Page 11 - Coronavirus puzzles booklet TEST v10
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 YOURTIME
Virus: one-stop guide to buying or selling homes
/n response to the evolving coronavirus crisis, and the government now placing the country in lockdown,
experts Property Solvers has produced an essential COVID-19 guide for homeowners who have their properties on the market or are looking to sell during this current climate.
The guide has been writ­ ten by Ruban Selvanayagam, who co-founded Property Solvers with James Durr.
Between them, Ruban and James have more than 17years experience in the property buying, selling and rental space.
Ruban said: “COVID-19 has taken the whole industry by surprise.
“The shock has been par­ ticularly noticeable, con­ sidering we had such a good start to the new decade.”
“Indeed, after the general election of2019 and uncer­ tainty surrounding Brexit, a refreshed sense ofoptimism was restored across the propertymarket”.
In relation to where the market may be heading now, Rubanbelievesit’stooearly to tell but falling transaction volumes will certainly have a negative impact to some degree.
“Nonetheless, sellers
and buyers are still proceed­ ing with sales agreed before COVID-19.
“Most are buying homes for the long-term and appre­ ciate that this is nothing like the banking crash back in 2008-09.”
“In the meantime, with
social distancing rules in
place, we’re seeing estate
agentsadapttheirmodels Rubancontinued:“With viaFacetimeorWhatsApp. to offer services like virtual traffic on portals like Right- “Regularly communi­ viewings through social me­ move and Zoopla going cate with your estate agent diachannelssuchasFace- throughtheroofaspeople andmakesurethey’rebeing bookLiveandWhatsApp.” areindoors,now’sthetime proactiveinthecurrentcir­
Ruban has some tips for prospective sellers and buy­ ers in this time.
He said: “Unless you really have to reject any offers that are significantly under your asking price.
“Although much will de­ pend on how quickly this virus disappears, the market looks set to bounce back stronger once this is all over.
“Ifyou’re struggling to pay your mortgage, contact your lender immediately.
“There’s a good chance of
cumstances. “Remember that you
can still sign any necessary paperwork (the Post Office service is functioning).
“Documents can also be signed digitally.
“Above all, take care and stay safe.
More information on Property Savers’ new coro­ navirus home-sellers guide is available at www.proper- tysolvers.co.uk/coronavirus- selling-your-house company website.
getting a payment ‘holiday’ (although bear in mind that
you will still have to pay back what you owe plus any inter­ est down the line).
around your property. Ask your estate agent about vir­ tual viewing tours and ways prospective buyers can get a good feel for your property
“Pleasedonotburyyour withoutactuallyvisiting”.
to really make your house stand out.
“Ensure you have an ac­ curate floor plan for people to see the dimensions ofyour property.
“Make sure the descrip­ tions are well written.
“As well as all the details ofthe property itself, your estate agent should highlight the local amenities, schools, entertainment, green space, transport links and other features.
“Do not show oeoole
head in the sand. Make sure your photos are looking good”.
Added Ruban: “Post your property on your social me­ dia and offer to do viewings





























































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