Agents adapt to new constraints
AS Prime Minister Scott Morrison was announcing new restrictions on auctions and open homes, a multimillion-dollar property changed hands on the Gold Coast.
Valued at more than $3 million, the luxury four-bedroom home on the waterfront in Surfers Paradise sold yesterday evening.
As contracts were being signed, Mr Morrison suspended public gatherings for auctions and group open homes prompting local agents to implement new measures.
Amir Prestige principal Amir Mian, who handled the sale of 38 Paradise Island, said deals were still being done, but technology and hygiene would play a greater role as agents adapted to the changes.
“Virtual tours are being offered which also helps to prequalify buyers,” he said. “It’s now compulsory for all of our agents to wear face masks for private inspections as well as using hand sanitisers.”
Mr Mian said the restrictions also served to weed out time wasters, bringing serious buyers to the fore.
“Anyone who looks now is serious about buying and ready to do a deal,” he said.
“As a seller, I’d rather have one qualified person than 10 carpet crushers.”
Prestige property agency Kollosche has gone one step further, introducing a list of criteria that buyers must meet in order to qualify for a private viewing or virtual inspection.
Buyers must have driven past the property, provide written evidence of cash or finance, and confirm they have not travelled overseas in the past 28 days or been in contact with anyone infected with COVID-19.
“We will not be doing any business with any person who is not in a position to buy a property,” said director Michael Kollosche.
“We’re not here to run around or jeopardise anyone’s health, we’re only here to do business with people who are ready, willing and able to transact.”
Ray White Surfers Paradise Group, which conducts inroom auctions every month and on-site auctions each weekend, plans to do more business online.
CEO Andrew Bell said up to 40 per cent of buyers already bid over the phone for Gold Coast properties, which attract higher interest from interstate and overseas buyers.
“We prefer to do business face-to-face but given that’s out we can still function,” he said. “You can still watch an auction online and bid over the phone, so from our perspective it’s business as usual in the auction sphere.”
The Real Estate Industry of Queensland will seek further clarity from the Federal Government regarding outdoor residential auctions that adhere to outdoor restrictions already in place.
Meanwhile, realestate.com.au has fast-tracked the launch of a new digital inspections feature which allows agents to use video to showcase listings.