Viewing in the time of Covid, Seeff's Safety Protocols
Category Expert Insight
As we continue navigating the challenges of the Covid-19 Health Pandemic, the great news is that purchasers can view properties, subject to strict Covid-19 Health and Safety protocols and can finally move forward with their property transactions.
For Seeff, the safety of our clients is our primary concern and we have adapted the way we operate and work with strict Covid-19 Health Protocols aimed at keeping clients safe, including social distancing, face masks and constant sanitising which are now part of our everyday lives.
Some of these safety protocols include:
Instead of Showhouses, we are running private viewings by appointment only and with the approval of the owner and property occupants.
We have shifted our focus to providing online viewing methods, virtual tours, video conferencing, and virtual meetings to cover as many of the property features as possible. Our objective here is to minimise the time needed to spend on a physical viewing.
All private viewing attendees are pre-registered, providing personal information including their names, ID's, addresses and phone numbers to assist with contact tracing. A register is also maintained.
All private viewing attendees/clients are e-mailed COVID-19 information beforehand including hygiene expectations such as use of hand sanitizers, washing of hands, coughing etiquette and the use of a face mask, gloves, and social distancing rules.
Social distancing is strictly adhered to with a two-meter rule and no handshake.
Viewings are attended by no more than two visitors during any particular viewing.
Should potential clients refuse to adhere to any of the viewing protocols then no admission to the property is to be permitted.
All our agents wear face masks, gloves, booties, and retain a plastic bag to deposit used PPE.
Agents open internal/external doors as appropriate beforehand to minimise the risk of surface transmission.
Agents (wearing gloves) also open any doors/cupboards on behalf of attendees.
Agents have hand sanitiser available on hand for use by all attendees entering and exiting the property.
Viewings are spaced sufficiently apart to allow time for sanitising after each viewing, as required, and to ensure there is no contact between attendees.
Under the Lockdown, Seeff put advanced technology to use and we continue making use of these and supplementing with a physical visit where necessary, but under the same strict health protocols as noted above. The same applies to photographing of property.
Author: Gina Meintjes
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