COVID-19 BUYER FAQ

As always at Cobden&Hayson our priority is to support our valued clients and our community throughout challenging times. To help you understand the current state of play and make informed property decisions, we’ve put together a series of frequently asked questions for your benefit. 

What if I want to buy a property during this time?

If you’re considering buying we’re here to make the process easy for you while adhering to Government mandated changes to the way you view and purchase property. We will continue to list our properties on our website and leading real estate portals as normal. 

Can I still inspect properties?

While public open homes are no longer allowed, you are still able to inspect properties privately, with your viewing party limited to two people (in addition to the agent). Please call one of our five offices and we’ll take care of the appointment. 

What are you doing to mitigate the risk of exposure during inspections?

Rest assured we conduct inspections with the utmost care when it comes to social distancing practices and hygiene.

We have put the following procedures in place:

– Maintaining healthy social distancing (at least 1.5m)

– Providing compulsory hand sanitiser upon entry

– Advising attendees to refrain from touching surfaces where possible

We also request buyers refrain from attending an inspection if they have:

– Tested positive to or have symptoms associated with Coronavirus

– Recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with Coronavirus

– Recently been overseas or agreed to any self-isolation conditions

Are there other ways to view a property other than physically attending an inspection?

Almost all of our property listings include one of our state-of-the-art virtual tours in addition to professional photography, floorplans and copy. These VT’s give a really detailed, life-like room-by-room, floor-by-floor insight into the property’s layout, interiors and features. Most importantly, they help buyers to ascertain if they feel a personal inspection is warranted, thereby saving you time and helping you to refine your list of suitable properties. 

How is the auction process affected?

We have new auction procedures in place with all of our auctions now moving online through leading auctioneer Damien Cooley’s site AuctionNow. All bidders will need to pre-register prior to the auction and can do this through the sales agent or via our web listings. Bidding can be done over the phone or through the AuctionNow app. The auction process will also be available for live viewing on AuctionNow. 

How is paperwork signed remotely?

We are introducing convenient digital signing for all sale contracts meaning you can purchase property without needing to come into contact with others. 

What is an expression of interest campaign?

A number of properties formerly for auction have now been converted to private treaty campaigns or expression of interest campaigns. EOI requires interested buyers to express their interest in the property by putting forward an offer directly to the agent. 

– Some EOI campaigns may advertise a closing date and time while others may be open-ended without a closing date. It is important to advise the agent if you are interested in a property so that you can make an offer in the required timeframe.

– To ensure your offer is presented to the vendor(s), you must register your interest initially via phone followed by submitting an offer in writing prior to the closing date and time.

– All offers will be communicated to the vendor(s) and the agent will advise you of the process to conclude the sale.

– We ensure that negotiations are transparent, giving you every opportunity to participate and make subsequent offers.

– The vendor(s) will decide which offer to accept based on price and terms.

– Confirmation of your offer will be put in writing by the agent and followed up with appropriate contractual paperwork.

If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.