Online selling boost

Virtual tours and remote auctions are enjoying more success as agents and buyers adapt.

ONE month after public auctions and group open homes were banned, buyers and agents have adjusted with an increasing number of properties selling via virtual means.

Video inspections, FaceTime tours and online auctions are the new normal as the industry adapts to maintain health and safety during the COVID-19 period.

And despite early uncertainty as to how the property market would fare with so many restrictions in place, sales are encouraging.

Nick Witheriff of LJ Hooker Kingscliff reports an increase in the number of sales being made via virtual inspection as interstate and overseas buyers seek to secure a home on the Tweed Coast.

This week an Australian expat bought a luxury unit at 116/685 Casuarina Way, Kingscliff for $850,000 after a virtual tour.

“That property sold to an interstate buyer wanting that lifestyle change off the back of COVID-19,” Mr Witheriff said.

Another online buyer will travel from

Sydney to progress plans to purchase 71 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff which is on the market with an asking price of $4.25 million.

“We’ve been dealing with them online by way of virtual inspection,” Mr Witheriff said.

“They haven’t seen the home in person yet, but the negotiations have progressed with a view that they will do a final inspection before signing a contract.”

Online auctions are also turning out positive results on the Gold Coast as agents and buyers become more confident in dealing with online selling platforms.

A five-bedroom lakeside home at 84 Sir Bruce Small Blvd, Benowa Waters sold for $1.53 million via remote auction to local professionals last Saturday.

It was the first online auction for marketing agents Sam Guo and Julia Kuo of Ray White Broadbeach.

“Once buyers understand the procedure, they’ve seen the property and all of their documents are in order to pre-register, it was fairly smooth,” Mr Guo said.

And while agents have been busy conducting one-on-one private inspections, the reduction in so-called time wasters is a positive side-effect for sellers and agents.

“The fun of driving down the Coast on a Saturday to get a coffee and have some lunch while visiting a couple of open homes is off the cards,” Mr Witheriff said.

“People are only engaging with us when they’re ready to buy which is great.”

71 Cylinders Drive, Kingscliff has made a strong impression via virtual tour.