing at the start and end of all our appointments is carried out by all parties. Surfaces and door handles are to be cleaned after the appointment.
 

Further information

Full details of the Government guidance follow this link -

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak#advice-to-the-public
Please bear in mind this situation is a changing one and as soon as we receive further clarification we will provide updates.
 

Guidance for Sellers

If your property is already on the market or is shortly coming to market, please reassure potential buyers by making sure your home is clean and safe to view. 

Still deciding whether now is the right time to buy or sell?

The team at Maxwell Hodgson Estate Agents will be delighted to talk you through your options. We appreciate your circumstances may have changed or might be difficult right now, but we can help you talk it through in confidence.

We want to help you make an informed decision, so please call us for an informal chat on 01937 589388 or email us at sales@maxwellhodgson.co.uk.

Above all, please continue to stay safe.